What Phoenix Landlords Should Include in Their Rekeying Policy
If you own or manage rental property in Phoenix, you probably already understand the importance of locks, keys, and tenant security. But what you might not have is a clear, written rekeying policy—and that’s a mistake.
Without a proper rekeying process in place, you could face liability, lost tenant trust, and unnecessary costs.
Whether you’re managing single-family rentals in Laveen, student housing in Tempe, or multifamily buildings in Central Phoenix, this post will show you exactly what to include in your rekeying policy to protect your tenants, your property, and your business.
🔐 Why Rekeying Should Be a Landlord’s Priority
Every time a tenant moves out, there’s a possibility:
- They kept a key
- They gave a copy to a friend, roommate, or ex
- A key was duplicated at a hardware store
- A vendor (plumber, pest control, cleaner) had temporary access
Rekeying removes all uncertainty by rendering old keys useless and restoring total control over the property.
💡 Arizona Law on Rekeying (Landlord-Tenant Act Basics)
While Arizona law doesn’t require rekeying between every tenant by default, it does require landlords to provide secure locks and maintain a safe property.
Failing to rekey:
- Could be seen as negligent in a legal dispute
- Might void your insurance if a break-in occurs with a known key
- Could hurt your reputation or online reviews
🧾 What to Include in a Rekeying Policy (Phoenix Landlord Checklist)
Here’s what your written policy should include:
✅ 1. When Rekeying Is Required
Spell out the specific times you will rekey:
- After each tenant move-out
- After an eviction
- When a lock is damaged
- After a reported lost or stolen key
- Upon request (for a fee or under safety concerns)
✅ 2. Who Pays for Rekeying
This depends on your lease agreement and situation:
- Landlord pays after move-out (best for tenant safety and goodwill)
- Tenant pays if keys are lost, stolen, or not returned
- Shared cost if rekeying is requested mid-lease for personal reasons
Include this clearly in your lease documents and move-in checklist.
✅ 3. How Many Keys Are Issued
Most landlords issue:
- 2 copies per tenant
- 1 per adult occupant listed on the lease
- More upon request (and documented in writing)
State that additional copies require landlord approval.
✅ 4. Vendor Access Control
If you hire vendors like:
- Maintenance techs
- Cleaners
- Pest control
- Lawn services
- Inspectors
Clarify:
- How access is granted
- How long keys are kept
- That vendor keys must be returned or deactivated
✅ 5. What Locks Are Rekeyed
Most landlords rekey:
- Front and back doors
- Side or garage entry doors
- Detached garages or sheds (if included in the lease)
Optional: include padlocks, gates, or internal keyed doors based on property type.
✅ 6. Rekeying Frequency for Long-Term Tenants
If a tenant stays 3+ years, you may offer:
- Rekeying every few years for peace of mind
- Rekeying after roommate changes or personal life changes
This increases tenant satisfaction and reduces risk.
✅ 7. Smart Lock and Keypad Management
If using digital locks, include:
- Who manages code changes
- Who handles app access
- When codes are reset (usually after move-out)
- Physical key backup policy
We can help you install and maintain these if you’re not comfortable doing it alone.
✅ 8. Emergency Rekeying Procedure
In case of:
- Break-ins
- Domestic disputes
- Immediate safety concerns
Clarify who a tenant should call and how quickly you’ll respond. Having a trusted locksmith on call (like us) is essential.
✅ 9. Master Key System Policy (if applicable)
For landlords with multiple units:
- Who holds master keys
- Whether tenants know a master key exists
- How keys are tracked, stored, and secured
We design secure master key systems for Phoenix landlords that balance access and safety.
✅ 10. Documentation and Recordkeeping
Keep a log of:
- Rekeying dates
- Who requested it
- Keys issued and returned
- Locksmith receipts (for tax and liability purposes)
We can provide PDF receipts with every rekeying service.
🧰 Sample Rekeying Policy Language (For Leases)
“For security purposes, the landlord will rekey all exterior door locks after each tenant move-out. The cost is included in turnover fees unless otherwise stated. Tenants are responsible for lost keys or rekeying during tenancy due to personal circumstances. Two keys will be issued per adult listed on the lease. Additional keys must be approved by management.”
📍 Areas We Serve for Landlord Rekeying in Phoenix
We regularly work with rental property owners in:
- Garfield
- Alhambra
- Maryvale
- Roosevelt
- North Phoenix
- Arcadia
- Laveen
- South Mountain
…and the rest of Maricopa County.
💲 How Much Does Rekeying Cost for Landlords?
| Service | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
| Rekeying 2–3 doors/unit | $60–$90 total |
| Volume pricing (5+ units) | Custom quote ✅ |
| Smart lock reset | +$15–$30 |
| Master key system setup | Ask for estimate |
📞 Schedule property-wide rekeying or get a quote at (602) 854-2766.
Final Word: Rekeying Is Low Cost, High Protection
Your rekeying policy could be the difference between:
- A secure, happy tenant
- Or a legal dispute you didn’t see coming
Protect your rentals, your reputation, and your residents by putting a smart, simple rekeying plan in place.
Landlords: Rekey Smarter, Not Harder.
Let our Phoenix locksmiths help you protect your rentals with fast, reliable rekeying backed by documentation and support.
Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm – Phoenix
📞 (602) 854-2766
🌐 affordablesecurityphoenix.com