Lock rekeying in Melbourne: when to rekey instead of replacing

What rekeying does

A locksmith takes the cylinder out of the lock and changes the small pins inside, so the old keys no longer turn it and a new set does. The lock body, handle and deadbolt stay where they are, which is why it usually costs less than new locks.

Many front-door deadlatches and deadbolts use a key cylinder a locksmith can rekey. Some can't: very worn or damaged cylinders, some cheaper locks, and some restricted-key systems that only the original supplier can change. A locksmith can tell you once they see the lock.

When rekeying makes sense

Rekey when the locks work well but you can't be sure who has a key.

• You've just moved in and don't know how many keys are out there
• Keys have been lost or stolen
• A housemate, tenant or relative has moved out without returning a key
• Tradespeople or cleaners had keys during building work
• You'd like one key to open several doors (called keyed alike; the locks need to be compatible)

When to replace the lock instead

Replace the lock if it sticks, jams or is hard to turn, if the door was forced, or if you want a different kind of lock, such as adding a deadbolt or a keypad. A stiff lock is sometimes the door rather than the lock: if the door has dropped or the strike plate doesn't line up, a locksmith or carpenter may need to adjust it first.

If you want to control who can copy your keys, ask about a restricted key system, where copies are only cut with proof of authority.

If you rent

In Victoria, a renter who wants to change a lock needs the rental provider's consent first (more on renters' rights in repairs when you rent). The rental provider can't unreasonably refuse, and if you think a refusal is unfair you can apply to VCAT. The renter organises and pays for the change, and must give new keys to the rental provider and any other renters as soon as possible.

There's an exception for family violence: a renter with a qualifying intervention order or safety notice doesn't need permission to change the external door or window locks, and the rental provider mustn't give the excluded person a key. Consumer Affairs Victoria's page on locks and security has the details.

Rental providers, for their part, must make sure each external door has a working deadlatch with at least one cylinder, and that external windows that open have a working lock or latch.

What the locksmith will ask

Expect to show that you're entitled to have the locks changed: that you own the home, or that you rent it and have consent. Tell them how many doors and which kinds of lock (front door, back door, sliding door, screen door, garage), and how many keys you need.

A photo of each lock's face helps with the quote. Don't post photos of your keys anywhere public: a clear photo can be enough to cut a copy.

What a rekeying quote should cover

Ask for these separately, so two quotes compare fairly.

• Call-out or attendance fee, and any after-hours rate
• The charge for each cylinder rekeyed
• How many keys are included, and the cost of extras
• Whether all the locks can be keyed alike
• Parts if a cylinder has to be replaced instead
• Any warranty on the work

Example brief

“Just bought a house in Reservoir and want the old keys to stop working. Front door deadlatch, back door deadbolt and the laundry door: three cylinders, all working well. I'd like them keyed alike if possible, with four keys. I can show proof of ownership. Weekday daytime preferred; please quote call-out, per-cylinder rekeying and extra keys.”

Before booking a rekey

• Proof you own the home, or the rental provider's consent
• How many locks, which kinds, and how many keys
• Rekey if the locks work; replace if they stick or were forced
• Call-out, per-cylinder and extra-key costs listed separately

Need locks rekeyed? Start a job request or browse locksmith work. Locked out or a door won't secure? See the locksmith guide and emergency tradies. Availability depends on real postings, and registration must be enabled to submit.