Is rekey always necessary, or can I skip it for trusted tenants?

We strongly recommend never skipping it. Even with great tenants, you don't know who else has access to their keys (friends, ex-partners, cleaning services). Most landlord insurance policies require rekey at every turnover. The cost of skipping vs. doing it is so small that the risk isn't worth the savings.

Can I get smart locks installed during a turnover?

Yes. Smart locks (Schlage Encode, Kwikset Halo, Yale Assure) are popular upgrades. We install at material cost + ~$30 labor. Most pay back within a year through reduced make-ready and self-show fees if you use platforms like Rently.

What if the tenant claims they returned all keys but I'm not sure?

Rekey them. It's $0 extra in any of our turnover packages, takes 20-30 minutes per lock, and gives you total peace of mind. Whether or not they returned every key, the old keys won't work anymore.

Do you do emergency lockouts?

No — we're not a 24/7 locksmith. We schedule lock work as part of turnovers in advance. For lockouts, call a local locksmith like Pop-A-Lock or your nearest 24-hour service.

Will I get a record of the key code for future rekeys?

Yes — every turnover report we send includes the key code so you (or another locksmith) can rekey in the future without recoring the entire lock. This saves you money down the road.

Lock Changes & Rekey Service | Key Turnover Philadelphia

Every time a tenant moves out, the locks need to be addressed. Always. Even if the previous tenant returned every key they were given — you don't know if they made copies, gave keys to friends, or had the unit cleaned by someone who held onto a copy. Best practice (and required by some landlord insurance policies) is to rekey or replace locks at every turnover.

Lock changes are included in every Key Turnover tier — Standard, Premium, and White Glove. You don't have to call a separate locksmith, schedule a separate appointment, or coordinate a separate invoice. It just happens as part of the turnover.

Rekey vs. Replacement — what's the difference?

Rekey (default, included in every tier)

The locksmith opens the existing lock cylinder, swaps out the internal pins, and cuts new keys. The lock itself stays — same brand, same finish, same hole in the door. But the old keys no longer work, and you get a fresh set. Takes about 20-30 minutes per lock. Costs us almost nothing in materials, which is why it's included.

Best when: the existing hardware is in good condition and you don't want to upgrade.

Full lock replacement (add-on, starts at $40 per door)

We replace the entire deadbolt and/or knob. New hardware, new keys, new look. Takes about 45-60 minutes per door. Costs starts at $40 per door extra at material cost — we pass through manufacturer pricing without markup.

Best when: the existing lock is damaged, worn, the wrong finish (mismatched brass/chrome), or you want to upgrade to a smart lock or keypad system.

Brands and options we install

Basic mechanical locks (most common)

Kwikset SmartKey — popular, affordable, allows future rekey by you in 60 seconds. starts at $35 per deadbolt.
Schlage B-series — slightly higher quality, common in higher-end rentals. starts at $55 per deadbolt.
Defiant (Home Depot brand) — budget option for lower-end rentals. starts at $25 per deadbolt. Functional but lower quality.

Smart locks and keypads

Schlage Encode — keypad + Wi-Fi, integrates with most self-show platforms (Rently, Tenant Turner, ShowMojo). starts at $250 installed.
Kwikset Halo Touch — fingerprint + keypad, no key needed. starts at $200 installed.
August Smart Lock Pro — retrofit over existing deadbolt, Bluetooth + Wi-Fi. starts at $200 installed.
Yale Assure SL — touchscreen keypad, sleek look. starts at $200 installed.

Lockboxes (for self-show or agent access)

Master Lock 5400D — basic combination lockbox, starts at $30.
SentriLock or eLock — electronic lockbox tied to Rently or Tenant Turner accounts. Usually provided by the platform.

Why we don't markup hardware

Some property service companies markup hardware 30-50% as a profit center. We don't. The price we pay at the supplier is the price you pay. We make our margin on the labor and coordination, not on lock part markups. You see itemized hardware costs on every invoice.

What about garage doors, mailboxes, and other locks?

Garage door openers/remotes: we change the access code on existing openers, or replace remotes if needed.
Mailbox locks: if your unit has a curbside or cluster mailbox with a lock, we coordinate with USPS (the lock is technically USPS-owned). We don't change those locks — but we do verify the new tenant has access.
Window locks, sliding door locks, gate locks: all handled as part of the turnover. Usually rekey, sometimes replace.
Bedroom door locks: in shared-housing situations or roommate units, we can rekey individual bedroom locks if requested.

Key management after the turnover

Once locks are rekeyed or replaced, we:

Cut 4 keys per lock (you can request more)
Test each key in each lock to verify smooth operation
Hand keys directly to you, or place them in a lockbox per your instructions
Document the key code (for future rekey reference) in your final turnover report

If you use a self-show platform like Rently, Tenant Turner, or ShowMojo, our White Glove tier includes installation and configuration of their hardware.

Get a quote

Lock work is included in every turnover tier. Call (267) 609-2570 or request a quote for the full turnover package.

Lock Changes & Rekey — fresh keys, every turnover