Why You Should Rekey After Moving Into a New Home

To rekey after moving into a new home is one of the smartest and most affordable security decisions you can make as a new homeowner. Whether you've purchased a resale property in Salt Lake City or moved into a rental in the greater Salt Lake Valley, you simply don't know how many copies of your keys are floating around — and that uncertainty can put your family and belongings at serious risk.

What Does It Mean to Rekey a Lock?

Rekeying a lock means a locksmith adjusts the internal pin tumbler mechanism inside your existing lock cylinder so that the old key no longer operates it. A brand-new key is then cut to match the new pin configuration. The lock hardware itself stays in place — only the internal components change. This makes rekeying dramatically more cost-effective than a full lock replacement, which requires purchasing and installing entirely new hardware.

Most standard residential locks in Utah homes — including deadbolts and knob locks — can be rekeyed quickly by a licensed locksmith. The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes per lock, and the cost savings over full replacement can be substantial, especially if you're securing multiple entry points.

Why You Should Rekey After Moving Into a New Home

When you receive the keys at closing or from a landlord, those aren't the only copies in existence. Consider everyone who may have had access to your home before you moved in:

• Previous owners or tenants — They may have kept a spare or forgotten copies given to family members.
• Real estate agents — Multiple agents from multiple brokerages may have accessed the property during showings.
• Contractors and service workers — Plumbers, electricians, and painters often receive temporary key access during renovations.
• Neighbors or house sitters — A friendly arrangement with a previous owner could mean a neighbor still has a working key to your front door.

According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting data, burglaries remain a significant concern for homeowners across the United States, and many occur without forced entry — meaning someone had a key. Rekeying eliminates that vulnerability entirely.

Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks: Which Is Right for You?

Rekeying is the right choice for most new homeowners when the existing lock hardware is in good condition and is a reputable brand. However, there are situations where full lock replacement makes more sense:

When to Rekey

• Your locks are modern, sturdy, and functioning properly.
• You want to save money while still upgrading your security.
• You want all exterior locks keyed to a single master key for convenience.

When to Replace

• Your locks are old, worn, or low-quality builder-grade hardware.
• You want to upgrade to smart locks or high-security locks with added features.
• A lock has been damaged during a break-in or attempted forced entry.

A professional locksmith can inspect your current hardware and give you an honest recommendation. Eagle Locksmith UT offers both rekeying and full lock replacement services throughout Salt Lake City and surrounding communities including Murray, Midvale, and West Valley City.

How Much Does It Cost to Rekey After Moving Into a New Home?

One of the biggest advantages of rekeying over replacing locks is the cost. On average, rekeying a single lock in Salt Lake City costs between $15 and $40 per lock when you factor in the service call. Replacing a lock with new hardware can cost $100 to $300 or more per door, depending on the brand and style.

For a typical Utah home with three or four exterior entry points, rekeying can cost as little as $80 to $150 total — a fraction of what full replacements would run. That's peace of mind at a very reasonable price.

What to Expect During a Professional Rekeying Service

Hiring a licensed locksmith to rekey your home is a straightforward process. Here's what typically happens when you call Eagle Locksmith UT for a residential rekey in Salt Lake City:

1. Locksmith arrives at your home and inspects all entry point locks.
2. Cylinders are removed from each lock and brought to the technician's kit.
3. Internal pins are replaced to match a new key cut on-site.
4. Locks are reinstalled and tested to ensure smooth operation.
5. New keys are provided — usually two or more copies per lock.

The entire process for a typical three-door home takes less than an hour. If you ever find yourself locked out during or after the process, our emergency locksmith services are available 24/7 to help. We also serve businesses — if you're opening a new commercial location, our commercial locksmith team can handle all your access control and rekeying needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after moving in should I rekey my locks?

Ideally, you should rekey your locks on moving day or within the first 24 to 48 hours of taking possession of the home. Until your locks are rekeyed, any previous key holder could technically access your property. The sooner you rekey, the sooner your home is fully secured under your control.

Is rekeying as secure as getting brand-new locks?

Yes — rekeying provides the same level of security as a new lock when the existing hardware is in good condition. The key difference is that rekeying simply changes which key operates the lock. If your current deadbolts are high-quality, rekeying them is just as effective as installing entirely new ones.

Can I rekey my own locks without a locksmith?

DIY rekey kits are available at hardware stores, but they can be tricky to use correctly and may void your lock warranty if done improperly. Mistakes during a DIY rekey can leave you with a lock that doesn't function reliably. For most homeowners in Salt Lake City, hiring a licensed locksmith is faster, safer, and more cost-effective in the long run.

What if I have smart locks — can those be rekeyed too?

Smart locks that include a physical key cylinder can typically be rekeyed just like traditional locks. Locks that are purely electronic or keypad-based don't require rekeying — instead, you simply reset the access codes. Your locksmith can advise you on the best approach for each lock type in your home.

Does Eagle Locksmith UT offer rekeying services throughout the Salt Lake Valley?

Yes! Eagle Locksmith UT proudly serves Salt Lake City and surrounding communities including West Valley City, Murray, Sandy, Draper, Midvale, and more. We offer fast scheduling for residential rekeying and are available 24/7 for emergency situations. Call us at (385) 557-7669 to schedule your service.