Rekeying vs. Master Keying for Duplexes in Phoenix: Which Option Makes Sense?
As a landlord or property manager in Phoenix, one of your biggest responsibilities is access control—who can enter which doors, when, and with what key. And if you own a duplex, triplex, or small multi-family rental, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“Should I rekey the locks between tenants—or set up a master key system?”
The truth is, both options have their place, depending on your goals, the type of property, and how you manage it.
In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of rekeying and master keying in Phoenix, specifically for landlords who own or manage duplexes. Whether you’re operating in Garfield, Maryvale, Central City South, or Sunnyslope, this guide will help you make the right choice.
What’s the Difference Between Rekeying and Master Keying?
🔐 Rekeying
Rekeying changes the internal pins of a lock so it works with a new key, rendering all old keys useless. Each lock is set to a unique key unless you request a matching set.
🔑 Master Keying
Master keying creates a system where multiple locks work with:
- A tenant key (opens only their unit)
- A master key (opens all units)
This is ideal for property owners or managers who need to access multiple doors with a single key while maintaining separate access for tenants.
Pros and Cons of Rekeying for Duplexes
✅ Pros:
- Ensures only current tenant has access
- Ideal for turnovers or lost keys
- Lower cost than full hardware replacement
- Great for small properties with few units
- No ongoing system to manage
❌ Cons:
- Each unit has a different key (less convenient for landlord)
- No universal access unless specially keyed
- Requires separate key management
Pros and Cons of Master Keying for Duplexes
✅ Pros:
- Landlord/staff only need one master key
- Easier access for inspections, maintenance, emergencies
- Works well for duplexes with shared laundry or garage
- Can still assign private keys to tenants
❌ Cons:
- Slightly more expensive setup
- Requires lock compatibility and planning
- If the master key is lost, you must rekey entire system
- Tenants may object if they learn a master key exists
When to Rekey in a Duplex Setting
You should always rekey: ✅ Between tenant turnovers
✅ After an eviction or lease dispute
✅ After a lost or unreturned key
✅ After service vendors, handymen, or contractors had access
✅ After a break-in attempt or door damage
In many Phoenix duplexes—especially in older neighborhoods like Coronado or Garfield—rekeying is the easiest, most cost-effective way to regain full control of access.
When to Consider Master Keying
Master key systems are ideal for: 🔑 Multi-unit owners with 2–8 units on one property
🔧 Landlords who perform their own maintenance
👮♂️ Property managers or security personnel
🛏️ Short-term rentals with guest access management
📦 Duplexes with shared access points (mailrooms, storage, laundry)
In neighborhoods like Central City or Roosevelt Row, where investors own several units in close proximity, master keying improves efficiency without sacrificing tenant privacy.
Common Duplex Setup Examples
Example 1: Basic Duplex – Two Tenants
- Tenant A has key A (Unit 1)
- Tenant B has key B (Unit 2)
- Landlord has a master key that opens both units
- Shared garage or laundry can be keyed to accept both A and B, or only master
Example 2: Owner-Occupied Duplex
- Owner lives in Unit 1
- Tenant in Unit 2
- Master key unlocks both units + shared spaces
- Each unit has its own unique key for privacy
How Much Does It Cost in Phoenix?
| Service Type | Average Price per Lock |
|---|---|
| Rekeying (standard) | $15–$25 |
| Master key system setup | $25–$50 per lock |
| Lock replacement | $50–$150+ |
We offer volume pricing for duplexes and multi-unit owners—especially when rekeying 3+ locks in one appointment.
Can I Combine Rekeying and Master Keying?
Yes. Many duplex owners rekey locks between tenants within a master key system.
Here’s how:
- The tenant key changes each turnover
- The landlord’s master key remains the same
- The overall system stays intact and manageable
We help Phoenix landlords do this all the time—especially in North Phoenix, Alhambra, and Eastlake Park.
Smart Locks and Duplexes: What to Know
If your duplex uses smart locks:
- Ensure you reset the digital access between tenants
- Don’t forget the physical override keys—they can still be copied or lost
- You can request rekeying + smart lock code management in one service
Our team specializes in locks from Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, and others used in Phoenix-area rentals.
Our Rekeying + Master Keying Services for Phoenix Landlords
At Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm – Phoenix, we help you:
✅ Rekey all doors for turnovers
✅ Design and install master key systems
✅ Provide new keys on-site
✅ Support smart lock + key combo setups
✅ Secure shared entryways
✅ Offer digital record-keeping for property management
We work with landlords in:
- Downtown Phoenix
- Garfield
- Encanto
- Maryvale
- Arcadia Lite
- South Phoenix
- Biltmore
…and more.
📞 Book your service here or call (602) 854-2766.
Final Word: Choose What Fits Your Property
For one or two doors?
👉 Simple rekeying is probably all you need.
For duplexes with staff access or long-term rental strategies?
👉 Master keying could save time, improve efficiency, and offer long-term control.
Not sure which to choose? We’ll help you design the perfect access strategy for your Phoenix property.
Rekey or Master Key? Either Way, We’ve Got You Covered.
Protect your tenants, your investment, and your time. Our team delivers fast, affordable rekeying and master keying systems tailored for Phoenix duplex owners.
Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm – Phoenix
📞 (602) 854-2766
🌐 affordablesecurityphoenix.com