Rekeying suitable exterior locks after moving in is a practical way to change physical-key access when you cannot account for previous copies. It is not a complete home-access handover by itself. Inventory other entrances, remotes, codes, and account permissions, and confirm authorized possession before any change.
- Move-in rekeying addresses unaccounted-for physical keys on suitable cylinders.
- A handed-over key ring does not prove every copy was returned.
- Review remotes, codes, and digital accounts separately.
- Agree which entrances change before work begins.
Start when you are authorized to change access
Closing arrangements, possession, and the right to approve work should be clear. Do not change the seller's or landlord's access based only on an expected date.
The rekey-without-replacement guide explains the mechanical service. For a move-in, the additional question is whether every entry route has a known authorized holder.
Walk the property before booking
List the actual entry points, not only the front door. An exterior entrance can have a separately keyed handle and deadbolt, and a garage-to-house entrance can be relevant even when the overhead garage door uses a remote.
| Access route | Move-in decision |
|---|---|
| Physical key cylinders | Which should accept a new key arrangement? |
| Garage remotes or keypad | What documented reset or authorization process applies? |
| Smart-lock credentials | Who owns the account and retains permissions? |
| Shared building entrance | Who manages access and approves changes? |
Do not assume a locksmith rekey resets any digital or garage access. Use the installed system's documented procedure and the appropriate authorized provider.
Keep sound hardware, identify mechanical faults
Rekeying changes the accepted key, not the underlying design. Report binding, damaged parts, or an entrance that only locks when lifted. Those findings may require separate repair or replacement.
A new owner does not need to replace every old-looking lock purely for appearance, but preserving failed hardware is not a dependable access plan. Ask what can be retained and why.
Plan household access rather than one temporary key
Decide which authorized residents receive keys and which helpers need occasional access. A same-key request requires compatible cylinders; do not assume all installed brands and profiles can share one key.
Keep a usable authorized spare in a secure arrangement outside the locked home where appropriate. Do not publish its location or label it with unnecessary identifying details.
Verify the handover
Ask which cylinders were rekeyed and which remain unchanged. Where an old authorized key is available, have its rejection checked on the changed ordinary cylinders; managed master-key access needs specific discussion.
Test the new keys with each included entrance open and closed. Confirm any digital handover separately and have unresolved hardware faults documented.
FAQ
Is move-in rekeying worth considering?
Yes, when you need to change unaccounted-for physical-key access on suitable hardware. Other entry routes need separate review.
Does receiving all seller keys prove there are no copies?
No. A key handover does not establish the absence of additional copies.
Will rekeying reset my garage opener?
No. Remotes and garage keypad permissions follow their own documented process.
Should I rekey a condo shared entrance?
Confirm management responsibility and authorization. Shared access is not automatically part of a private-unit job.
What if a lock already sticks?
Have the mechanical fault assessed separately. Rekeying alone is not a universal repair.
Build your move-in access list
Call GO Locksmith at (239) 412-1101 with the included cylinders and any faults to check availability and request a job-specific rekey estimate. GO Locksmith is mobile in Fort Myers and Southwest Florida and also operates in Jacksonville.
