If you just moved into a home in Miami, rekey your locks within the first day — don’t wait. Rekeying (swapping the internal pins so old keys stop working) costs $15–$30 per lock and takes about 10–15 minutes each. Full lock replacement runs $50–$150 per lock and makes sense when hardware is old, damaged, or you want to upgrade to smart locks.
Why New Homeowners in Miami Should Never Skip This
You have no way of knowing how many copies of the keys exist for a home you just bought or rented in Miami-Dade. Previous owners, tenants, contractors, cleaning services, dog walkers, and real estate agents may all still have working keys. Rekeying immediately closes that gap for the cost of a routine service call.
Rekey vs. Replace: What’s the Difference?
| Rekey | Replace | |
|---|---|---|
| What happens | Internal pins are swapped so old keys no longer work; you get new keys for the same lock hardware | The entire lock mechanism (and sometimes the whole deadbolt/handle set) is removed and replaced |
| Typical cost | $15–$30 per lock | $50–$150+ per lock, more for smart locks |
| Time | 10–15 minutes per lock | 20–40 minutes per lock |
| Best for | Hardware is in good condition and you just want new keys | Hardware is worn, damaged, mismatched, or you’re upgrading style/security grade |
Signs You Should Replace Instead of Rekey
- The lock is more than 15–20 years old or shows visible corrosion — common in Miami’s humidity and salt air, especially near the coast
- The key sticks, requires jiggling, or doesn’t turn smoothly
- You want to standardize mismatched hardware from different eras of the home’s history
- You’re upgrading to a smart lock or keyless entry system
- The strike plate or door frame is damaged and needs reinforcement, not just a new cylinder
What a Rekey Visit Looks Like
- The locksmith removes each lock cylinder from the door — no need to replace the whole handle or deadbolt.
- New pins matched to a fresh key are installed inside the cylinder.
- The locksmith can key every exterior door to the same new key (“keyed alike”) so you carry one key for the whole house.
- You receive a fresh set of keys on the spot — no waiting for a locksmith shop to cut duplicates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after moving in should I rekey?
Same day if possible, or within the first 24–48 hours. Until the locks are rekeyed, anyone with an old key can enter.
Can all my exterior locks be keyed to one key?
Yes — this is called “keying alike.” A mobile locksmith can rekey your front door, back door, and any other exterior locks to all use the same new key in one visit.
Is rekeying as secure as replacing the whole lock?
Yes, as long as the hardware itself is in good condition. Rekeying resets who can enter just as effectively as installing a brand new lock — you’re changing what key works, not weakening the mechanism.
Should I rekey or replace locks on a rental property between tenants?
Rekeying is standard practice between tenants and is the more cost-effective choice in most cases, unless the hardware is outdated or damaged.
Do smart locks need to be rekeyed too?
Smart locks don’t use traditional rekeying, but you should still reset all access codes, remove old users from the app, and re-pair the lock under a new admin account when you move in.
Moving into a new home in Miami? Call (786) 670-9140 for same-day rekey and lock replacement service anywhere in Miami-Dade.