When a tenant moves out, most property owners focus on cleaning, repairs, or preparing the unit for the next renter. Yet one crucial step is often overlooked: rekeying the locks. Rekeying is more than a formality; it is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your property and ensure peace of mind. As a trusted locksmith in Calgary, we’ve seen how skipping this step can lead to unnecessary risks.
Below, we’ll go over why rekeying is essential, when it should be done, and what property owners need to know to manage it efficiently and safely.
Understanding Rekeying
Rekeying involves changing the internal pins and tumblers of a lock so that it works with a new key. The lock hardware itself stays in place, but the old keys will no longer work. It’s a cost-effective alternative to full lock replacement and provides the same level of security when performed correctly.
For landlords, rekeying is particularly practical because locks can be reused multiple times as tenants come and go. This means long-term savings and consistent security management without constantly purchasing new hardware.
Why Rekeying Protects Your Investment
Every tenant who moves out leaves behind more than just memories. Even if they return all their keys, you can never be entirely sure how many copies were made or who might still have one. Rekeying eliminates this uncertainty.
It also ensures that no previous occupant or unauthorized person can re-enter the property. This simple step can prevent theft, vandalism, or liability issues if someone gains access using an old key. For landlords managing multiple properties, maintaining a rekeying routine after every move-out is part of responsible property management.
The Hidden Risks of Skipping Rekeying
Skipping rekeying may seem harmless, but it can lead to serious problems. For example, if a break-in occurs using an old key, insurance coverage might be disputed. Some policies require proof that proper security measures were taken between tenants.
There’s also a psychological aspect. New tenants often feel safer knowing that they are the only ones with access to the property. Rekeying communicates professionalism, care, and responsibility without any additional effort from the landlord once it becomes a standard practice.
Rekeying vs Lock Replacement
Some landlords assume they need to replace the entire lock whenever a tenant moves out. While this is sometimes necessary—such as when locks are damaged or outdated—rekeying is usually sufficient.
Rekeying takes less time, costs less, and achieves the same result: total key control. Modern locks are designed to be rekeyed quickly by a professional. In most cases, we can rekey an entire property in under an hour, allowing for a fast turnaround between tenants.
Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
Although local laws differ, many jurisdictions expect landlords to maintain safe and secure rental units. Rekeying aligns with this obligation by ensuring only current occupants have access. If a security issue arises because the locks were not rekeyed, landlords could face potential liability.
Even if not legally required, rekeying demonstrates ethical responsibility. It respects tenants’ right to privacy and provides them with a safe living environment. From a property management standpoint, this simple act can also help avoid disputes and build trust.
When to Rekey Beyond Tenant Changes
Most landlords rekey after a move-out, but there are other times when it makes sense.
If a tenant loses their keys, even temporarily, you should consider rekeying. Keys can be copied quickly and cheaply, and you cannot know whose hands they may have fallen into.
Rekeying is also recommended after maintenance or cleaning services have used spare keys. While most contractors are trustworthy, it’s better to stay in control of who can access the property.
Finally, if your building uses master keys, rekeying should be done on a schedule, especially if staff members with access leave or change roles.
Cost and Efficiency Considerations
Rekeying is one of the most cost-effective ways to maintain property security. The process usually costs much less than replacing hardware, and many locksmiths can rekey multiple locks to match the same new key. That means tenants only need one key to open all doors, simplifying access.
Over time, this efficiency adds up. Rather than juggling multiple key sets or worrying about which one fits where, property owners can streamline the entire key management process. For larger properties, this approach can save significant time and money over the years.
Rekeying as Part of Tenant Turnover Routine
Adding rekeying to your tenant turnover checklist keeps security consistent and avoids last-minute issues. After a tenant vacates, the process should ideally happen right after cleaning and before any new occupant moves in.
It’s also a good time to inspect the locks themselves. Rekeying can reveal signs of wear, rust, or mechanical damage that might otherwise go unnoticed. Addressing those issues early prevents lockouts and saves on emergency service calls later.
Smart Lock Rekeying and Modern Options
For properties with smart locks, rekeying can still play a role. Many smart locks have reprogrammable codes or digital access systems that need to be reset between tenants. The same logic applies: you must revoke all old access and provide a clean slate for new residents.
A professional locksmith can assist in resetting digital locks, updating firmware, and ensuring all virtual keys are removed. In mixed systems where mechanical locks still exist, both digital and physical rekeying may be needed to maintain complete security.
Rekeying for Multi-Unit Properties
Apartment complexes, condos, and multi-unit properties require structured key management. In these cases, landlords should consider creating a master key system that allows them access to all units while giving tenants unique keys for their own apartments.
Rekeying becomes essential whenever a tenant leaves, but it’s even more important in these shared environments. Unauthorized access in one unit can affect the safety of others. Having a professional locksmith regularly maintain and rekey locks ensures a consistent security level across the property.
The Role of a Professional Locksmith
Rekeying may sound simple, but accuracy matters. A professional locksmith ensures the job is done correctly without damaging the hardware. They also test every key and lock before leaving, guaranteeing that everything works smoothly.
Professionals can also recommend additional security improvements. For example, if locks are outdated or no longer meet current standards, they can advise on better hardware options or additional protection such as deadbolts and high-security cylinders.
Working with an experienced locksmith in Calgary ensures that the process is efficient, reliable, and fully aligned with local standards and property management needs.
Extra Tip: Keep a Rekeying Log
Many landlords overlook the value of keeping a simple record of rekeying activities. Documenting the date, type of locks, and new key numbers (without sharing actual keys) helps track maintenance and prevents confusion later.
This record can also serve as evidence of due diligence if a security dispute arises. It shows that you took reasonable steps to maintain tenant safety and control access responsibly.
Simple Signs It’s Time to Rekey
If you notice stiff keys, loose lock cylinders, or difficulty turning the key, it might be a good opportunity to rekey. These issues often appear after repeated use, especially in rental properties. Rekeying can reset the internal pins and give the lock new life without replacing the entire system.
Even if the locks seem to function fine, it’s best to rekey periodically to keep key control consistent. Tenants change, cleaners rotate, and maintenance staff come and go—each creates a potential weak point if old keys remain in circulation.
Emergency Rekeying Situations
Sometimes rekeying can’t wait for a scheduled turnover. If you experience a break-in attempt, lost keys, or a conflict with a tenant who still has access, emergency rekeying protects your property immediately.
A reliable locksmith can perform this service quickly and on-site. They can also provide temporary locks or additional reinforcement if the property has been compromised. Acting quickly minimizes risk and restores control without major disruption.
When to Combine Rekeying with Security Upgrades
Rekeying is a good opportunity to evaluate the overall safety of the property. If the locks are more than a decade old or show signs of wear, replacing them during rekeying can be cost-effective.
Adding deadbolts, reinforcing strike plates, or switching to smart locks can improve long-term security. Since rekeying already involves adjusting access, this moment is ideal for implementing these upgrades.
How Often Should You Rekey?
For rental properties, rekeying after every tenant is non-negotiable. Beyond that, consider a routine schedule—perhaps every two years—to maintain consistent security.
If you own short-term rental properties or vacation homes, rekeying may be needed more frequently. Because guests and service providers change often, key control can quickly become difficult to manage.
Keeping a recurring schedule also helps avoid forgetting about it altogether. Once rekeying becomes a habit, it blends naturally into property upkeep.
Common Misconceptions About Rekeying
One common misconception is that rekeying takes too long or is only necessary after a problem occurs. In reality, it’s quick and preventive.
Another misconception is that smart locks or keyless systems eliminate the need for rekeying. While these systems reduce the use of physical keys, they still require code resets and proper configuration. Without that, digital access can remain active long after someone leaves.
Rekeying remains a cornerstone of any property’s security, whether mechanical or electronic.
Taking the Next Step
Rekeying after a tenant moves out is an investment in security, trust, and professionalism. It’s a small step that prevents larger issues and helps both landlords and tenants feel confident about safety.
If you’re preparing a property for a new occupant or want to assess your locks, reach out to us directly. To schedule a service or consultation, simply contact us.
FAQ
1. How long does rekeying take?
Most standard locks can be rekeyed in under 30 minutes per door. Larger properties or master key systems may take longer, but professionals can often complete several units in a single visit.
2. Can I rekey my locks myself?
While DIY kits exist, professional rekeying ensures accuracy, key smoothness, and long-term reliability. Mistakes can lead to jammed locks or misaligned pins, which may require full replacement later.
3. What is the difference between rekeying and replacing a lock?
Rekeying changes the key pattern inside the existing lock without replacing the hardware. Replacing involves removing the entire lock and installing a new one.
4. Should I rekey if a tenant loses a key?
Yes. Even if they find it later, you cannot know who may have copied it. Rekeying eliminates that uncertainty and maintains control over property access.
5. Can I rekey all locks to one key?
Yes, most properties can be keyed alike so one key opens all locks. This simplifies access for tenants and landlords while keeping control consistent.
