Short answer: Rekey when the hardware is sound and you only need old keys to stop working, such as a move-in, a lost key, or a departed tenant or contractor. Replace when locks are worn or damaged, when you want a higher security grade, or when you are moving to smart or keyless entry.
When keys go missing or you move into a new place, you have two options: rekey the existing locks or replace them entirely.
Rekeying changes the internal pins so old keys no longer work, it is fast, affordable, and ideal when the hardware is in good shape. Replacing makes sense when locks are worn, you want a higher security grade, or you are upgrading to smart locks.
A locksmith can advise based on your hardware and goals. Often a mix works best, rekey what is solid, upgrade what is not.
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A locksmith removes the cylinder and swaps its internal pins to match a new key. The lock body, finish, and door hardware stay exactly as they are, and every old key stops working. It is the standard answer when the hardware is in good shape and you only need key control back.
Rekeying is usually the less expensive route because you keep the existing hardware and pay mainly for labor. Replacing makes more sense when locks are already failing, when you want a stronger grade of hardware, or when you are upgrading several doors and want them keyed alike.
Often yes. If the locks share a compatible keyway, a locksmith can key them alike so a single key opens every exterior door. Mismatched brands may need one or two cylinders replaced to make it work, which is worth doing during a move-in rekey rather than later.
It is the standard recommendation. You have no way to know how many copies of the previous owner's keys exist or who holds them, including agents, contractors, cleaners, and former tenants. A rekey on the day you take possession resets key control without replacing any hardware.
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