Why You Should Rekey Your Locks After Moving In
Moving into a new home is one of life’s biggest milestones. Whether it’s your first apartment, your dream home, or simply the next step in your journey, the excitement of a new beginning is hard to beat.
You unpack boxes, meet the neighbors, and start making your new space your own. But amid all the moving checklists, furniture deliveries, and decorating decisions, there’s one crucial task that often gets overlooked: rekeying your locks.
In this post, we’re going to break down exactly why rekeying your locks should be one of the first things you do after moving into a new place. From safety and peace of mind to affordability and convenience, we’ll cover it all.
What Does It Mean to Rekey a Lock?
Before we dive into the why, let’s clarify the what.
Rekeying a lock means changing the internal pins and tumblers so that the old keys no longer work. The lock stays the same on the outside, but it requires a new key to open.
It’s different from replacing a lock, which involves removing the entire lock and installing a new one. Rekeying is often quicker, cheaper, and just as effective for improving your home security.
A professional locksmith can usually rekey your locks in less than an hour, giving you a brand-new key and the assurance that no one else has access.
1. You Don’t Know Who Has a Copy of the Old Keys
This is the single most important reason to rekey your locks: you simply don’t know who had access before you moved in.
Even if you trust the previous owners or renters, it’s impossible to know how many keys have been handed out over the years. Contractors, house cleaners, dog walkers, neighbors, friends, and even distant family members could all have a copy.
And here’s the thing: keys are easy to duplicate. Anyone who ever had access to the property could have made an extra copy.
Rekeying ensures that only YOU have the keys that work in your locks.
2. It’s One of the Easiest & Most Affordable Ways to Secure Your Home
When it comes to home security, people often jump to expensive upgrades like alarm systems, smart cameras, or reinforced doors. But here’s a little secret: none of that matters if the wrong person has a key.
Rekeying is:
Affordable: Cheaper than replacing all the locks
Quick: Most locksmiths can rekey all your doors in under an hour
Effective: Prevents all old keys from working
Think of it as resetting your home’s security. A fresh start, for just a small investment.
3. Rekeying Gives You Complete Control
You’re the new homeowner or tenant. You should be the only one with access.
Rekeying your locks immediately after moving in gives you full control over who can enter your home. No more worrying about who might have a spare key, or if someone could walk in uninvited.
Once rekeyed, you know exactly how many copies exist and who has them. That peace of mind is worth its weight in gold.
4. It Helps You Standardize All Locks to One Key
Here’s a bonus most people don’t realize: when you rekey your locks, you can ask your locksmith to key them all alike.
That means:
One key for the front door, back door, side door, and garage
Less hassle fumbling with a ring full of keys
Simplified access for you and your family
Convenient, right?
This is especially helpful for families, roommates, or anyone who wants an easier way to manage home access.
5. It Protects You from Liability or Disputes
If you're a landlord, rekeying between tenants isn’t just a good idea — in many places, it’s the law.
Failing to rekey can open you up to liability if a previous tenant still has access and something happens. Even if you're a new homeowner who plans to rent out the property later, it's good to establish a routine now.
Plus, it sets the tone: this is a secure, professionally managed property.
6. It’s a Chance to Upgrade or Add New Features
When you rekey your locks, it’s the perfect opportunity to:
Add a deadbolt if one is missing
Replace outdated or low-quality hardware
Install keyless entry or smart locks
Today’s modern lock technology offers a lot more than just basic security. Want to unlock your door from your phone? Give guests a temporary access code? Track who comes and goes?
It all starts with making sure you have full control of your existing locks first.
7. It Helps You Sleep Better at Night
Let’s be honest—we all worry a little after moving into a new home. It’s unfamiliar, things creak, and you might still be getting used to the layout.
Knowing that you’re the only one with working keys gives you the kind of peace that helps you actually enjoy your new home, not worry about it.
A small decision that makes a huge difference.
How to Rekey Your Locks
There are two ways to rekey your locks:
1. Call a Professional Locksmith
This is by far the easiest and safest route. A certified locksmith can:
Rekey all your doors in one visit
Identify and fix any damaged or low-security locks
Help you key everything alike (one key for all doors)
Offer guidance on upgrading locks if needed
Bonus: Many mobile locksmiths can come the same day you move in.
2. DIY Rekeying Kits (for some brands)
Some lock brands (like Kwikset and Schlage) offer DIY rekey kits. But you’ll need:
Time
Patience
The same brand/type of lock on each door
Some mechanical skill
DIY kits can be cost-effective, but they come with a learning curve and possible risk if done incorrectly. If your security is a top priority, we recommend going with a pro.
When to Replace Instead of Rekey
While rekeying works in most situations, there are a few times when replacing your locks entirely might be the better move:
The lock is damaged, rusted, or not functioning smoothly
You want to switch to a new brand or design
You prefer to upgrade to a smart lock or keypad lock
A locksmith can assess your locks and help you decide whether to rekey or replace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rekeying
Q: How much does it cost to rekey locks?
A: Typically between $15 - $30 per lock, plus a service call fee. Still far less expensive than full replacement.
Q: Can all locks be rekeyed?
A: Most can, especially standard residential locks like Kwikset or Schlage. Very old, damaged, or specialty locks may need replacing instead.
Q: Should I rekey all doors or just the front door?
A: Always rekey every exterior door. Burglars look for the path of least resistance. Leaving one lock unchanged defeats the purpose.
Q: Is rekeying secure?
A: Yes! When done properly, rekeyed locks are just as secure as brand-new ones. You get the same lock body with a brand-new internal code.
Final Thoughts: Rekey for a Fresh Start
You only move into a new home a few times in life. And you only get one chance to start off secure.
Rekeying your locks is simple, affordable, and incredibly effective. It keeps unwanted visitors out, gives you full control over who has access, and offers peace of mind from day one.
If you’re in the Tampa Bay area—including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, and Manatee Counties—our mobile locksmiths are just around the corner and ready to help.
Start your new chapter with confidence.
Let us help you rekey your locks the right way.
