5 Signs You Need to Rekey Your Locks Immediately

When was the last time you thought about who has access to your home? Most homeowners don't consider their lock security until something goes wrong. But by then, it may be too late. Rekeying your locks is one of the most affordable and effective ways to ensure your home's security, and there are several clear signs that indicate when it's time to take action.

1. You've Just Moved Into a New Home

This is the number one reason people need to rekey their locks, yet many homeowners skip this crucial step. When you buy or rent a new property, you have no idea how many copies of the keys exist. Previous owners, real estate agents, contractors, cleaners, and neighbors may all have copies.

Our recommendation: Rekey all exterior locks within the first week of moving in. This is far more affordable than replacing all your locks and provides the same level of security.

2. You've Lost Your Keys or Had Them Stolen

Lost keys are more than an inconvenience. They're a security risk. If your keys fell out of your pocket in a public place, anyone could have picked them up. Worse, if your keys were stolen along with your wallet or purse, the thief may have your address too.

Don't wait to see if something happens. A proactive rekey is much cheaper than dealing with a break-in. If you suspect your keys were stolen rather than lost, consider rekeying immediately and filing a police report.

3. You've Had a Roommate or Tenant Move Out

When someone moves out of your property, they're supposed to return all their keys. But did they make copies? Did they give a spare to a friend or partner? You can never be 100% certain, which is why landlords and homeowners with roommates should rekey after every move-out.

This is especially important if the separation wasn't amicable. Protect yourself and your property by rekeying your locks and eliminating any potential security vulnerabilities.

4. Your Locks Are Old or Showing Signs of Wear

Locks don't last forever. If you're having trouble turning your key, if the lock feels loose, or if you notice visible rust or damage, it's time for attention. While rekeying addresses who has access, sometimes older locks need to be replaced entirely for mechanical reasons.

Signs your lock may need replacement rather than rekeying:

• Key frequently gets stuck or is difficult to turn
• Visible rust, corrosion, or physical damage
• Lock doesn't latch or lock properly
• Outdated lock technology (no deadbolt, cheap construction)

5. You've Experienced a Break-In Attempt

If someone has attempted to break into your home, whether successful or not, you should have your locks inspected immediately. Even failed attempts can damage the lock mechanism in ways that aren't visible, making it easier to breach in the future.

After a break-in attempt, we recommend:

• Having a professional locksmith inspect all locks for damage
• Upgrading to high-security locks if you haven't already
• Adding additional security measures like a deadbolt or smart lock
• Filing a police report for documentation

Rekeying vs. Replacing: What's the Difference?

Many homeowners confuse rekeying with lock replacement. Here's the key difference:

Rekeying changes the internal pins of your existing lock so that old keys no longer work. This is typically faster and more affordable, ranging from $15-$30 per lock. Your existing hardware stays in place.

Lock Replacement involves removing the entire lock and installing a new one. This is necessary when locks are damaged, outdated, or when you want to upgrade to better hardware. Costs vary based on the quality of the new lock.

How Long Does Rekeying Take?

A professional locksmith can typically rekey a standard lock in 10-15 minutes. If you need multiple locks rekeyed, most locksmiths can do your entire home in under an hour. The process is minimally invasive and you can use your new keys immediately.