When you move into a home or apartment, you don't know how many copies of the key are out there. Former tenants, roommates, contractors and past owners may all have one. You have two ways to fix that: rekey the lock or replace it.
What rekeying does
Inside every pin-tumbler lock is a set of small pins cut to match one key. When a locksmith rekeys a lock, they replace those pins with a new set. The lock looks the same and stays on the door, but the old keys stop working and you get new keys that do.
Rekeying is usually the faster and cheaper option, because you keep the existing hardware.
When rekeying is enough
- You just moved in and the locks work fine
- A roommate moved out
- You lost a key, but not with your address attached
- A tenant moved out and you're preparing the unit for the next one
- You want one key to open the front door, back door and deadbolt (this is called "keyed alike," and it works when the locks are the same brand and type)
When to replace instead
- The lock is worn, sticky, rusted or damaged
- You want an upgrade: a deadbolt where there's only a knob lock, a higher-security lock, or a smart lock with a keypad
- The lock is a cheap model that can't be rekeyed well
- The key was stolen together with your address, and you want stronger hardware
Renters: check your lease first
Many leases say you need the landlord's or property manager's permission to change locks, and some require you to give them a copy of the new key. Read the lease or ask before you schedule the work.
Landlords: do it between every tenant
You can't know how many copies the last tenant made. Rekeying entry doors between tenants is a small cost compared with a break-in claim. If the unit has bedroom door locks or a mailbox lock, it's efficient to do them in the same visit.
How Azov Locksmith handles it
We look at each lock, tell you whether rekeying or replacement makes more sense, and give you the price before we start. Students moving into rentals near UF, homeowners and property managers across Alachua County are welcome.
Call or text (352) 772-1635 to schedule a rekey.