Yes, you should always rekey your house after moving in, and you should do it within the first week of getting your keys. Rekeying ensures that only you and your family have access to your new home. It is a simple, affordable security measure that protects you from the many people who may still have copies of your keys.
This guide explains why rekeying is essential, who might have copies of your current keys, what the process involves, and how to get it done quickly and affordably.
Why Rekeying Is Essential for New Homeowners
Moving into a new home is exciting, but security should be your first priority. The previous occupants, their network of contacts, and various service providers may all have access to your property.
You Do Not Know Who Has Keys
When you receive keys at closing, you have no way of knowing how many copies exist or who holds them. The previous owners may have given spare keys to neighbors, relatives, dog walkers, or contractors over the years. Even trustworthy people can misplace keys or forget they have them.
Previous Owners May Not Retrieve All Copies
Sellers often forget about keys they gave out years ago. A key hidden for a housekeeper, a spare left with an ex-spouse, or a copy given to a former dog walker may never be collected. These keys remain valid until you rekey the locks.
Contractors and Service Providers Often Have Access
During the listing and selling process, multiple people need access to the property. Real estate agents, home inspectors, appraisers, photographers, staging professionals, and repair contractors all may have been given keys. While most are honest professionals, the chain of custody becomes impossible to track.
Peace of Mind Is Worth the Cost
Rekeying costs $50 to $150 for an entire house. This small investment eliminates worry about unauthorized entry and establishes clear control over who can access your home. The security and peace of mind far exceed the modest expense.
Who Might Have Copies of Your Keys
Understanding who potentially has access helps explain why rekeying is non-negotiable. Here are the most common sources of extra keys.
Previous Owners and Family Members
The sellers and their family members are the obvious key holders. Even if they turn over all keys at closing, copies may exist with:
- Adult children who moved out years ago
- Ex-spouses or former partners
- Elderly parents who were given emergency keys
- Housemates or former tenants
Real Estate Professionals
Real estate agents and brokers often hold keys for showing properties. While most use lockboxes rather than permanent copies, some agents keep keys for convenience. Multiple agents may have accessed your home during the listing period.
Contractors and Repair Workers
Recent repairs or pre-sale improvements mean contractors had access. Plumbers, electricians, painters, and handymen who worked on the property may have been given keys to complete jobs when no one was home.
Cleaning Services
Professional cleaners, carpet cleaners, and window washers frequently work in homes with owner-provided keys. If the previous owners used regular cleaning services, those companies may still have keys on file.
Neighbors and Friends
Many homeowners give spare keys to neighbors for emergencies, pet care, or plant watering. These informal arrangements are often forgotten during a move. The neighbor two doors down may still have a key from when they watched the previous owner's cat three years ago.
Property Management and Landlords
If you bought a former rental property, the list of potential key holders expands dramatically. Previous tenants, maintenance staff, property managers, and cleaning crews all may have copies. Rental properties should always be rekeyed immediately upon purchase.
What Rekeying Actually Means
Rekeying is often confused with replacing locks, but these are different services with different costs and outcomes.
How Rekeying Works
Rekeying changes the internal pins inside your existing lock cylinder to work with a new key. The locksmith removes the cylinder, replaces the pin tumblers to match a new key pattern, and reinstalls the hardware. Your old keys will no longer operate the lock, but new keys will.
How Rekeying Differs from Replacing
Replacing a lock means removing the entire lockset and installing new hardware. This costs more because you pay for new locks plus installation labor. Rekeying uses your existing hardware and only changes the internal mechanism.
When to Rekey vs Replace
Rekeying is best when:
- Your existing locks are in good condition
- You like the style and finish of your current hardware
- All locks are compatible with the same key
- You want the most affordable option
Replacing is better when:
- Your locks are worn, damaged, or low quality
- You want to upgrade to higher security
- Locks are mismatched and you want everything uniform
- You prefer smart locks or keyless entry
Cost Comparison
Rekeying a house costs $50 to $150 total. Replacing all locks costs $100 to $300 for basic hardware plus $75 to $200 for installation. Rekeying saves 50% to 75% compared to replacement while achieving the same security goal.
The Cost of Rekeying Your House
Understanding rekeying costs helps you budget and evaluate quotes from locksmiths.
Typical Pricing Structure
Most locksmiths charge per lock cylinder rekeyed. Standard rates are:
- Per lock rekey: $15 to $30
- Service call fee: $50 to $75
- Total for 3 to 4 locks: $50 to $150
Some locksmiths offer flat rates for whole-house rekeying, which often provides better value than per-lock pricing.
Factors Affecting Cost
Number of locks: More locks mean higher total cost, though volume discounts often apply.
Lock type: High-security locks, smart locks, or antique hardware may cost more to rekey.
Accessibility: Locks that are difficult to access or require disassembly may incur additional charges.
Emergency service: After-hours or weekend rekeying costs 25% to 50% more.
Getting the Best Price
Call multiple locksmiths for quotes. Ask about flat-rate whole-house pricing. Schedule during business hours to avoid surcharges. Having all locks use the same key (keyed alike) is usually included at no extra charge.
DIY Rekeying: Is It Worth Trying?
Home improvement stores sell rekeying kits for $20 to $30. These allow homeowners to rekey their own locks with basic tools.
How DIY Kits Work
Rekeying kits include new pins, springs, and tools specific to common lock brands like Kwikset and Schlage. You remove the lock cylinder, follow the instructions to replace pins according to your new key pattern, and reinstall the lock.
Advantages of DIY Rekeying
Cost savings: A $25 kit rekeys multiple locks for less than a locksmith charges for one service call.
Immediate results: You can rekey as soon as you move in without waiting for an appointment.
Learning experience: Understanding your home's locks helps with future maintenance and troubleshooting.
Risks and Challenges
Technical difficulty: Rekeying requires patience and precision. Small springs and pins are easy to lose or install incorrectly.
Warranty concerns: DIY rekeying may void lock warranties if done improperly.
Security risks: Incorrectly rekeyed locks may malfunction or be easier to pick. A lock that works but is not properly pinned creates a false sense of security.
Time investment: What takes a locksmith 30 minutes may take a DIYer several hours, especially the first time.
When to Skip DIY
Hire a professional if your locks are high-security, antique, or show signs of wear. Complex locks and integrated handle sets are best left to experienced locksmiths. The cost of fixing a DIY mistake often exceeds professional service.
How to Hire a Locksmith for Rekeying
Finding a reputable locksmith ensures quality work at a fair price. Here is how to choose the right professional.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Are you licensed and insured? Requirements vary by state, but legitimate locksmiths carry insurance and any required licenses.
What is your total price for rekeying? Get an all-inclusive quote including service call, labor, and materials.
How long will the service take? Most rekeying jobs take 30 to 60 minutes for an average home.
Do you warranty your work? Reputable locksmiths guarantee their rekeying for 30 to 90 days.
Can you key all locks alike? Having one key for all doors is convenient and should not cost extra.
Red Flags to Avoid
Vague pricing: Locksmiths who cannot provide clear estimates often add surprise charges on-site.
No physical address: Legitimate businesses have verifiable locations. Mobile-only services with no local presence are suspicious.
Unmarked vehicles: Professional locksmiths drive marked vehicles and wear company identification.
Pressure tactics: Reputable locksmiths explain your options without pushing unnecessary services or upgrades.
Preparing for the Service
Count your locks: Know how many doors need rekeying before calling for quotes.
Test your locks: Ensure all locks operate smoothly before the locksmith arrives. Note any that stick or malfunction.
Clear access: Remove obstacles around exterior doors so the locksmith can work efficiently.
Be present: Stay available during the service to answer questions and test the new keys before the locksmith leaves.
The Rekeying Process Step by Step
Knowing what happens during rekeying helps you evaluate the work quality.
Assessment
The locksmith examines each lock to ensure it is suitable for rekeying. Damaged or worn locks may need replacement instead.
Disassembly
Locks are removed from doors to access the cylinders. Cylinders are extracted from the lock bodies carefully to avoid damage.
Pin Replacement
The locksmith removes existing pins and replaces them to match the new key pattern. Each pin slot receives the correct size pin for the corresponding key cut.
Testing
New keys are tested in each rekeyed cylinder to ensure smooth operation and proper security pinning.
Reinstallation
Locks are reinstalled on doors and tested again in place. The locksmith ensures proper alignment and smooth latch operation.
Key Duplication
Most locksmiths include 2 to 4 new keys with rekeying service. Additional copies can be made on-site for $3 to $5 each.
When to Rekey Beyond Moving Day
While moving is the most important time to rekey, other situations warrant changing your locks.
Lost or Stolen Keys
Any time you cannot account for a key, rekey immediately. Do not wait to see if it turns up. The cost of rekeying is minor compared to the risk of unauthorized entry.
Roommate or Relationship Changes
When someone moves out, rekeying prevents future access. This applies to roommates, romantic partners, and adult children leaving home. Emotions run high during separations, and removing access prevents problems.
Service provider turnover: If you fire a cleaning service, dog walker, or contractor who had keys, rekey for security.
Break-Ins or Attempted Break-Ins
After any security incident, rekeying is essential. Even if the intruder did not use a key, the incident signals vulnerability. Combine rekeying with a security assessment to address weaknesses.
Wear and Tear
Old locks become unreliable. If keys stick, locks are difficult to operate, or you experience frequent jams, consider rekeying or replacement. malfunctioning locks are security risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after moving should I rekey my house?
Rekey within the first week of moving in, ideally before you move your valuable belongings. The sooner you rekey, the sooner you eliminate the risk of unauthorized access.
Can I rekey just some of my locks?
Yes, though rekeying all exterior doors is recommended for complete security. You might skip rekeying interior doors or outbuildings if budget is tight, but all main entry points should be secured.
Will rekeying damage my doors?
No, rekeying does not damage doors. The process works on the lock cylinder only, leaving doors and frames untouched. Professional locksmiths work carefully to preserve your property.
Can all locks be rekeyed to use the same key?
Locks of the same brand and keyway can typically be keyed alike. Different brands may require adapters or may not be compatible. A locksmith can assess your locks and advise what is possible.
What if I do not have a key to the existing lock?
Locksmiths can rekey locks even without working keys. They pick the lock open, disassemble it, and rekey it to a new key. This costs slightly more than rekeying with a working key but is still cheaper than replacement.
How long does rekeying take?
A professional locksmith can rekey a typical home in 30 to 60 minutes. Each lock takes 10 to 15 minutes to rekey, plus setup time. DIY rekeying takes longer, usually 2 to 4 hours for a first-timer.
A professional locksmith rekeys a typical home in 30 to 60 minutes. Larger homes with many doors may take 1 to 2 hours. DIY rekeying takes 2 to 4 hours for first-timers.