Ripped off for lock rekey?

Question

I had all the exterior locks rekeyed on the house this morning after tenants moved out.  They were very high-maintenance tenants and things did not end on very good terms so I needed to make sure the locks were rekeyed immediately.  I called a company last week who quoted a $29 service call, then between $15-$29 per lock.  I asked what the difference is between the $15 and the $29 as that is a pretty big range.  I was told that the price varies based on the condition of the lock and type of lock.  I figured some locks are conventional and then there are fancier smart locks (which I don't have), or maybe a really old lock would cost more, but it seemed reasonable to expect the cost to be closer to the $15.  This morning when the guy came to change the locks, he looked at my key and said there are 5 points on it, so it is  a more complex and safer type of lock.  He said that a 3 point lock starts at $15, then they add $10 per point, so $35 per lock.  I told him the owner quoted $29 MAX, so he backed down and charged $29 per lock.  I was not happy still and would have called someone else if it weren't for the urgency of getting the job done.  Now I'm looking at places like Home Depot and am finding entire locks for $15-$20!!  I feel like I got ripped off.  Anyone experienced in locksmith services know if the 5 point vs. 3 point locks are really that much more complex and should cost more??  I'm going to talk to the owner and ask for a refund, but would like some facts to present first.  Thanks!

Dana Holland · Answer

@Jessie Tetreault

Interesting thought about the key pads, but I thought all of them have a physical lock as well to be used as a backup in case the battery dies in the keypad?  Seems like you would still have a lock to rekey anyway.

Account Closed · Answer

When I saw the title I was worried it was the notorious "locksmith scam" that targets people locked out of their homes or cars, and it might actually be the same people. if it was a guy who showed up in a private car and seemed pushy yet a bit clueless, it might not have been a legit locksmith.  I've actually never even heard of "3 point" locks for a doorway, so that makes me wonder too....

Either way, those prices aren't the worst.   I've installed and rekeyed a lot of locks, and the really cheap locks suck to install and break easily.  Rekeying a lock yourself is surpringly easy, and rekey kits are very cheap on ebay. You can even learn to set up master key systems and all that.. (for example, common doors that all tenant keys should open) I have standardized on plain old Kwikset locks.... Not the "quick key" special ones with the tiny hole and special tool, those can be easily broken, but the more standard ones.

Andrew Johnson · Answer

@Dana Holland You're really paying for labor at the end of the day.  You can head to Home Depot and pick up the locks yourself (I'm more of a fan of Schlage) and learn to install them.  The first one will be miserable, the second one a pain, but after you'd done it five times it's really quick and easy.  Growing up I used to time myself to see how fast I could do one, I think it was around 3 minutes on average.  Just make sure you're replacing same-with-same and you should be good to go.  That said, if you don't want to do the work you can either go the handyman or locksmith route.  Personally, I wouldn't get too bent out of shape at those prices.  Hopefully, it's an expense that's once a year (at most) so it's barely a rounding error.

Side note: You should change the lock 100% of the time at turnover.  Good or bad tenants, always rekey or replace the lock.

Kathleen Leary · Answer

Unless you do decide to go with the SmartKey system (or comparable) don't waste time & money re-keying! Just replace the set. Takes about 15 minutes, even for a slow-poke like me.

Lots of landlords have multiple locksets; when a tenant vacates, just switch to another set.

Jessie Tetreault · Answer

https://www.kwikset.com/smart-security.aspx

I just looked up what you were talking about and they have locks on this website that you can re key your self with this smart key technology. The electronic locks with the key pads might be pricey  but they have just dead bolts and door knobs with this smart key tech that are not really expensive. @Dana Holland

Jessie Tetreault · Answer

hmm I'm not sure about that. I would have to look more into it.  I will look around and keep you updated on it. @Dana Holland

Jessie Tetreault · Answer

Not sure about the difference between 3 and 5 points but at least you know now that you can just go and buy new ones at those prices. I could see getting it re keyed for like really expensive locks but not for like normal dead bolts and door knobs. I've thought about replacing all mine with just key pad ones  so I don't have to play the rekeying game or switch locks out like every time someone leaves, but I'm not sure about the cost or the downsides to this.@Dana Holland

Ripped off for lock rekey?

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