When Should You Rekey vs Replace After a Tenant Moves Out in Phoenix?
Whether you’re managing a rental house in South Phoenix or a duplex in Arcadia, one thing every landlord has to deal with is what to do when a tenant moves out. Do you rekey the locks—or is it better to replace them?
At Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm, we help Phoenix property owners make smart, secure decisions based on their rental type, budget, and risk level. Here’s what you need to know after a tenant turns in their keys.
Learn more about our residential rekeying services for Phoenix landlords
Rekeying vs Replacing: What’s the Difference?
Rekeying means keeping the existing lock hardware, but changing the internal pins so the old key no longer works.
Replacing means removing the entire lock and installing a new one.
Both options improve security—but one may make more sense depending on the situation.
When to Rekey After a Tenant Leaves
For most standard situations, rekeying is the recommended move.
✅ The lock is still in good shape
✅ You want to save money while staying secure
✅ The tenant returned all keys, but you want to be sure
✅ You want to match multiple units to a master key
✅ You need a fast turnaround between tenants
Rekeying is affordable, fast (often under 30 minutes per lock), and just as effective at resetting access as replacing the lock entirely.
When to Replace Instead of Rekey
Consider full replacement if:
🔁 The lock is worn out or sticking
🔁 You’ve rekeyed the same lock multiple times
🔁 You want to upgrade to smart locks or keypads
🔁 The lock was damaged or tampered with
🔁 You want to improve curb appeal or modernize hardware
Lock replacement may cost more upfront, but it can improve long-term durability, tenant experience, and even property value.
Special Considerations for Landlords in Phoenix
Short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.):
Switching to a smart lock or keypad makes rekeying unnecessary and allows you to generate new codes after each guest.
Multi-unit properties:
We can install master key systems so you can access all units while tenants still have individual key access to their own space.
Rental agreements:
Some landlords rekey every time for legal protection and liability purposes. It helps show that you’ve taken reasonable steps to protect future tenants.
Rekeying & Lock Services for Landlords Across Phoenix
Whether you have one rental or 20, we provide fast, professional rekeying and lock changes in:
Ahwatukee
Arcadia
Maryvale
Camelback East
Biltmore
Downtown Phoenix
North and South Phoenix
And surrounding areas
Protect Your Property Between Tenants
Don’t assume the old keys are the only copies. Rekeying or replacing your locks is the best way to secure your property, give peace of mind to your next tenant, and avoid potential legal issues.
Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm – Phoenix
Call Today: (602) 854-2766
https://www.affordablesecurityphoenix.com
Related Service Page
Need help rekeying your rental property or changing locks after a move-out?
Affordable Security’s locksmith services for Phoenix homes and landlords