No. 01 Article

Why You Should Rekey Your Locks When You Move

When you get the keys to a new home, you have no idea how many other copies exist. Rekeying fixes that for a fraction of the cost of new locks.

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Service call: $29.00 (fixed) + labor and parts
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Area: Berkeley, Albany & Kensington

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By Advanced Key And Safe · Published 1 October 2026 · Updated 3 November 2026

What rekeying actually does

A pin-tumbler lock opens when the right key lifts a row of small pins to exactly the right heights. Rekeying means taking the cylinder apart and swapping those pins for a new set, so a new key works and every old key stops working. The lock body, handle and finish stay the same.

It is done at the door in a few minutes per cylinder. Doors that share the same keyway can be set to one key, which shrinks the key ring at the same time.

Who else might have a key

Previous owners, their relatives, a dog walker, a cleaner, contractors from the last renovation, estate agents and neighbours who watered the plants. Sellers and landlords often say they collected every key, but there is no way to know whether copies were made.

The same goes for a renovation. If electricians, painters or a general contractor had a key while you were away, rekey once the job is finished.

Renters: ask first

In a rental, the lock belongs to the owner. Ask the landlord to rekey before you move in, or ask for written permission to have it done yourself and give them a copy of the new key. California's Civil Code section 1941.3 requires landlords to provide working deadbolts on main swinging entry doors, so the move-in visit is also a good time to check that every lock works.

Rekey or replace?

Rekey when the locks are in good condition and the goal is simply to cut off old keys. Replace when the hardware is worn, rusted or broken, when you want a higher-security cylinder or a keypad lock, or when you want a different style.

On the price list, rekeys start at $19.00 and lock changes for basic locks at $25.00, plus the $29.00 service call fee. The final price depends on the lock.