What rekeying does
Rekeying swaps the small pins inside a lock cylinder so the lock answers to a new key. The outside hardware stays the same; every old key stops working. It is less expensive than replacing locks and takes a locksmith a few minutes per cylinder.
You cannot know who has a key
Unless the house is brand new, keys are out there. Previous owners and tenants, their relatives, real estate agents, contractors, babysitters, pet sitters and former roommates may all have had one. A seller can hand over every key they know about and still miss the copy cut years ago.
Low cost for a real change
The Artesia Locksmiths price list shows locks re-key starting at $19.00 plus the $29.00 service call fee. A typical house with a front door, a garage entry door and a back slider is one short visit. While the locksmith is there, ask to key every door alike so you carry one key.
Renters
In California, a landlord must rekey or change the locks when a protected tenant asks after certain domestic violence or abuse orders (Civil Code 1941.5 and 1941.6). Outside that, there is no general state rule requiring a rekey between tenants, but it is a fair request. If the landlord says no, ask permission to pay for it yourself and give them a copy of the new key, as most leases require.
After renovations
Contractors, painters and electricians often get a key or a lockbox code. When the work is finished, rekey. The same goes for a roommate moving out or a lost key ring.
Rekey or replace?
- Rekey when the locks work well and you like them.
- Replace when a lock is worn, sticks or is low grade, or you want a Grade 1 deadbolt, a smart lock or a new look.
The locksmith can check each door and tell you which makes sense before any work begins.
The short version
Do it in the first week. It is one of the least expensive security steps you can take, and it means the only working keys are the ones in your pocket. Call 562-343-9831 to book a rekey in Artesia or Cerritos.
