Why It Matters
Every time a tenant moves out, a locksmith should rekey or replace the locks before the next tenant moves in. A standard rekey costs $15–$50 per lock cylinder and takes under 30 minutes per door. Skipping this step exposes you to liability if a prior occupant retains a key copy and later causes harm.
At a Glance
- Rekeying changes the internal pin tumblers so old keys no longer work
- Full lock replacement costs more but improves hardware quality
- Most states require landlords to rekey between tenants by law
- Emergency lockout service is available 24/7 at a premium rate
- Smart lock installation and programming is a growing locksmith specialty
How It Works
When a tenant vacates a unit, the physical keys they held — plus any copies they may have made — become a security risk. A locksmith resolves this in one of two ways.
Rekeying is the faster and cheaper option. The locksmith disassembles the lock cylinder, rearranges the internal pin tumblers, and reassembles it so only the new key operates the lock. The existing hardware stays in place. A skilled technician can rekey a standard doorknob and deadbolt in 15–20 minutes per door.
Lock replacement swaps out the entire lock assembly. This is warranted when hardware is worn or damaged, when you want to upgrade to a higher-security grade, or when you are installing a smart lock that requires different physical hardware.
For multi-unit buildings, many investors use a management agreement that specifies who authorizes and pays for locksmith work. If a property manager oversees the property, they typically coordinate the locksmith directly at turnover and bill the cost through the maintenance account.
Beyond turnovers, a locksmith handles emergency lockouts when a tenant is locked out of the unit, broken key extractions, lock repairs after attempted break-ins, and master key system maintenance for buildings with multiple units.
Costs vary by service type. A single-cylinder rekey runs $15–$50 per cylinder, while a full deadbolt replacement with hardware runs $80–$200 installed. Emergency after-hours calls carry a service fee of $50–$150 on top of the job rate. Building a relationship with a reliable local locksmith — and including their contact in your vendor list — reduces response time and often secures preferred pricing.
Real-World Example
Orion owns a four-unit building in Phoenix. When unit 3 turned over in August, he called his regular locksmith to rekey both the front door and the back sliding door lock before the new tenant moved in. The job took 25 minutes and cost $90. Two months later, a tenant in unit 1 was locked out at 9 p.m. on a Friday. Because Orion already had the locksmith's number saved, the locksmith arrived within 45 minutes and charged a $75 emergency fee plus $35 for the service — far less than calling an unknown company from a late-night search. Orion tracks both costs under "maintenance" in his property accounting software, separate from capital repairs.
Pros & Cons
- Protects incoming tenants from undisclosed key copies held by prior occupants
- Rekeying is inexpensive relative to the liability risk it eliminates
- Emergency lockout service preserves tenant goodwill and prevents lease disputes
- A master key system simplifies access management across a multi-unit building
- Smart lock upgrades eliminate physical key management entirely
- Emergency after-hours rates can be three to four times the standard rate
- Disreputable locksmiths may quote a low price and inflate the bill on-site
- Tenants sometimes call third-party locksmiths and expect reimbursement
- Smart lock batteries and software updates add ongoing maintenance tasks
- Not all locksmiths are licensed or bonded — vetting is the owner's responsibility
Watch Out
Verify licensing before hiring. Many states require locksmiths to carry a state license and surety bond; an unlicensed technician who causes property damage may leave you with no recourse. Always get a written quote before work begins to prevent price inflation after the job is done. If a tenant requests a locksmith and you authorize it, clarify in writing who will pay — some leasing fee structures include turnover rekeying, but emergency lockouts typically fall on the tenant if caused by tenant error.
The Takeaway
A locksmith is a low-cost, high-impact vendor for rental property owners. Rekeying between every tenancy is the minimum standard — it is inexpensive, often legally required, and eliminates a straightforward liability risk. Keep a vetted, licensed locksmith in your vendor list so you are never scrambling during a turnover or a late-night lockout.