What will a locksmith ask for before rekeying my new home's locks?
Before rekeying, a locksmith will ask for identification and proof that you are entitled to be at the property. A driver's licence showing the address, a lease or a utility bill are typical examples. They will also ask which locks you want done and how many keys you need.
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If you own the home and have only just collected the keys, paperwork showing the address and your name is the point. If you rent, a lease or a note from the manager does the same job. If a neighbour or manager can confirm you live there, that can count too.
Why the locksmith asks
Rekeying makes every old key useless, so the locksmith needs to be sure the person asking has the right to make that change. The identification check protects you as well. It means nobody else can have the locks on your home altered. It is also why this page cannot be used as a how-to for opening anything.
If you are also locked out of the new home, the same rule applies. The locksmith checks identification and proof that you are entitled to enter before opening anything.
Rekeying is worth doing on a new home because a previous owner, a contractor, a former tenant or a letting agent may still hold a working key, and nobody can know how many copies exist. After rekeying, only the new keys work.
What you can get ready beforehand
- Gather proof of addressPut a driver's licence with the address, a lease or a recent utility bill where you can reach it. Any one of these is usually enough to start.
- Count every exterior lockWalk the outside of the home and note the front door, back door, garage side door, and any gate or shed with a lock. This lets the locksmith give an accurate estimate.
- Decide who needs keysList everyone in the household who needs a working key, so the right number can be cut in one visit.
- Note any worn or odd locksIf a lock feels loose, stiff or different from the others, mention it. Worn or mismatched hardware may be replaced rather than rekeyed.
- Collect the keys you were givenKeep the keys from the previous owner or agent handy. Once the work is done they will no longer operate the locks.
When to call a locksmith
Call as soon as you have the keys and know you want the locks changed. The summer moving season is when this work stacks up, so it is worth booking rather than leaving it. You can reach One Call Locksmiths on (866) 690-5848. We arrange the visit with an independent locksmith, who does the work.
At the door the locksmith will ask for your identification and proof that you are entitled to be at the property. They look at the locks and give the price, and work starts only once you agree it. The estimate is free on every job.
What the locksmith will do
- Check identificationThe locksmith confirms who you are and that you are entitled to the property before any work begins.
- Assess every exterior lockThe locksmith looks at each lock, tells you which can be rekeyed and which should be replaced, and gives the price for you to approve.
- Put every lock on one new keyExterior locks are set so a single new key works them all. The garage side door and any gate or shed can be included.
- Make the old keys uselessOnce the work is done, keys held by previous owners, tenants, contractors or agents no longer work.
- Cut keys for the householdKeys are cut for everyone who needs one, so you leave with working copies in hand.
Related questions
- Do I need to own the home, or can a renter ask for rekeying?
- Either can ask, as long as you can show you are entitled to be there. A renter may need to check the lease or tell the manager first. That is between you and the landlord, not something the locksmith decides.
- Is rekeying the same as replacing the locks?
- No. Rekeying keeps the existing hardware and sets it to a new key. Replacing fits new locks, which makes sense where the hardware is worn or does not match the others. The locksmith will tell you which suits each door.
- What affects the price of rekeying a new home?
- The main factors are how many locks there are, the type of lock, whether any need replacing, and how many keys must be cut. The time of day can matter too. The locksmith gives the price after looking at the locks, and you agree it before work starts.
- Does the locksmith have to be licensed?
- It depends where you live. Some states license or register locksmiths, others leave it to cities or counties, and some do not regulate the trade. Check with your state or city for what applies to you.
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