Guide · For owners

Rekeying Locks Between Residents

A fresh start for every move in: why rekeying between residents matters, who does it, how it usually works, and what residents can ask on move in day.

Start the checklist

Where to start

Worried about someone who has a key?
Tell the owner right away. If you are in danger right now, call 911. See a safety note.
Owner getting a home ready?
Rekey or change the locks before the next resident, then test every key with the door open. See how it usually works.
Moving in?
It is perfectly fine to ask whether the locks were rekeyed or changed. See for residents.

The short version

Every new resident deserves to know that the keys to their home are in their hands, and nobody else's. A home can quietly collect a surprising number of key copies: spares given to friends, a dog walker, a relative, a contractor.

Rekeying the locks between residents is the simplest way to start fresh. It is quicker and less costly than many people think.

Why rekey between residents

When a resident moves out, there is no way to know every copy of the key that was ever made. Rekeying changes the inside of the lock so old keys no longer work, without replacing the whole lock.

Some states require owners to rekey or change locks between residents, sometimes within a set number of days. Even where it is not required, it is one of the best habits an owner can have.

Who does it

Rekeying is a job for the owner or a licensed locksmith. Residents should not rekey or change locks in a rental without the owner's written okay, and if they are allowed to, the owner usually needs a working key.

How rekeyable locks usually work

Some locks are made to be rekeyed with a small tool and the current working key. The general idea is that you put the working key in, turn it partway, use the tool to release the lock, then swap in the new key. Every lock is different, so please follow the maker's instructions exactly.

You will usually need the current working key, the new key and the maker's tool.
If the current key is lost, the lock usually cannot be rekeyed this way, and a locksmith can help.
Work with the door wide open the whole time.

Test with the door open first

Before closing the door, turn the new key to lock and unlock three times. The bolt should move smoothly every time.
Then test the inside thumb turn.
Only then close the door and test again.

Test every new key, not just one, and make sure the old keys no longer work.

If anything feels wrong, do not force it. A lock that gets confused partway through can usually be fixed by a locksmith.

Keep a key log

A simple key log helps everyone. For each home, write down the date the locks were rekeyed, how many keys were made, who received each one, and when keys were returned. Doing the same steps every time makes the log easy to trust.

For residents

On move in day, it is perfectly fine to ask, "Were the locks rekeyed or changed since the last resident?"
Count your keys and note them on the move in report.
If a key is lost or stolen, tell the owner right away.
Keep spare keys with someone you trust, not under a mat or in a planter.

A safety note

If you are worried about someone who has a key, or you are leaving an unsafe situation, please tell the owner right away. Some states have laws that let residents ask for a lock change for safety reasons, often with a court order or police report. Your state's official housing or attorney general page can tell you what applies where you live.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is open around the clock at 1 800 799 7233, or text START to 88788. If you are in danger right now, call 911.

Try it

Your rekeying checklist

From the guide’s own checklist. Tick each one as you go. These are examples; your home may need others.

0 of 7

Locks rekeyed or changed between every resident
Maker's instructions followed exactly
New keys tested three times with the door open
Old keys confirmed not to work
Key log updated with the date and every key
Keys counted on the move in report
Lost keys and safety worries shared right away

An everyday example

Between residents, an owner rekeyed the front and back deadbolts using the lock maker's tool and the current keys. With each door wide open, the owner tested every new key three times, checked the thumb turns, and confirmed the old keys no longer turned. The owner wrote the date and the number of keys in the key log. On move in day, the new resident asked whether the locks had been changed, and the owner was glad to show them the log.

Test yourself

How much do you remember?

4 quick questions from this guide, with a one line why for each. Totally optional, no sign in, and your answers are never saved.

From The Perfect Series

Go deeper with The Perfect Rental Owner Checklist Workbook

Simple, step by step checklists you can write in for owners who rent out a home: contractors, insurance, fair pricing, records, showings and more.

See The Perfect Rental Owner Checklist Workbook All books in The Perfect Series

Keep this guide handy

Save this page, come back to your checklist any time, and share it with anyone in your home who could use it.

See all guides

From the Bunklow shop

Take it with you

Bunklow Home Guide 119: Re-Keyable Modern Lock Cylinder Key Programming and ResettingA printable Bunklow guide to re-keyable modern lock cylinder key programming and resetting: plain steps, how often to check, and when to call a pro.
See it in the shop
The Perfect Rental Owner Checklist WorkbookA fillable workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.
See it in the shop

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This guide shares general educational information to help you, and is not legal advice or a substitute for a licensed professional. Bunklow does not manage homes, install locks or make repairs. Lock and security rules differ from state to state and town to town, so please check your state and local law and your lease, follow the maker's instructions, and get local help from a licensed locksmith for lock work.