When a key goes missing, a tenancy ends, or a relationship breaks down, most people’s first instinct is to replace the whole lock. It feels like the safest option. But in most situations, rekeying locks is faster, more affordable, and equally secure. For homeowners, landlords, and property managers across Rockingham, Mandurah, and Kwinana, understanding the difference can save real money and genuine stress.
This guide covers everything from how rekeying works to when it is the right call, what it costs locally, and what WA landlords specifically need to know about their obligations between tenancies.
What Is Lock Rekeying?
Rekeying a lock means changing the internal pin tumblers inside the lock cylinder so that the existing keys no longer work. The lock hardware itself, including the handle, deadbolt, and faceplate, stays exactly where it is. Only the internal mechanism is modified.
Inside every pin tumbler lock is a series of small spring-loaded pins. When the correct key is inserted, the pins align at a specific height, allowing the cylinder to rotate and the lock to open. During rekeying, a locksmith removes the cylinder, replaces those pins with a new set of different heights, and reassembles the lock. A new key is then cut to match the new pin configuration. From that point forward, the old keys are completely useless.
Most standard residential and commercial locks can be rekeyed, including deadbolts, knob locks, lever handle locks, and padlocks, provided the cylinder is in good working condition and is not a cheap imported product with non-standard internals.
Rekeying vs. Replacing Your Locks: Which Should You Choose?
This is one of the most common questions a locksmith hears. Here is a straightforward comparison:
-
Rekeying: Lower cost, same lock hardware, new key configuration, equivalent security to a new lock of the same grade. Best when the lock itself is in good condition.
-
Replacing: Higher cost, brand-new hardware, opportunity to upgrade security grade. Best when the lock is damaged, worn, outdated, or a security upgrade is genuinely needed.
Rekeying is the smarter choice in most everyday situations: moving into a new home, losing a key, ending a tenancy, or needing to cut off access for a former housemate. A properly rekeyed lock offers the same level of security as a new lock of the same model and grade.
Full lock replacement makes more sense when the existing lock is a low-grade product, shows signs of wear or tampering, or when the property owner wants to upgrade to a higher-security cylinder or a restricted key system.
Common Situations That Call for Rekeying
There is no shortage of reasons to rekey a lock. The most common triggers include:
-
Moving into a newly purchased or rented home (previous owners or tenants may still hold copies of the key)
-
Lost or stolen keys where it is unclear who might have found them
-
End of a tenancy or change of tenant in a rental property
-
Relationship breakdown or separation from a co-habitant
-
A former employee or contractor who had key access
-
A break-in attempt, even if the lock was not physically damaged
How Much Does It Cost to Rekey a Lock in Rockingham and Mandurah?
Rekeying is significantly cheaper than replacing locks. In the Rockingham and Mandurah area, the cost to rekey a single lock barrel is typically a fraction of what a new lock and installation would cost. When multiple locks are rekeyed to the same key (keyed alike) in a single visit, the per-lock cost drops further, making it an economical solution for properties with several entry points.
Mobile callout costs apply, as a licensed locksmith comes directly to the property, but this is offset by the convenience of not having to remove locks and transport them to a shop. For accurate pricing on a specific property, contacting a local locksmith for a quote is always the best approach.
How Long Does Rekeying Take?
A professional locksmith can rekey a standard lock in approximately 15 minutes. For a home with three or four entry points, the entire job is typically completed within an hour. New keys are cut on-site during the same visit, so there is no waiting around and no second appointment needed.
The main factors that can affect turnaround time include the number of locks being rekeyed, the brand and condition of the cylinders, and whether any locks need minor servicing before rekeying can proceed.
One Key for Every Door: How Keyed-Alike Rekeying Works
One of the most practical and underappreciated benefits of rekeying is the ability to have multiple locks keyed alike, meaning a single key operates every entry point on the property. For a typical home with a front door deadbolt, a rear sliding door lock, a side gate padlock, and a garage door, this eliminates the need to carry a heavy bunch of keys.
During a keyed-alike rekeying job, the locksmith pins all cylinders to the same key code and cuts a set of matching keys on the spot. Most quality lock brands commonly found in Perth homes, including Lockwood, Gainsborough, and Whitco, support keyed-alike configurations. The main limitation is that locks of significantly different brands or cylinder formats may not be compatible, and a locksmith will advise on this during the visit. If you need additional information about related services, check the local locksmith services available in the area.
Rekeying Locks for Rental Properties: What Rockingham and Mandurah Landlords Need to Know
This is an area that does not get nearly enough attention. In Western Australia, the Residential Tenancies Act places obligations on landlords regarding the security of rental properties, and rekeying between tenancies is a critical part of meeting those obligations.
When a tenancy ends, there is no guarantee that the outgoing tenant has not had keys copied. Even if all keys are returned, duplicates may exist. Failing to rekey between tenancies creates a genuine security vulnerability for the incoming tenant and a significant liability for the landlord or property manager.
Beyond legal compliance, there is a direct insurance implication. If a non-forced entry theft occurs at a rental property and it can be shown that locks were not changed between tenancies, an insurer may dispute the claim on the grounds that the property was not adequately secured. For landlords managing multiple properties, this risk compounds across an entire portfolio.
Eviction situations carry additional urgency. When a tenant is removed from a property, prompt lock changes are essential to prevent re-entry. A licensed mobile locksmith can attend the property on the same day to rekey all entry points and provide new keys to the property manager or owner.
Property managers in Rockingham, Mandurah, and Kwinana who work with a trusted local locksmith can streamline tenant-turnover rekeying as a standard part of every lease end, protecting both their clients and their own professional obligations.
Rekeying After a Relationship Breakdown or Shared Living Situation
One of the most emotionally charged but practically important reasons to rekey is after a relationship breakdown or the departure of a housemate. When someone moves out of a shared home, whether the split is amicable or not, they may still have keys, or keys may have been shared with their friends or family members without the remaining occupant’s knowledge.
Rekeying in this situation is not about distrust. It is about restoring a sense of security and control over who can access the home. It is a straightforward, affordable step that provides genuine peace of mind, and it can be completed within a single morning or afternoon visit.
What Happens When Our Locksmith Arrives to Rekey Your Locks
For anyone who has not used a mobile locksmith before, here is what to expect from a rekeying visit:
-
Arrival and assessment: The locksmith arrives at the property, confirms the locks to be rekeyed, and checks the condition of each cylinder.
-
Cylinder removal: Each lock cylinder is carefully removed from the door hardware without causing any damage to the door or frame.
-
Rekeying: The cylinder is disassembled, the existing pins are replaced with a new set, and the cylinder is reassembled and tested.
-
Key cutting: New keys are cut on-site using the locksmith’s mobile key-cutting equipment.
-
Reinstallation and testing: Each cylinder is reinstalled, and the locksmith tests the new keys in every lock before leaving.
-
Handover: The agreed number of new keys is handed over, and the old keys are confirmed as non-functional.
The entire process is clean, non-invasive, and completed at the property without any need to remove locks to a workshop.
Want More Control? Upgrading to a Restricted Key System After Rekeying
For property owners and business operators who want a higher level of key control, rekeying is often the first step toward a restricted key system. A restricted key system uses cylinders and keys that are patented and can only be duplicated by an authorised locksmith. This means keys cannot be copied at a hardware store or key-cutting kiosk, giving the property owner complete control over who holds a working key.
Restricted key systems are particularly valuable for commercial properties, body corporates, and landlords managing multiple tenancies. After a standard rekey, upgrading to a restricted system is a natural next step that provides long-term key control without the need to rekey again every time a key is lost or a tenancy changes.
Why Use a Licensed Mobile Locksmith for Rekeying?
DIY rekeying kits are available at some hardware stores, but they carry real risks. Incorrect pinning can leave a lock that appears to work but is actually vulnerable to manipulation. Improper reassembly can damage the cylinder, and the process can void the manufacturer’s warranty on the lock.
In Western Australia, locksmiths who carry out security work are required to hold a police-issued licence. A Security Installers Licence means the locksmith has been background-checked and is legally authorised to work on residential and commercial security systems. This is not just a formality. It is the homeowner’s assurance that the person working on their locks is vetted, accountable, and operating within the law.
A mobile locksmith brings all the necessary tools and key-cutting equipment directly to the property, completing the job in a single visit without the need to remove locks or make a trip to a locksmith shop.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rekeying Locks
Will my old keys still work after rekeying?
No. Once a lock is rekeyed, the old keys will not operate it. This is the entire purpose of rekeying: to render all previously cut keys useless while keeping the lock hardware in place.
Is rekeying as secure as getting a new lock?
Yes, provided the existing lock is in good condition. A rekeyed lock of the same model and grade offers equivalent security to a brand-new lock. If the lock itself is worn or low-grade, replacement may be the better option.
What locks cannot be rekeyed?
Some cheap imported locks use non-standard pin configurations that make rekeying impractical or impossible. Severely worn cylinders may also be beyond rekeying. Certain smart locks and electronic deadbolts do not use traditional pin tumblers and require a different approach. A locksmith can assess any lock and advise whether rekeying is viable.
Is it cheaper to rekey or buy a new lock?
Rekeying is almost always cheaper. The cost of a new lock plus installation typically exceeds the cost of rekeying the existing hardware, often by a significant margin.
Can I rekey my locks myself?
Technically, DIY kits exist, but the risks of incorrect pinning, cylinder damage, and security vulnerabilities make professional rekeying the far safer choice. A licensed locksmith completes the job correctly and provides tested, cut keys in a single visit.
How do I get my locks rekeyed in Rockingham or Mandurah?
Contact a local, police-licensed mobile locksmith who services the area. They will come to the property, assess the locks, complete the rekeying on-site, and hand over new keys before leaving. No need to remove locks or visit a shop.
Whether it is a tenant changeover, a lost key, or simply the peace of mind that comes with moving into a new home, rekeying locks is one of the most practical and cost-effective security decisions a homeowner, landlord, or property manager can make. For Rockingham, Mandurah, and Kwinana residents, having a trusted, licensed local locksmith on call makes the whole process straightforward.