Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm Blog

Why Airbnb Hosts in Encanto and Willo Are Rekeying Their Rentals for Better Security

The historic neighborhoods of Encanto and Willo are among Phoenix’s most popular areas for Airbnb guests—and for good reason. With charming 1920s architecture, walkability, and close proximity to downtown attractions, these neighborhoods offer travelers a unique and comfortable stay.

But for hosts, there’s more to think about than design and reviews.

Security is the foundation of a successful short-term rental.
And if you’re not rekeying your doors regularly—or after each long stay—you may be leaving your property and guests at risk.

In this guide, we’ll explain why more Airbnb hosts in Encanto and Willo are turning to professional rekeying services in Phoenix to lock in their success and protect what matters most.


Why Encanto and Willo Are Hotspots for Short-Term Rentals

Both neighborhoods feature:

  • Beautiful restored homes with character
  • Quick access to downtown Phoenix
  • Proximity to museums, restaurants, and events
  • Tree-lined streets with real neighborhood charm
  • Strong curb appeal for listings

This makes them perfect for:

  • Vacationers
  • Business travelers
  • Sports fans attending Suns or Diamondbacks games
  • Seasonal guests escaping winter

But this popularity also brings high turnover, multiple guests, and frequent key/code exchanges—which can lead to security lapses if not managed carefully.


Common Security Risks for Airbnb Hosts in Historic Homes

🔑 Guests may make copies of physical keys
🔐 Old backup keys may still be hidden around the property
👷 Vendors (cleaners, handymen) may retain access
📲 Digital codes may not be reset between stays
🔍 Original antique locks may not meet modern standards

If any of these apply to your rental, it’s time to consider rekeying.


What Does Rekeying Do?

Rekeying means we change the internal pins of your existing lock, so:

  • Old keys no longer work
  • A new key is issued
  • No hardware is removed or replaced
  • Your lock looks the same—but functions more securely

It’s quick, affordable, and a perfect fit for maintaining guest privacy and host protection.


When to Rekey Your Airbnb in Encanto or Willo

We recommend rekeying your rental:

✅ After any guest stay longer than 2 weeks
✅ After a lost or unreturned key
✅ After a vendor, co-host, or staff change
✅ After a suspicious guest or property damage
✅ Every 3–6 months as part of routine maintenance
✅ After installing or updating a smart lock

Many of our Willo hosts choose to rekey seasonally, while Encanto hosts with vintage properties rekey after every 3rd or 4th guest for full peace of mind.


Smart Locks Still Require Rekeying

If your home uses a smart lock (like Schlage Encode or Kwikset Halo), you’re not fully protected unless:

  • You reset the digital codes
  • You remove all old app users
  • You rekey the physical override cylinder

We handle all three for Airbnb hosts. That way, you’re covered both digitally and physically.


Why Physical Key Control Still Matters

Even with digital entry, most smart locks:

  • Include a physical key
  • Allow manual override during power or Wi-Fi issues
  • Come with default keys that can be copied

We’ve rekeyed properties on Cypress St, Alvarado Rd, and 3rd Ave where the physical key still opened the door months after staff had changed.


Rekeying Historic Lock Hardware Without Losing Charm

Many Encanto and Willo homes still use vintage mortise or rim locks. These may look beautiful, but they may also be:

  • Easy to pick
  • Loose-fitting
  • Still keyed from previous owners
  • Non-compliant with modern short-term rental standards

We offer rekeying services that:

  • Preserve the exterior look of your hardware
  • Improve the internal function
  • Offer optional upgrades with hidden deadbolts or secondary locks

Airbnb Hosting = Legal Responsibility

If an incident occurs—unauthorized entry, guest complaint, or worse—you may be asked:

  • “When was the last time you changed your locks?”
  • “Who else had access?”
  • “Was the guest given exclusive entry?”

Rekeying gives you a paper trail and proof that you took steps to secure your listing.


The Affordable Security Rekeying Process

Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Same-day or next-day appointment
  2. Walkthrough of all exterior and interior locks
  3. Careful rekeying without damage
  4. New keys issued on-site
  5. Optional matching of all locks to one key
  6. Smart lock reset and access audit (if needed)
  7. Advice on future security upgrades

We’ve helped Airbnb hosts all over Willo and Encanto, including:

  • Monte Vista Rd
  • Virginia Ave
  • Brill St
  • Alvarado Rd
  • 5th Ave

…and we’re ready to help you next.


How Often Should Hosts Rekey?

Here’s a quick reference for short-term rental hosts:

ScenarioSuggested Rekey Frequency
Long-term guests (2+ weeks)After each stay
High guest turnoverEvery 3–6 months
Property staff or co-host changesImmediately
Suspicious activity or lost keyImmediately
Smart lock use with physical key2–4 times per year

👉 Schedule your next rekeying here or call (602) 854-2766 to speak with a specialist.


Final Word: Your Reputation Starts with Security

Guests trust you with their stay.
You trust them with your home.
Rekeying protects both.

In Phoenix’s historic districts like Willo and Encanto, your home is more than a rental—it’s a part of the city’s identity. We help you protect it without sacrificing its style or charm.


Secure Your Guests. Secure Your Investment.
Don’t let old keys or outdated locks compromise your short-term rental. Rekeying is a fast, affordable way to protect your guests and your reputation—right here in Phoenix’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm – Phoenix
📞 (602) 854-2766
🌐 affordablesecurityphoenix.com

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Call 602-854-2776

For more than 25 years, Affordable Locksmith Service has established itself as the first choice of Phoenix, AZ

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