If you’ve recently purchased a home, one of the first security questions to consider is whether you should rekey or replace the locks.
Even when the previous owner gives you every key they have, there’s usually no way to know exactly how many copies were made over the years. Spare keys may have been given to relatives, neighbours, contractors, house cleaners, pet sitters or previous tenants.
That doesn’t necessarily mean you need entirely new locks.
In many cases, rekeying locks in Portland, Oregon can provide a new set of working keys while allowing you to keep the existing lock hardware. In other situations, replacing the locks may make more sense.
Understanding the difference can help you choose the right option for your new home.
What Does It Mean to Rekey a Lock?
Rekeying changes the internal configuration of an existing lock so that the old key no longer operates it.
The exterior lock hardware usually stays in place. A locksmith adjusts or replaces components inside the lock and provides a new key that matches the new configuration.
Once the lock has been properly rekeyed, keys that previously opened it should no longer work.
This makes rekeying useful when the existing locks are still in good condition but you don’t want old keys to provide access to the property.
What Is the Difference Between Rekeying and Replacing a Lock?
The main difference is whether you keep the existing hardware.
With rekeying, the lock remains on the door but is configured to work with a different key.
With lock replacement, the existing hardware is removed and a new lock is installed.
Neither option is automatically better.
The right choice depends on the condition of the existing locks, the level of security you want, whether you like the current hardware and whether there are problems with how the locks operate.
Should You Rekey Your Locks After Buying a House?
For many homeowners, rekeying after moving is worth considering simply because the history of the keys isn’t always known.
Think about how many people could potentially have received a copy over the years.
Previous owners may have provided keys to:
- Family members
- Friends or neighbours
- Contractors
- Cleaning services
- Babysitters
- Pet sitters
- Property managers
- Maintenance workers
Those keys may have been returned, lost, forgotten or copied again.
Rekeying allows you to start with a new set of keys without necessarily replacing functioning hardware.
When Is Rekeying Better Than Replacing the Locks?
Rekeying may make sense when the existing locks are functioning properly and provide the type of security you want.
For example, you may have relatively new deadbolts that operate smoothly and are in good physical condition. Replacing all of that hardware simply because you don’t know who has the old keys may be unnecessary.
Rekeying can address the key-control issue while preserving the existing hardware.
A residential locksmith can inspect the locks and help determine whether they’re suitable for rekeying or whether there are other issues worth addressing.
When Should You Replace the Locks Instead?
Moving into a new home is also a good opportunity to inspect the actual condition of every exterior lock.
Replacement may make more sense if:
- A lock is damaged
- The hardware is heavily worn
- A deadbolt doesn’t operate smoothly
- The lock doesn’t align correctly with the strike plate
- You want to upgrade the type of lock
- Different doors have mismatched or outdated hardware
- You want to add electronic or smart-lock features
- Existing locks don’t provide the level of security you want
The goal shouldn’t simply be to make an old key stop working. It’s also an opportunity to make sure the doors and locks themselves function properly.
Can Several Locks Be Rekeyed to Use the Same Key?
Often, yes, provided the locks are compatible.
This can be particularly convenient in a new home where the front door, back door, garage entry and other exterior doors currently require different keys.
Instead of carrying several nearly identical keys, compatible locks may be rekeyed so that one key operates multiple doors.
However, not every lock can necessarily be keyed alike. Brand, keyway and lock type can affect compatibility.
A locksmith can inspect the existing hardware and determine which locks can reasonably be configured to use the same key.
Should You Change the Locks on Every Exterior Door?
Every exterior access point should at least be checked when you move into a home.
That includes more than the front door.
Consider:
- Front entry
- Back and side doors
- Garage entry doors
- Detached garages
- Exterior storage areas
- Basement entrances
- Patio or secondary doors
You should also check whether all doors latch and lock correctly.
A high-quality lock can’t provide its intended protection if the door doesn’t close properly or the deadbolt doesn’t fully extend into the strike.
What If the House Already Has Smart Locks?
Existing electronic locks deserve special attention when ownership changes.
Depending on the system, you may need to reset access codes, remove previous users, change administrator credentials, update the associated account or app, and confirm that physical backup keys are accounted for.
If you plan to keep the existing electronic hardware, review the manufacturer’s instructions for transferring or resetting ownership.
If you’re considering replacing it, Davis Lock & Safe’s guide to how long smart locks last and when they should be replaced provides additional information about smart-lock lifespan and replacement.
Are Door Locks the Only Security Issue to Check After Moving?
No.
Locks are one part of the door as a complete system.
When inspecting a new home, look at the door, frame, hinges, strike plate and how the deadbolt engages.
The National Crime Prevention Council recommends basic home-security practices that include securing doors and windows and taking steps to make entry points more resistant to unauthorized access.
This is why simply installing a new lock isn’t always the entire answer. If the surrounding door or frame has problems, those issues may also need attention.
Should You Rekey a Newly Built Home?
It’s worth considering.
A newly constructed house hasn’t had previous homeowners, but keys may have been used during construction by builders, subcontractors, inspectors, real estate professionals or other people involved in completing and showing the property.
Some new locks are designed with construction-key systems that address this issue, but you shouldn’t assume that’s the case.
Ask the builder how key control was handled and whether the locks were already rekeyed before possession.
What Should Renters Do About Their Locks?
Renters should generally speak with their landlord or property manager before changing or rekeying locks.
Lease terms and local requirements can affect what alterations a tenant is permitted to make and who must retain access.
If you are concerned about who may have keys to a rental property, contact the landlord or property manager and ask how the locks were handled between occupants.
How Soon After Moving Should You Address the Locks?
Ideally, key control should be addressed around the time you take possession of the property.
Moving is hectic, and changing locks can easily fall behind unpacking, utilities and dozens of other tasks.
But until the locks are rekeyed or replaced, you may not know exactly who has a working key.
Adding the locks to your moving checklist can help prevent the task from being forgotten.
Do You Need to Replace a Lock If You’ve Lost a Key?
Not necessarily.
If the lock itself is still in good condition, rekeying may be an option.
This can be useful when a key is lost and you’re concerned that someone could potentially use it to access the property.
The circumstances matter, however. If the lock is damaged, outdated or already causing problems, replacing it at the same time may make more sense.
How Do You Decide Between Rekeying and Replacing?
Start by asking two separate questions:
Do I trust who has access to the existing keys?
And:
Am I satisfied with the existing lock hardware?
If the hardware is in good condition but key control is the concern, rekeying may solve the problem.
If the hardware itself is worn, damaged or no longer meets your needs, replacement gives you an opportunity to address both issues at once.
Start Your New Home With Control Over the Keys
Moving into a new home comes with plenty of things to organize, but knowing who can unlock your doors deserves a place on the list.
You don’t necessarily need to replace every lock simply because someone else owned the house before you. In many cases, rekeying allows you to keep good existing hardware while making the previous keys unusable.
If the locks are worn, damaged or outdated, replacement may be the better opportunity to upgrade.
Davis Lock & Safe has provided residential locksmith services in the Portland area since 1978, helping homeowners with rekeying, lock replacement, smart locks and other residential security needs.
The important part is to evaluate both key control and the condition of the hardware rather than assuming every new homeowner needs the same solution.
