Rekey or Replace? Lock Security Tips for Virginia Beach

When Should You Rekey Your Locks? A Practical Guide for Virginia Beach Homeowners
Moving into a new home in Virginia Beach is exciting, but one detail that many homeowners overlook is the locks on their doors. Previous owners, real estate agents, contractors, and neighbors may all hold copies of your keys. Rekeying your locks closes that gap and gives you full control over who can enter your home.
Rekeying is one of the most requested services at Budget Locksmith of Virginia Beach, and for good reason. Knowing when to rekey, and why it matters, can save you from a security problem down the road.
What Rekeying Actually Does
When a locksmith rekeys a lock, they disassemble the cylinder and replace the internal pins with a new set. The lock itself stays in place, but only a newly cut key will operate it. Any previous keys stop working immediately after the service is complete.
Rekeying costs significantly less than a full lock replacement and takes only a few minutes per lock. If your existing hardware is in good condition, rekeying gives you fresh security at a fraction of the cost of new deadbolts and knobs.
Five Situations That Call for Rekeying Your Locks
1. You Just Moved Into a New Home
This situation calls for rekeying before you unpack a single box. You have no way to track how many copies of your keys exist or who currently holds them. A licensed locksmith can rekey every exterior lock in a single visit, giving you a clean start from day one.
2. You Recently Ended a Relationship or Had a Roommate Move Out
When someone who previously lived with you moves out, retrieving every copy of your key is rarely straightforward. Rekeying eliminates the uncertainty. You retain your existing locks and hardware while ensuring that any unreturned keys no longer work.
3. You Lost Your Keys or Had Them Stolen
A lost key is a manageable inconvenience. A stolen key, especially one attached to any identification or mail with your address, is a security risk that calls for immediate action. Rekeying the affected locks the same day you discover the loss is the most direct response.
4. You Recently Had Work Done on Your Home
Contractors, house cleaners, dog walkers, and other service providers often receive temporary key access during a project. Once the work is finished and keys have been returned, rekeying confirms that access is fully closed. You may have given out one key, but you have no control over whether that key was duplicated.
5. You Moved Into a Rental Property
Virginia Beach has a large rental market, and tenant turnover means the same key can pass through multiple households over the years. Even if your landlord provides a “new” key, previous tenants may hold copies. Ask your landlord about rekeying, or speak with a locksmith about your options as a renter.
Rekeying vs. Replacing: How to Decide
Rekeying makes practical sense when your existing locks are in good working order and you simply need to change who has access. Replacing your locks makes more sense when the hardware shows visible wear, the deadbolt or knob mechanism feels loose or sticky, or you want to upgrade to a higher security rating.
A licensed locksmith can inspect your current hardware and give you an honest recommendation. In many cases, rekeying is all you need. In others, a lock replacement adds durability and a longer service life to the security benefit.
How Often Should Virginia Beach Homeowners Think About Lock Security?
A good rule of thumb is to review your lock security any time your household situation changes. That includes moves, relationship changes, staff turnover, lost keys, or any break-in attempt in your neighborhood. Treating lock security as a periodic checkup rather than a one-time setup keeps you ahead of potential problems.
Virginia Beach neighborhoods range from busy resort areas to quiet suburban streets, and each environment carries its own patterns of foot traffic and risk. A local locksmith familiar with the area can help you evaluate your specific situation rather than apply a one-size-fits-all approach.
Schedule Your Rekey Service Today
Budget Locksmith of Virginia Beach serves homeowners and renters across Virginia Beach with fast, affordable rekeying and lock services. Our technicians are licensed, local, and ready to help you secure your home the same day you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does rekeying a lock typically cost compared to replacing it?
Rekeying a lock generally costs between $15 and $25 per lock in labor, plus a service call fee, making it significantly cheaper than buying and installing new hardware. A full lock replacement can run $75 to $200 or more per lock depending on the brand and security rating. If your existing deadbolts and knobs are in good shape, rekeying delivers the same access control benefit at a much lower price.
Can all types of locks be rekeyed?
Most standard pin tumbler locks, including common deadbolts and knob locks, can be rekeyed by a licensed locksmith. Some high-security locks, smart locks, or older proprietary hardware may require manufacturer-specific tools or replacement parts. A locksmith can inspect your locks beforehand and tell you whether rekeying is possible or whether a different approach is needed.
How long does it take to rekey all the locks in a house?
A locksmith can typically rekey all exterior locks in an average home in 30 to 60 minutes during a single visit. The exact time depends on the number of locks and whether they all need to be keyed alike, meaning one key operates all of them. Keying locks alike adds a small amount of time but is usually worth requesting so you only need to carry one key.
Is rekeying something a homeowner can do themselves?
Rekeying kits are available at hardware stores for certain lock brands, but the process requires disassembling the cylinder and handling small internal pins in a specific order. An error during reassembly can leave the lock inoperable or less secure than before. Most homeowners find that hiring a licensed locksmith is faster, avoids the risk of damaging the hardware, and costs little more than buying the kit.
Can a landlord legally refuse to rekey a rental unit between tenants?
Virginia law requires landlords to rekey rental units between tenants, so new tenants have the right to request this before or at move-in. If your landlord has not complied, putting your request in writing creates a record of the request. You can also contact a locksmith to understand your options, though any work on a rental unit typically requires landlord consent unless the lease states otherwise.
With a 4.8-star rating across more than 1,390 Google reviews, we have built our reputation one lock at a time. Call us at (757) 330-3377 or visit budget-locksmith-virginia-beach.com to schedule your service. We will have your home rekeyed and your peace of mind restored before the day is out.
