A new home or a newly vacant unit can come with keys you never see. Previous owners, former tenants, contractors and anyone who once house-sat may still hold copies. Rekeying changes the pins inside your existing cylinders so the old keys stop working, without replacing the hardware.
Jose M. Hernandez Jr., owner of Omega Locksmith in Chicago, explains the four situations where rekeying should come first and what to have ready when you call.
1. You just moved into a house or apartment
Receiving keys at closing does not tell you how many copies exist. Former owners, their relatives, past tenants, babysitters and contractors may each have kept one. Rekey every exterior lock you rely on: front and back doors, side doors, the garage service door and any basement or gangway entrance.
If the locks are in good condition, rekeying is usually the simpler choice. If they stick, wobble or are badly worn, read rekey or replace your locks: how to decide first.
2. A tenant moved out or was evicted
A former tenant may still have keys, and so may their friends, family or partner. After a move-out or a lawful eviction, change access before the unit is cleaned, shown or rented again. Only the owner or an authorized manager should request the work, so be ready to show that authorization.
Keep a record of which locks were rekeyed, when, and who received the new keys. That record helps if questions come up later.
3. Keys were lost, stolen or never returned
A lost keyring, a stolen bag or a worker who left without returning a key are all reasons to rekey. Standard keys are easy to copy, so treat any key outside your control as a copy that still works.
4. You want one key for several doors
Locks of the same brand and keyway can often be rekeyed to work with a single key. That means fewer keys to carry and fewer to track. For buildings with many doors and different levels of access, a master key system may be a better fit.
When rekeying is not enough
- The lock is damaged, loose or does not latch. See lock installation and replacement.
- The door or frame needs repair before any lock can hold.
- You need to control who can copy your keys. Ask about restricted-keyway high-security locks.
- Access changes so often that codes or fobs make more sense. See access control.
Not sure what kind of lock you have? Our guide to door lock types can help you identify it.
Before you call
- The address and how many locks need rekeying.
- Photos of each lock, showing the brand if visible.
- A working key for each lock, if you have one.
- Proof that you own or manage the property.
Managing several units? Use our locksmith checklist for Chicago property managers, or see the full list of services a Chicago locksmith provides.
Omega Locksmith is located at 4346 W 51st St, Chicago, IL 60632. Owner Jose M. Hernandez Jr. holds individual Illinois locksmith license 191-000821. Call (773) 277-5625 or request lock rekeying service.