Lock Changes & Rekeying for Calgary Rentals
Rekey or replace the locks before a new tenant gets keys. We schedule it into your turnover so it isn't the step everyone forgets until move-in day.
Short answer: Rekeying changes the pins inside your existing lock so old keys stop working. It's usually quicker and cheaper than replacing the lock. Changing the lock swaps the hardware. Either way, the new tenant gets keys nobody else has. We book it with your turnover, using a licensed locksmith where Alberta requires one.
Rekey or change the locks?
Rekey when the locks work fine and you just need old keys to stop working. The lock cylinder is opened, the pins are swapped for a new combination, and new keys are cut. The hardware on the door stays the same.
Change the locks when the hardware is worn, sticking, damaged, a cheap builder-grade set, or you want a different style or a smart lock. It's also the call when you want every door on a different brand to share one key.
Most rental turnovers only need a rekey. We'll tell you which one makes sense when we see the doors.
Why landlords rekey between tenants
You don't know how many copies the last tenant made, or who they gave them to: roommates, a dog walker, an ex. If someone uses an old key after a new tenant moves in, that's a safety problem for your tenant and a liability problem for you. Rekeying every turnover is cheap insurance, and it's a line item property managers can show owners.
During a tenancy it's a different story. In Alberta neither the landlord nor the tenant should change the locks without the other's agreement and a working key, and a landlord changing the locks to keep a tenant out can be an illegal lockout. Check the Residential Tenancies Act or get advice before touching locks on an occupied unit.
What we handle
- Rekeying entry handles and deadbolts
- Replacing worn or damaged deadbolts, knobs and lever sets
- Keyed-alike sets, so one key opens the front door, back door and deadbolt
- Resetting codes on keypad and smart locks, and removing old user codes
- Mailbox, storage locker and garage side-door locks where accessible
- Fixing doors that don't latch: strike plates, hinges and sticking doors
- Key handover in a labelled envelope or into your lockbox
Rekeying and any other lock work that needs a licensed locksmith in Alberta is done by a licensed locksmith we schedule as part of the job. You still deal with one contact and one invoice.
Common brands: Kwikset, Schlage, Weiser
Most Calgary rentals have Kwikset, Weiser or Schlage hardware. Standard pin cylinders on all three can be rekeyed. Kwikset SmartKey locks are designed to be rekeyed quickly with a key and a tool, which is handy for landlords who rekey often. Very old, damaged or bargain locks are sometimes not worth rekeying, and replacing them costs little more.
What affects the cost
The number of cylinders (each handle and deadbolt counts), whether the locks are rekeyed or replaced, the hardware you choose, keyed-alike requests, and whether we're already on site for a turnover. Booking it with a turnover or other repair visit is usually the lowest-cost way to do it. We quote per job.
Lock changes across Calgary and area
We handle rekeys and lock changes for rentals and homes across Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Chestermere, Okotoks, Strathmore and High River. We are not an emergency lockout service; for a lockout at night, call a 24-hour locksmith. Every crew member is covered under Alberta's WCB, with our clearance letter available before day one.
Get a free quote
Tell us about the job and we'll reply with a scope and price within one business day.
Request a quote, call +1 (587) 997-5510 or email info@unitrevive.ca
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between rekeying and changing a lock?
Rekeying changes the pins inside your existing lock so old keys stop working and new keys do. Changing a lock replaces the hardware. Rekeying is usually quicker and cheaper when the lock still works well.
Should landlords change the locks between tenants?
Yes, it is strongly recommended. Former tenants may have copies you do not know about. Rekeying or changing the locks before the new tenant moves in protects them and you.
Is it cheaper to rekey or replace locks?
Rekeying is usually cheaper because the hardware stays. Replacement makes sense when the lock is worn, damaged or you want a different style or a smart lock.
How do locksmiths rekey a lock?
The cylinder is removed, the old pins are taken out and replaced with pins that match a new key, and the cylinder goes back in. The old keys no longer turn it.
How long does it take to rekey a house?
Each cylinder usually takes minutes, so a typical rental with a handle and deadbolt on one or two doors is a short visit. We schedule it into the turnover.
Can you rekey Kwikset and Schlage locks?
Yes. Standard Kwikset, Schlage and Weiser pin cylinders can be rekeyed, and Kwikset SmartKey locks are built to be rekeyed quickly.
Can I rekey my own locks?
You can rekey Kwikset SmartKey locks yourself with the right key and tool, and rekey kits exist for some other brands. For several doors, keyed-alike sets or rentals, having it done properly as part of the turnover saves time.
Can you make all my locks use one key?
Yes. Keyed-alike rekeying or hardware lets one key open the front door, back door and deadbolts, as long as the locks are compatible.
Can a landlord change the locks while a tenant lives there in Alberta?
Not to keep a tenant out. During a tenancy, locks should only be changed by agreement, with the other party given a working key. Changing locks to exclude a tenant can be an illegal lockout. This is general information, not legal advice.
Do you reset smart lock and keypad codes?
Yes. We clear old user codes and set new ones, or replace the smart lock if needed.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency lockout service?
No. We handle planned lock changes and rekeys for turnovers and maintenance. For a lockout, call a 24-hour locksmith.
Last updated November 4, 2026. More answers on our FAQ page.
Also serving Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane, Okotoks, High River and Strathmore. All service areas.