Rekeying Rental Properties in Phoenix: What Every Landlord and Tenant Needs to Know
In the fast-paced Phoenix rental market, properties change hands quickly—whether it’s a family moving out of a South Mountain home or a student shifting rentals near ASU. But no matter who comes or goes, there’s one thing both landlords and tenants need to prioritize:
Rekeying the locks.
Rekeying isn’t just a security measure—it can also protect landlords legally and offer tenants peace of mind. In this post, we’ll break down when rekeying is required, how it benefits both parties, and what Phoenix renters and property owners should do to stay secure and compliant.
🔐 What Is Rekeying (and Why It’s Different from Replacing Locks)?
Rekeying involves changing the internal pins of a lock so old keys no longer work. Unlike replacing locks, it:
- Keeps the existing hardware in place
- Costs less than buying new locks
- Takes less time to complete
- Offers the same level of access control
👉 Here’s a full breakdown of our Phoenix rekeying service
🧾 Arizona Rental Law: Are Landlords Required to Rekey?
In Arizona, there’s no blanket law requiring landlords to rekey after every tenant—but there are strong expectations around maintaining secure premises.
Failing to rekey may:
- Be considered negligence if a previous tenant reenters
- Violate lease terms promising secure entry
- Result in denied insurance claims if forced entry isn’t proven
- Lead to liability in civil court for break-ins or theft
Bottom line: rekeying is strongly advised, and many landlords include it as standard practice.
🧠 Why Rekeying Is Smart for Landlords
Smart landlords rekey after every tenant because it: ✅ Prevents unauthorized reentry
✅ Increases tenant satisfaction
✅ Reduces liability and risk
✅ Makes future maintenance easier (you control all keys)
✅ Creates a positive reputation for safety and professionalism
We provide same-day rekeying during turnovers, evictions, or emergencies.
🏠 Why Tenants Should Request Rekeying
If your landlord didn’t rekey before you moved in, you should ask for it—especially if:
- You’re unsure who lived there before
- You see signs of tampering or lock wear
- You’re concerned about ex-tenants, service providers, or realtors with old keys
- You want peace of mind from day one
In Phoenix, many leases include language around key delivery—but that doesn’t mean the locks were rekeyed.
Ask directly:
“Were these locks rekeyed after the last tenant?”
🔑 Common Rental Situations Where Rekeying Is a Must
We recommend rekeying after:
- Move-outs or evictions
- Long-term leases ending
- Breakups or roommate changes
- Lost or stolen keys
- Signs of unauthorized entry
- Previous key sharing with cleaners, sitters, or contractors
We’ve helped secure rentals across Garfield, Maryvale, Arcadia, and downtown Phoenix—and no two cases are exactly the same.
🧰 What Locks Should Be Rekeyed in a Rental Property?
For most rental homes or apartments, rekey:
- Front and back doors
- Garage entry doors
- Side or patio doors
- Bedroom doors (in room-rental setups)
- Detached garage or storage unit locks
- Smart locks with backup keys
For landlords with multi-unit properties, we offer master key systems and unit-by-unit tracking.
💡 Can Smart Locks Be Rekeyed?
Yes. Most smart locks still include a traditional keyhole—usually hidden or used for backup. We can: ✅ Rekey the keyway
✅ Reset keypad codes
✅ Remove old app users
✅ Program secure guest access
Perfect for Airbnb-style rentals or tech-forward apartment complexes.
📋 How to Add Rekeying to Your Lease Agreement
For landlords: Include a clause such as:
“Landlord will rekey all exterior door locks after tenant move-out. Rekeying is included in standard turnover maintenance unless otherwise agreed in writing.”
For tenants: Request a clause stating:
“Locks will be rekeyed prior to move-in and verified upon inspection.”
💲 How Much Does Rekeying Cost?
| Service | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
| Rekeying front/back doors | $60–$90 total |
| Additional locks | $15–$25 each |
| Smart lock rekey + reset | +$15–$30 |
| Multi-unit rekey (per door) | Volume pricing ✅ |
📞 Schedule rental rekeying or get a property quote at (602) 854-2766.
🗺️ Areas We Serve for Rental Rekeying in Phoenix
We rekey rentals throughout:
- Arcadia
- Central Phoenix
- Alhambra
- Tempe
- Maryvale
- Garfield
- Biltmore
- Downtown & Roosevelt
…and all surrounding areas
Whether you own one unit or fifty, we’ve got you covered.
Final Word: Security Isn’t Optional—It’s a Responsibility
For landlords, rekeying is about doing the right thing. For tenants, it’s about feeling safe at home.
Whichever side of the lease you’re on, don’t leave access to chance. Rekeying gives you clarity, control, and confidence—without breaking the bank.
Rent Smart. Rekey Right.
We help Phoenix landlords and tenants secure their rental properties with professional, affordable rekeying that works for everyone involved.
Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm – Phoenix
📞 (602) 854-2766
🌐 affordablesecurityphoenix.com