Rekeying Your Phoenix Airbnb: What Hosts Need to Know About Guest Safety
Phoenix is a hotspot for short-term rentals. From modern condos in Midtown to guest casitas in Willo or Arcadia Lite, Airbnb hosts are thriving. But behind every 5-star review and booked calendar is one thing that truly makes or breaks your success: guest safety.
Whether you’re managing one unit or a portfolio of properties across the Valley, rekeying your Airbnb property is a crucial part of running a professional—and protected—rental business.
Let’s dive into why rekeying matters, when to do it, and how it helps keep guests, property, and profits secure.
Why Rekeying Matters for Airbnb Hosts
Many hosts assume that using smart locks and access codes means rekeying isn’t needed. But here’s the problem:
- Many smart locks still use physical keys
- Not all hosts change codes between guests
- Contractors, cleaners, and past guests may still have backup keys
- Code-sharing between guests happens more than you’d think
Even with tech in place, if your physical key still works—and copies exist—your property is vulnerable.
That’s why Phoenix hosts in neighborhoods like Roosevelt Row, Biltmore, and Garfield trust rekeying as their first line of defense when transitioning between guests, staff changes, or after extended stays.
Common Access Points in Airbnb Properties
Let’s break down where rekeying might be needed in your rental:
🔐 Main Entry Doors – Front/back doors with standard or smart locks
🚪 Garage Entry Doors – Commonly overlooked, but often still keyed
🚧 Side Gates or Fences – Especially in Arcadia or Central Phoenix
🗝️ Casita or Guest House Entries – Separate units need separate security
🧰 Storage Closets or Owner’s Cabinets – Where you keep supplies or valuables
Even if you only rent out a portion of your property, any door with a physical key is a potential security gap.
When to Rekey Your Airbnb in Phoenix
Here are the top situations where rekeying is recommended (and often necessary):
1. After a Long-Term Stay
Guests who stay more than 30 days may consider the property their “home” temporarily—and may create key copies or share access.
Rekeying after long-term guests ensures complete control.
2. After a Bad or Suspicious Guest
If there were complaints, damages, or security concerns—don’t take chances. Rekey immediately.
This is especially true if you’ve had unauthorized guests, parties, or break-in attempts reported.
3. After Contractor or Staff Changes
Did your cleaner or handyman quit suddenly? Did you switch property managers? If any of them had key access, reset everything.
We’ve helped hosts in Grand Avenue, Encanto, and North Gateway rekey after personnel changes to prevent future issues.
4. After a Lost Key
If a guest loses a physical backup key and you don’t know where it went—or if they leave with it—rekey the door. Don’t wait.
5. Every Few Months (as Routine Maintenance)
Even with no red flags, regular rekeying every 3–6 months keeps your access list clean and improves guest trust.
Why Smart Locks Alone Aren’t Enough
We love smart locks. They’re efficient, modern, and convenient. But they can give hosts a false sense of security.
Most smart locks:
- Still include a physical key override
- Can be accessed via code-sharing
- May not reset all access when new guests arrive
If you don’t rekey the lock cylinder or fully reset the system, someone with an old key or code may still get in.
That’s why smart Airbnb hosts in South Phoenix, Ahwatukee Foothills, and Desert View combine smart tech with physical rekeying for full protection.
Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Factor | Rekeying | Replacing Locks |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 💲 Affordable | 💸 More expensive |
| Security Reset | ✅ Yes (new key, old keys disabled) | ✅ Yes |
| Keeps Hardware Style | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (new design) |
| Time Required | ⚡ Fast (30–60 min) | ⏱️ Longer, more intrusive |
| Guest Safety Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Unless your hardware is damaged or outdated, rekeying is the smarter move for short-term rentals.
How Rekeying Helps Your Hosting Business
✅ Protects Your Property
No risk of former guests, staff, or contractors returning unexpectedly.
✅ Builds Guest Trust
Let guests know your property is rekeyed and secure—this builds confidence and improves reviews.
✅ Reduces Liability
If a guest is harmed or their belongings stolen due to unauthorized access, you could be liable. Rekeying is part of protecting your rental legally.
✅ Increases Efficiency
Use one key across multiple doors (when compatible), and create backup keys for co-hosts or housekeepers.
How Affordable Security Helps Phoenix Airbnb Hosts
We’ve helped Airbnb and VRBO hosts across Phoenix rekey their properties—whether they manage:
- A backyard casita in Encanto
- A high-rise condo in Midtown
- A luxury rental in Arcadia
- A multi-unit portfolio across Roosevelt Row and North Mountain
Our rekeying service includes:
- Lock assessment and consultation
- Rekeying of all access points
- Optional key matching (1 key for all doors)
- New key set provided on-site
- Extra copies if needed
- Support with smart lock integration
Book your Airbnb rekeying service today or give us a call to talk about your setup.
Quick Checklist for Airbnb Rekeying
✅ Rekey front and back doors
✅ Rekey garage and gate doors
✅ Change smart lock codes and remove users
✅ Reset app-based access
✅ Replace any lost keys
✅ Do a full rekey every 3–6 months or after suspicious activity
Be the Host Guests Trust—Rekey Between the Risks
As an Airbnb host in Phoenix, you work hard to earn 5-star reviews. Rekeying helps you protect what matters—your guests, your property, and your reputation.
Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm – Phoenix
📞 (602) 854-2766
🌐 affordablesecurityphoenix.com