Why You Should Rekey After Moving Into a New Home

If you want to protect your family and belongings from day one, you should rekey after moving into a new home before you even unpack your first box. It's one of the simplest and most affordable security upgrades you can make, yet it's routinely overlooked by new homeowners across Salt Lake City and the greater Utah area.

What Does It Mean to Rekey a Lock?

Rekeying a lock means altering the internal pin configuration inside the lock cylinder so that old keys no longer work. A locksmith replaces the pins with new ones that correspond to a brand-new key. The lock hardware itself stays in place — only the internal mechanism changes. This process is typically quick, taking just a few minutes per lock, and costs significantly less than a full lock replacement.

This is different from changing locks entirely, which involves removing and replacing the whole lock unit. Rekeying is the smarter choice when your existing locks are in good condition but you simply need to eliminate access from old keys.

Why You Should Rekey After Moving Into a New Home

When you purchase a home, you receive a set of keys from the previous owners — but that's rarely the complete picture. Over the years, a home can accumulate many key copies distributed to family members, dog walkers, housekeepers, real estate agents, contractors, and neighbors. You have no way of knowing how many copies exist or who still has them.

According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting data, burglaries remain a significant concern in residential areas, and unauthorized key access is one avenue criminals exploit. Starting fresh with a rekeyed lock eliminates that vulnerability entirely.

You Can't Know Who Has a Copy of Your Key

Even the most well-intentioned previous owner may have forgotten about keys given to a neighbor years ago or a contractor who never returned one. In Utah's growing housing market, homes often change hands quickly — sometimes going through multiple tenants or owners in a short span. Each transition is another opportunity for key copies to slip through the cracks.

Real Estate Lockboxes Are Widely Accessed

During the selling process, your new home was likely shown to dozens of buyers, agents, and inspectors. While lockbox access is logged, the keys inside can still be duplicated. Rekeying after closing is the only way to be certain your home is secure.

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

For most new homeowners, rekeying is the ideal solution. It's cost-effective, fast, and achieves the primary goal: ensuring old keys no longer work. However, there are situations where full lock installation and repair makes more sense:

• Your existing locks are worn, damaged, or outdated.
• You want to upgrade to smart locks or high-security deadbolts.
• The locks don't meet current building code standards.

A professional locksmith can assess your existing hardware and recommend the most practical and affordable path forward. Either way, acting quickly after your move is essential.

How Eagle Locksmith UT Can Help Salt Lake City Homeowners

At Eagle Locksmith UT, we understand that moving is already stressful enough. That's why our residential locksmith team makes the rekeying process simple and hassle-free. We serve homeowners throughout Salt Lake City, West Valley, Murray, Sandy, and the broader Salt Lake Valley.

Our licensed technicians can rekey all your door locks in a single visit, key them alike so one key opens every door, and provide duplicate keys on the spot. We work with all major lock brands and can advise you on security upgrades if needed.

Additional Security Steps to Take When You Move In

Rekeying is the most critical first step, but it pairs well with a broader home security review. Consider these additional measures after your move:

• Install deadbolts on all exterior doors if they aren't already present.
• Check sliding door locks and add secondary security bars.
• Inspect window locks throughout the home.
• Consider a smart lock for keyless entry and access logs.
• Set up exterior lighting with motion sensors.

Eagle Locksmith UT can assist with all of these upgrades as part of a comprehensive residential security assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rekey a house in Salt Lake City?

The cost to rekey locks in Salt Lake City typically ranges from $20 to $50 per lock, plus a service call fee. Rekeying a full home with multiple exterior doors usually costs well under $200, making it one of the most affordable home security investments available.

How long does rekeying take?

A professional locksmith can typically rekey a single lock in under 10 minutes. For an average home with 3–4 exterior locks, the entire job can be completed in under an hour during a single visit.

Is rekeying as secure as replacing locks?

Yes — rekeying provides the same level of security as replacing locks when the existing hardware is in good condition. The lock cylinder is reconfigured so that only the new key works, rendering all old keys completely useless.

Should I rekey after moving into a new home even if I trust the previous owners?

Absolutely. Even if you trust the previous owners completely, you can't know everyone they may have given keys to over the years — contractors, family members, neighbors, or service workers. Rekeying is simply a smart precaution regardless of the circumstances.

Can I rekey my locks myself?

Rekeying kits are available for DIY use, but the process requires the correct tools and knowledge of your specific lock brand. Mistakes can damage the lock cylinder. Hiring a licensed locksmith ensures the job is done correctly and quickly, and typically costs less than you might expect.