Should You Rekey the Locks After Moving Into a Phoenix Home?
Moving into a new home in Phoenix, Cave Creek, or anywhere in the Valley is an exciting step. Between unpacking boxes and figuring out where the nearest coffee shop is, one task tends to get overlooked: changing who has access to your front door. Rekeying your locks after moving in is one of the most practical security steps a new homeowner can take, and it costs far less than most people expect.
Why the Locks on Your New Home Are a Security Risk
When you receive keys at closing, you receive the keys the seller handed over. You have no way of knowing how many copies exist or who holds them. Previous owners may have given keys to neighbors, housekeepers, contractors, family members, or real estate agents over the years. Those copies remain active until the locks are rekeyed or replaced.
In the Phoenix metro area, where the housing market stays active year-round, homes frequently change hands. Each transaction adds another layer of unknown key distribution. Rekeying your locks immediately after move-in closes that gap and gives you a documented fresh start.
Rekeying vs. Replacing: What the Difference Means for Your Wallet
Many homeowners assume they need to replace the entire lock hardware to get a clean security slate. Rekeying provides the same outcome at a fraction of the cost.
When a locksmith rekeys a lock, they disassemble the cylinder and replace the internal pins with a new configuration. Your existing hardware stays in place. Your old keys stop working. New keys cut to the updated configuration become the only ones that open the lock.
Lock replacement makes sense in specific situations:
- The existing hardware is visibly worn or damaged
- You want to upgrade to a higher-security cylinder or smart lock
- The lock brand cannot be rekeyed due to age or proprietary design
For most standard residential locks found on Phoenix homes, rekeying delivers a full security reset without the expense of new hardware on every door.
Rekeying vs. Replacing: Cost and Use Case Comparison
| Factor | Rekeying | Lock Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost per cylinder | $20 to $50 | $75 to $200+ |
| Existing hardware kept | Yes | No |
| Old keys deactivated | Yes | Yes |
| Best for worn or damaged locks | No | Yes |
| Typical time per door | 10 to 20 minutes | 20 to 45 minutes |
| Keying-alike option available | Yes | Yes, at added cost |
How Much Does Rekeying Cost in the Phoenix Area?
Rekeying costs vary based on the number of locks, the lock brand, and the service provider. In the Phoenix area, homeowners typically pay between $20 and $50 per lock cylinder for professional rekeying service, with most homes requiring service on two to four exterior doors.
A licensed locksmith can often rekey every exterior lock in a home during a single visit lasting under an hour. Many locksmiths also offer keying-alike service during the same appointment, which means all your rekeyed locks operate on one key. That convenience alone saves time every day going forward.
At Discount Locksmith of Cave Creek, we serve homeowners across Phoenix and the surrounding areas with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Our technicians carry the tools and key blanks needed to handle most residential lock brands on the first visit.
September Is a Smart Time to Address Home Security in Phoenix
The fall season in Phoenix brings a shift in household routines. School schedules resume, travel picks back up after summer, and neighborhoods see more activity as temperatures begin to drop from their August peak. Homeowners who moved in over the summer often find September to be a natural point to button up any outstanding tasks, including security.
If you closed on a home in the last several months and have not yet rekeyed the locks, scheduling that service now puts your security in order before the holiday season, when residential break-ins in Maricopa County tend to increase.
Other Lock-Related Steps Worth Considering After Move-In
Rekeying your exterior locks is a strong starting point. A few additional steps can strengthen your overall door security:
- Check deadbolt throw length. A deadbolt with at least a one-inch throw provides more resistance to forced entry than shorter versions.
- Inspect strike plates. Strike plates secured with short screws can fail under pressure. Replacing them with three-inch screws anchored into the door frame stud adds measurable strength.
- Assess sliding door locks. Many Phoenix homes have sliding glass doors. Secondary locking bars or pins provide an additional layer of resistance.
- Consider a smart lock for the front door. Smart locks allow you to grant and revoke access remotely, which removes the key-copy problem entirely for future occupants or service providers.
Contact Discount Locksmith of Cave Creek for a Fast, Affordable Rekey
If you have moved into a Phoenix area home and have not yet rekeyed the locks, now is the right time to schedule service. Discount Locksmith of Cave Creek holds a 4.7-star rating across 531 Google reviews, and our licensed technicians serve Cave Creek, Phoenix, and the surrounding Valley communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rekey my locks myself, or do I need a licensed locksmith?
Rekeying kits are available at hardware stores, but using them correctly requires disassembling the cylinder and selecting the right replacement pins for your specific lock brand. A mistake during the process can leave a lock that feels functional but no longer secures properly. A licensed locksmith completes the job in minutes per lock and guarantees the result.
Should I rekey interior door locks as well as exterior ones?
Most homeowners prioritize exterior locks, which is where unauthorized access risk is highest. Interior locks on rooms containing valuables, safes, or home offices are worth considering if you want an added layer of control. Your locksmith can assess which interior locks, if any, warrant rekeying during the same visit.
How long does it take to rekey all the locks in a typical Phoenix home?
A licensed locksmith can typically rekey all exterior locks on a standard single-family home in under one hour during a single visit. The exact time depends on the number of doors and the lock brands installed. Requesting keying-alike service at the same appointment adds no significant extra time and leaves you with one key for every door.
Will rekeying work on smart locks or electronic deadbolts?
Many smart locks include a traditional keyed cylinder alongside their electronic components, and that cylinder can often be rekeyed the same way a standard lock can. Some smart lock models use proprietary cylinders that require the manufacturer’s rekeying kit or a brand-specific process. A locksmith familiar with your lock brand can confirm compatibility before starting the job.
Do I need to rekey if the previous owner says they collected all the keys at closing?
There is no reliable way to verify that every copy made over the years was returned, since keys can be duplicated at any hardware store without a record. Rekeying gives you documented certainty that only the keys cut after your service appointment will open your doors. The cost of a single service visit is low compared to the uncertainty of relying on a previous owner’s assurance.
Call us at (480) 534-2771 or visit discount-locksmith-phoenix.com to schedule your rekeying appointment. We will arrive on time, rekey every exterior lock, and leave you with a fresh set of keys and a clear record of the work completed.
