House Rekey NYC — New Keys, Same Day
Rekeying changes the pins inside your lock so every old key stops working — you keep the hardware, pay less than a full change, and control who can enter starting today. Moving into a new apartment, ending a roommate situation, or losing a key ring: rekey is usually the first call. Sunny Locksmith rekeys houses and apartments across NYC daily. The April IC core replacement on our work page shows the commercial version of the same idea; residential rekeys follow the same logic with knob, deadbolt, and mortise cylinders. Licensed NYC #2096389-DCA. Call (917) 495-1990.
When Rekey Is the Right Move
You do not know how many copies of your apartment key exist. Previous tenants, their roommates, the super, the contractor who painted — all may have one. Rekeying invalidates every copy in one visit. The Flatbush Ave & Atlantic Ave move-in job in April was a full lock change because the hardware was weak; when hardware is sound, rekey achieves the same key control for less money and we say so.
One Key for Every Door
We pin cylinders alike so your front door, mailbox, and basement door all take the same key — convenient and done in one appointment. Or keep them separate if you prefer the mail key not open the apartment.
Pre-War Mortise Locks
Mortise lock rekeys are standard work on NYC pre-war doors — the UWS job at 72nd St & Broadway and the Sunset Park mortise change on our work page show the hardware class. We rekey mortise cylinders without replacing the hundred-year-old lock body when it is healthy.
Rekey vs. Lock Change — Honest Guidance
Rekey when cylinders are good. Change locks when hardware is worn, damaged, or builder-grade junk, or when you want high-security or smart upgrades anyway. About half of "lock change" calls become rekeys once we see the door.
After a Lockout or Break-In
Lost keys are a security event, not just an inconvenience. After a lockout where keys are truly gone, rekey the same visit while tools are out. After a break-in, rekey plus strike reinforcement — we upgrade the strike plate on every rekey when the existing one is flimsy.
Landlords and Turnover
Landlords rekey between tenants as standard practice. We rekey multiple units keyed alike or distinct, and build small master key setups for buildings where the super needs broader access than tenants.
Service Areas — House Rekeying Service NYC
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a house rekey take?
Most apartments are finished in one short visit — front door plus mailbox. Whole-house rekeys with multiple doors run longer — still usually same visit.
Is rekeying cheaper than changing locks?
Yes, when hardware is healthy. You pay for labor and pins, not new lock bodies. We tell you on site if the hardware is too worn to rekey honestly.
Can you rekey a deadbolt and knob to one key?
Yes — that is routine. We pin both cylinders to match and test every lock before leaving.
Should I rekey when moving into a new apartment?
Yes — always. You cannot know how many old keys exist. Rekey or change locks before you unpack; it is the highest-value security upgrade you will make.
Related Locksmith Services
For commercial lock needs, see our Commercial Locksmith page.
For automotive lock assistance, see our Automotive Locksmith page.
House Lock Change
Deadbolt Installation
Residential Locksmith