Landlords · updated November 2026
Should Landlords Rekey Between Tenants?

Why rekey between tenants?

A departing tenant may hand back every key you gave them and still have copies they made, or ones given to a partner, a relative or a dog walker. Rekeying makes all of those keys useless for the next tenant, which protects the new tenant and you.

It is also simpler than handling a dispute later. If the new tenant ever has a theft or a break-in, you can show the locks were changed at turnover.

What should be rekeyed in a multi-family house?

Rekeying vs keypads vs master keys

In a two- or three-family house, many owners combine approaches: each unit gets its own key, the shared doors are keyed so every tenant key opens them, and the owner holds a master key that opens everything. At turnover, only the departing tenant’s unit cylinder and the shared cylinders need new pins.

A keypad on the shared front door goes further: delete the departing tenant’s code and issue a new one, with no rekeying at all for that door.

A turnover checklist

1. Collect all keys, fobs and codes at move-out and note what was returned
2. Rekey the unit door and every shared door the tenant could open
3. Replace or rekey the mailbox compartment lock
4. Delete the tenant’s codes on any keypad or smart lock
5. Check that every lock works smoothly; fix sticking locks now
6. Record the new key set and who receives each key

Key records that save money

A simple key record makes every future turnover faster. For each unit and shared door, write down the key number or code, how many copies exist and who holds them. When a tenant leaves, you know exactly which cylinders to rekey and which keys to expect back.

If your building uses a master key system, keep the key schedule the locksmith gives you. Without it, future rekeys can accidentally break the system and cost more to fix.

When to replace instead of rekey

• A lock sticks, wobbles or no longer latches properly
• A door has only a knob lock and needs a deadbolt
• A lock was damaged during the tenancy or a break-in
• Shared doors see heavy use and the hardware is worn out
• You want to switch a shared door to a keypad

Replacement is an estimated $100–$300 per lock; a keypad lock installed about $150–$400.

What does turnover rekeying cost?

Rekeying is priced per cylinder, an estimated $55–$145 per lock each, plus a service call of about $50–$100 if not included. A typical unit door has two cylinders; shared doors add more. Doing several units in one visit is usually more efficient. Estimated market ranges, not confirmed prices.

What about Massachusetts rules?

Massachusetts does not allow landlords to lock a tenant out or change locks to force them to leave; evictions go through the courts. Lock changes belong between tenancies or with the current tenant’s agreement.

Rules on notice, access to an occupied unit and lock changes can be specific. Check current requirements with an attorney or the Massachusetts Attorney General’s landlord and tenant guidance before setting a policy [VERIFY with MA landlord-tenant guidance].