Whether you’ve just picked up the keys to a new home in Rockingham, handed back a set of keys to a departing tenant, or noticed your spare key has gone missing, one question tends to come up fast: should the locks be rekeyed? Lock rekeying is one of the most practical, affordable, and frequently misunderstood security services available to homeowners and property managers. This guide covers everything worth knowing, from how the process works to what WA landlords need to consider under tenancy law.
What Is Lock Rekeying?
Rekeying a lock means changing the internal pin tumblers inside the lock cylinder so that only a brand-new key will operate it. The lock hardware itself stays exactly where it is. Once the job is done, every previous key, including copies held by former tenants, ex-partners, or previous owners, is permanently useless. No cutting, no guessing, no hoping. The old key simply will not turn.
This is possible because most pin tumbler locks (the most common type found in Australian residential and commercial properties) are designed with removable cylinders and interchangeable pin sets. A licensed locksmith removes the cylinder, replaces the pins with a new combination, and cuts fresh keys to match. The whole process takes around 15 to 30 minutes per lock.
Rekeying vs. Replacing Your Locks: Which Should You Choose?
This is the question most people ask first, and the honest answer depends on the condition of the lock and the reason for the change.
Rekeying is the right choice when:
- The lock hardware is in good working condition
- The goal is simply to cancel old keys
- Cost is a consideration (rekeying is significantly cheaper than replacement)
- A tenant has vacated a rental property
- Keys have been lost or stolen
Lock replacement makes more sense when:
- The lock is damaged, worn, or faulty
- A security upgrade is needed (for example, moving from a basic deadbolt to a high-security cylinder)
- The lock is a proprietary or smart lock that cannot be rekeyed
- The existing lock does not meet current security standards for the property
In most everyday scenarios, rekeying delivers the same security outcome as a full replacement at a fraction of the cost. A properly rekeyed lock is just as secure as it was before, provided the hardware itself is sound.
Who Should Consider Lock Rekeying?
Lock rekeying is relevant to a wide range of people, but a few situations call for it more urgently than others:
- New homeowners: There is no way to know how many copies of the original keys exist. Rekeying immediately after settlement is one of the simplest security steps a new owner can take.
- Landlords and property managers: Tenant changeover is the most common trigger for a rekey. It protects the incoming tenant and limits the landlord’s liability.
- Anyone who has lost keys or had them stolen: If there is any chance the keys could be traced back to a property, rekeying removes the risk without the expense of full lock replacement.
- People leaving a shared living situation: Relationship breakdowns, shared house exits, and similar circumstances often make rekeying a sensible precaution.
How Much Does Lock Rekeying Cost in Rockingham and Mandurah?
Pricing for lock rekeying varies depending on the number of locks, the lock brand, and whether the locks are being keyed alike (more on that below). For a standard residential property in the Rockingham and Mandurah area, most homeowners can expect to pay a per-lock fee plus a service call charge. Rekeying a full home with three to four locks is almost always considerably cheaper than replacing all the hardware.
A mobile locksmith service also reduces the overall cost compared to taking locks to a shop, because there is no disassembly and reassembly of door hardware required. The locksmith works on-site, at the property, which saves time and effort for everyone.
For an accurate quote specific to your property and lock types, contacting a local locksmith directly is always the best approach.
How Long Does It Take to Rekey a Lock?
A single lock typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes to rekey. A standard three-bedroom home with front door, back door, and one or two additional entry points can usually be completed within an hour. More complex properties or those with a higher number of entry points will take longer, but the process is rarely disruptive to the rest of the day.
Can All My Locks Be Keyed to the Same Key?
Yes, and this is one of the most popular requests from both homeowners and landlords. “Keying alike” means rekeying multiple locks so they all respond to a single key. It is practical, convenient, and eliminates the frustration of carrying a bundle of keys for a single property.
Most standard pin tumbler locks from common brands can be keyed alike, provided they are from compatible lock families. A locksmith will assess the existing hardware and advise if any locks are incompatible. For landlords managing multiple properties, a master key system can be set up so that individual property keys work independently while a master key opens all of them.
Landlords and Property Managers: When WA Tenancy Rules Require a Rekey
Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA) and associated regulations, landlords in Western Australia have obligations around security and the provision of working locks. While the legislation does not prescribe rekeying after every tenancy, landlords are expected to ensure that a property is secure and that tenants have reasonable security at the start of a tenancy.
In practice, this means that rekeying between tenants is not just good practice, it is a reasonable step toward meeting the duty of care owed to incoming tenants. If a former tenant retained keys and used them to access the property, the consequences for a landlord could be significant. Property managers in the Rockingham and Mandurah area routinely arrange rekeying as a standard part of the tenant-changeover process.
Rekeying After Eviction or Tenant Repossession: What You Need to Know
Eviction and property repossession create a specific and urgent need for lock rekeying. Once a tenant has vacated under a court order or formal repossession process, the property must be secured immediately. In these situations, rekeying (or in some cases, full lock replacement) should happen on the same day the property is handed back or possession is formally regained.
It is important that landlords and agents do not change locks before a formal order is in place, as this can constitute an unlawful eviction under WA law. Once the legal process is complete, however, acting quickly is essential. A mobile locksmith who can attend the property promptly and rekey all entry points on the spot is the most practical solution in these circumstances.
What Locks Cannot Be Rekeyed?
Most standard residential and commercial locks can be rekeyed, but there are exceptions. Locks that cannot be rekeyed include:
- Severely damaged or corroded cylinders where the internal mechanism is compromised
- Certain smart locks and electronic locks with proprietary systems
- Some low-quality or non-standard locks where replacement pins are not available
- Locks where the cylinder is fused or cannot be removed without destruction
In these cases, replacement is the appropriate course of action. A locksmith will identify this during the initial assessment.
Professional vs. DIY Rekeying
Rekeying kits are available for purchase, and some homeowners attempt the process themselves. The risk with DIY rekeying is real: incorrect pin placement can leave a lock inoperable, void the manufacturer’s warranty, or create a false sense of security if the job is not completed correctly. A licensed locksmith brings the right tools, the right pins, and the experience to complete the job correctly the first time. For most people, the cost saving of DIY is not worth the risk.
Why Choose a Police-Licensed Locksmith for Rekeying?
In Western Australia, locksmiths are required to hold a Security Agents Licence issued by the WA Police Force. This licensing process includes background checks and ensures that the person working on your locks has been vetted by authorities. When hiring a locksmith, asking to see their licence number is entirely reasonable and something any reputable operator will welcome.
Working with a police-licensed locksmith means the person handling your home or business security has met the state’s legal requirements. It also provides a layer of consumer protection that unlicensed operators simply cannot offer.
What to Expect on the Day: Our Rekeying Process Step by Step
For anyone who has never had a locksmith visit before, knowing what to expect removes the uncertainty. Here is what a typical rekeying visit looks like:
- Booking and arrival: The locksmith arrives at the property at the agreed time, fully equipped with tools and a range of pin sets.
- Assessment: Each lock is inspected to confirm it is in good working order and suitable for rekeying. Any locks that need replacement rather than rekeying are identified upfront.
- Rekeying: The cylinder is removed, the existing pins are replaced with a new combination, and the cylinder is refitted.
- Key cutting: New keys are cut on-site to match the new pin combination.
- Testing: Every rekeyed lock is tested with both the new key and the old key to confirm the old key no longer works.
- Handover: The new keys are handed over, and the locksmith walks through any questions about the work completed.
Serving Rockingham, Mandurah, Kwinana and the Surrounding Coast
Master Lock Service is a family-owned mobile locksmith with more than 30 years of experience serving the Rockingham, Mandurah, Kwinana, and surrounding coastal communities of Western Australia. As a fully police-licensed business (Security Installers Licence 39859, Security Agents Licence 39858), the team comes directly to the property, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5:30pm.
For local homeowners, landlords, and property managers, working with a locksmith who knows the area and holds current WA licensing is the most reliable way to get lock rekeying done right.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lock Rekeying
Will my old keys work after rekeying?
No. Once a lock is rekeyed, the old keys are permanently deactivated. They will not turn the cylinder under any circumstances.
Is rekeying as secure as replacing a lock?
Yes, provided the existing lock hardware is in good condition. The security of a lock comes from its mechanism, and rekeying changes that mechanism. The result is equivalent to installing a new lock.
Can you rekey your locks yourself?
DIY rekeying kits exist, but they carry real risks including lock damage and incorrect pin placement. A licensed locksmith is the recommended option for reliable results.
What is the difference between rekeying and a master key system?
Rekeying changes a lock so only one new key operates it. A master key system allows multiple locks to each have their own key while also being operated by a single master key. Master key systems require more planning and are typically used by landlords, businesses, or larger properties.
How soon after moving in should locks be rekeyed?
Ideally on settlement day or the first day of occupancy. The sooner it is done, the sooner the property is secured against any keys that may be in circulation.