When you move into a new home, you inherit its locks, and with them every copy of the key that was ever made. Rekeying changes the lock's internal pins so old keys stop working, usually at a lower cost than replacing the whole lock.
What does it mean to rekey a lock?
A pin-tumbler lock opens when the cuts on a key line up a set of small pins inside the cylinder. Rekeying swaps those pins for a new set that matches a new key. The lock body, handle and finish stay the same; only the key changes.
You don't know who else has a key
Keys to a home can end up with many people over the years:
- Previous owners or tenants and their family or friends
- Real estate agents and lockbox users
- Cleaners, dog walkers and babysitters
- Contractors and repair crews
- Former roommates
Even if a seller or landlord says every key was handed back, a copy may have been cut somewhere else. Rekeying removes that uncertainty.
A practical, lower-cost upgrade
Because rekeying reuses your existing hardware, it is generally less expensive than buying new locks. If several locks share a compatible keyway, they can often be set to one key, so you carry fewer keys.
Renters: ask before you act
Asking a landlord to rekey before you move in is reasonable. California law requires landlords to change locks in some situations, for example at the request of a tenant protected by certain restraining orders, but there is no general rule for every move-in. Ask your landlord, and if they agree to let you arrange it, get permission in writing and give them a copy of the new key if your lease requires it.
After renovations, too
Painters, electricians and other contractors often need keys while work is under way. When the project ends, rekeying is a simple way to make sure no stray copies still work.
Rekey or replace?
- Rekey when locks work well and you just want old keys to stop working.
- Replace when a lock is worn, rusty or damaged, when you want a higher ANSI grade or a smart lock, or when you want a new look.
Next step
Add rekeying to your moving checklist and book it for your first days in the new home. Our residential locksmiths can rekey or replace locks across Alhambra; call 626-537-3964 to check availability.
