Rekeying vs Changing Locks – What You Actually Need After a Change of Tenancy

When tenants move out or ownership changes hands, one of the first questions property owners ask is:
“Do I need to change the locks?”

On the Gold Coast, this comes up every day with landlords, property managers, home buyers, and business owners. The answer often surprises people:

In most cases, changing the locks is not necessary.

A professional rekey usually delivers the same security outcome, at a lower cost, with less disruption, and without replacing perfectly good hardware.

What Is a Rekey?

Rekeying means changing the internal pin configuration of a lock so that old keys no longer work. The lock itself stays in place, but from a security perspective, it becomes a new lock.

After a rekey:

• All previous keys are rendered useless
• Only newly issued keys will operate the lock
• The lock’s appearance and hardware remain unchanged

For residential and commercial properties on the Gold Coast, rekeying is the most common and practical solution after a tenancy change.

What Does Changing Locks Actually Mean?

Changing locks involves removing the existing lock hardware and installing an entirely new lock or locking system.

This is sometimes necessary, but far less often than people assume.

Changing locks may be required if:

• The existing lock is damaged or faulty
• The hardware is outdated or non-compliant
• You are upgrading to a different lock type (for example, smart locks)
• The lock cannot be rekeyed (which is rare with modern locks)

If the lock is functioning correctly and suitable for the door, changing it offers no additional security benefit over a proper rekey.

Why Rekeying Is Usually the Smarter Option After Tenancy Changes

After a tenant vacates, the real concern is not the lock itself. It is control over who has keys.

Rekeying directly addresses that concern. Once the lock is rekeyed, any copies held by former tenants, trades, cleaners, or neighbours no longer work.

From a security point of view, a rekeyed lock is just as secure as a brand-new lock.

Cost-effective

Rekeying is significantly cheaper than replacing locks, especially on properties with multiple doors. For Gold Coast landlords and property managers, this can mean substantial savings over time.

Less disruption

Rekeying is quicker and does not require door modifications. It avoids mismatched finishes, new hardware holes, or issues caused by poor-quality replacement locks.

Maintains consistency

Rekeying allows multiple locks to be set to a single key, simplifying access for owners and managers while maintaining security.

Common Myths About Changing Locks

“Changing locks is more secure.”
Not if the existing lock is in good condition. A rekey delivers the same security result.

“Old tenants might still get in.”
They cannot once the lock has been correctly rekeyed. Old keys simply stop working.

“Insurance requires new locks.”
In most cases, insurers care about key control, not whether the lock hardware is brand new. Rekeying satisfies this requirement.

When Changing Locks Does Make Sense

There are situations where replacing locks is the right decision:

• The lock is worn, damaged, or unreliable
• The property is being renovated or upgraded
• You are moving to restricted key systems
• You want to install digital or smart locks
• The existing hardware does not meet current standards

A good locksmith will explain when replacement is justified and when it is not.

Gold Coast–Specific Considerations

On the Gold Coast, locks are exposed to coastal air, humidity, and heavy use, especially in rental and short-stay properties.

Rekeying allows you to retain quality hardware that has already proven itself in coastal conditions. Unnecessary lock changes can sometimes introduce cheaper hardware that fails sooner.

For property managers handling frequent tenant changeovers, rekeying is also faster, helping reduce vacancy delays.

The Bottom Line

After a change of tenancy, the goal is simple: ensure only authorised people can access the property.

In the vast majority of cases, rekeying achieves this just as effectively as changing locks, without the extra cost or disruption.

Changing locks should be a considered decision, not a default reaction. A professional locksmith can assess the existing hardware and recommend the most practical option.

For Gold Coast homeowners, landlords, and property managers, rekeying remains one of the most effective, cost-efficient, and sensible security measures available.