Moving day is busy enough without thinking about locks. But unless you are the very first occupant of a home, you have no way of knowing how many keys to it exist or who holds them. Rekeying the locks is a simple, affordable way to make sure only your household can get in.
What does rekeying a lock mean?
Inside most pin-tumbler locks is a set of small pins that line up when the correct key is inserted. Rekeying means replacing those pins with a new set cut to a new key. The lock body stays on the door, the old keys stop working, and you receive new keys. It usually costs less than replacing the hardware.
You don't know who else has a key
Keys to a home pass through many hands over the years. Copies may still be held by:
- Previous owners or tenants, and their family or friends
- Real estate agents and showing services
- Cleaners, contractors and repair crews
- Former roommates, pet sitters or babysitters
Even if the seller or landlord says every key was returned, copies are easy to make and easy to forget about.
It's a quick, affordable upgrade
Compared with buying new locks for every door, rekeying is light on parts and labour. The time it takes depends on how many locks you have, but several doors can usually be done in a single visit. It's also a chance to have every exterior door work with the same key, so you carry one key instead of a bunch.
Renters: ask first
If you rent, talk to your landlord or property manager before changing anything. Many leases require the landlord to keep a working key, and some landlords rekey between tenants as standard. If yours doesn't, you can ask them to, or ask permission to arrange it yourself. Rules vary by lease and location, so check yours rather than assuming.
Rekey again after renovations
Long-term residents can benefit too. If electricians, painters or contractors had keys during a remodel, rekeying once the work is finished closes that gap.
Rekeying vs. replacing: which is right?
Rekey when your locks are in good working order and you mainly want old keys to stop working. Replace when locks are old, rusted or damaged, when you want a higher-security deadbolt or a smart lock, or when you want a new look. A locksmith can inspect each lock and recommend the right option door by door.
Don't wait for a reason
Many people only think about locks after something goes wrong. Rekeying in the first week after you move is easy and inexpensive. To book in Villa Park or nearby Orange, see our residential locksmith services or call 714-933-1063 for a quote.