Why You Should Rekey Your Locks When You Move
Moving day is busy, and the locks are easy to forget. But you have no way of knowing how many copies of the old keys are still out there. Rekeying fixes that in one short visit.
What does it mean to rekey a lock?
Rekeying changes the small pins inside the lock cylinder so that the old keys stop working and new keys do. The lock body, handle and finish stay the same, which is why rekeying usually costs much less than replacing hardware. A locksmith can typically rekey several doors in one visit.
Who else might have a key?
- Previous owners or tenants, and their family members
- Real estate agents and lockbox users
- Cleaners, gardeners and repair crews
- Former roommates, pet sitters and neighbors who were given a spare
Most of these people are trustworthy, but you cannot know where every copy ended up.
Renters: talk to your landlord
If you rent, ask the landlord whether the locks were rekeyed after the last tenant. Rules on this vary by state and city, so check your lease and local regulations. If the landlord has not done it, ask for written permission to have it done and offer a copy of the new key.
Rekey or replace?
Rekey if your locks work well and you just need new keys. Replace if the locks are worn, damaged, low-grade, or if you want to upgrade to a stronger deadbolt or a smart lock. A locksmith can do both in the same visit and key everything alike.
Don't wait
The ideal time to rekey is the day you get the keys. See our rekeying service or call 562-340-4631 to arrange a visit.
Need help now? Call 562-340-4631 or see our locksmith services.
