How often should you rekey your locks?

Rekeying is one of the most cost-effective things you can do for home security. It changes the internal pins of the lock cylinder so old keys no longer work — without replacing the hardware. Here's when to do it.

Rekey immediately after any move-in. You have no way of knowing how many copies of the previous owner's or tenant's key are floating around. This is true whether you bought a home, rented an apartment, or inherited a property.

Rekey after any key is lost or stolen. A lost key is a security risk as long as the lock accepts it. If you lost your key in a location where someone could connect it to your address — near your home, with a gym tag or label — rekey the same day.

Rekey after a roommate or tenant moves out. This applies to any situation where someone who had access no longer lives with you.

Rekey after a break-in attempt, even if it failed. The person who tried once knows your address and may try again. Upgraded hardware (higher-security grade) at the same time is worth considering.

For rental property managers in Philadelphia, rekeying between every tenant is standard practice and a reasonable expectation for incoming renters. We handle multi-unit rekeys for property managers regularly — call for recurring-service pricing.

Beyond these triggers, there's no fixed schedule. Lock hardware doesn't degrade on a calendar — it degrades with use. If a lock is sticky, hard to turn, or the key doesn't seat cleanly, that's a signal to have it looked at.

Have a specific situation? Call (215) 330-5050 — we’ll give you a straight answer.