In every workplace, security is more than a policy — it’s a rhythm.
Keys change hands, employees come and go, and vendors or contractors may need temporary access. Over time, it becomes difficult to know exactly who can unlock which door. That’s when the question arises:
How often should you rekey your office locks?
Rekeying isn’t just a reaction to lost keys; it’s a proactive strategy for access control and peace of mind. Let’s explore how to build a realistic, maintenance-based rekeying schedule that keeps your business secure year-round.
Understanding Rekeying — and Why It Matters
Rekeying changes the internal pins or tumblers of a lock so that old keys no longer work.
It’s faster and more cost-effective than replacing the entire hardware, yet it instantly resets your access control.
For offices, this simple service is essential after:
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Staff turnover or management changes
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Lost or stolen keys
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Expansion into new suites or shared facilities
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Contractor or cleaning crew access
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Master key updates
Think of rekeying as changing your passwords in the physical world — a routine act of good security hygiene.
Recommended Frequency for Rekeying Office Locks
There’s no universal rule, but professional locksmiths and facility managers agree on these general timelines:
| Situation | Recommended Rekeying Frequency | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Standard office or retail space | Every 12–24 months | Maintains security consistency and tracks key distribution |
| High-security areas (IT rooms, HR files, finance) | Every 6–12 months | Sensitive information requires stricter control |
| After employee departure or role change | Immediately | Prevents unauthorized re-entry |
| After lost or stolen keys | Immediately | Eliminates risk from misplaced keys |
| After renovations or vendor access | Within 1 week post-completion | Temporary access may leave duplicate keys unaccounted for |
The key idea: Rekey before you need to — not after a breach.
Why Consistency Matters
Every lost key or old employee ID is a small crack in your access control. On its own, it might seem harmless; but over months or years, these small cracks multiply.
Regular rekeying:
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Keeps your access list accurate
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Reduces liability in security incidents
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Preserves insurance coverage that requires proof of restricted entry
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Reinforces employee trust that management safeguards sensitive areas
Consistency also helps when transitioning to digital or master key systems, since clean, well-tracked locks are easier to integrate.
Rekeying vs. Replacing: Knowing the Difference
Rekeying is often confused with replacing locks. While both restore security, their purposes differ.
| Factor | Rekeying | Replacing Locks |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | Keeps current lock body | Installs new hardware entirely |
| Cost | Lower — about ⅓ of replacement | Higher — includes new locksets |
| Goal | Reset key access | Upgrade design or security features |
| Use Case | Staff turnover, lost keys | Damaged, corroded, or outdated locks |
Unless your locks are worn or outdated, rekeying is the more practical and sustainable choice.
Tying Rekeying to Employee Turnover
In modern workplaces, staff movement is constant — promotions, resignations, temporary contractors, remote teams. Each change alters who should (and shouldn’t) have physical access.
A good rule of thumb:
Rekey whenever someone leaves who had key access — no exceptions.
It’s not about mistrust; it’s about risk management. Even when keys are returned, duplicates might exist. Rekeying closes that uncertainty gap instantly.
For larger companies, integrating rekeying into HR offboarding ensures no step is forgotten. The locksmith’s visit becomes part of the standard exit checklist — just like collecting badges or laptops.
Integrating Rekeying with Access Control Systems
Physical rekeying still matters in digital spaces. Even offices with smart locks or card access often keep mechanical backups for power loss or emergencies. Those mechanical locks need periodic resets too.
When paired with access control:
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Rekeying complements electronic credential updates.
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Physical keys serve as verified fallbacks for emergencies.
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It ensures a complete security ecosystem — not just one dependent on software.
If you’ve migrated to hybrid systems, coordinate mechanical rekeying with your IT or facilities teams to keep both layers in sync.
Common Triggers That Signal It’s Time to Rekey
If you’re unsure when your last rekeying took place, these signs suggest you’re overdue:
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Keys have visible wear, or locks stick during turning.
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Multiple keys exist for similar doors with no clear tracking.
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You’ve had renovations or new contractors in the past year.
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Employees mention “spare” or “borrowed” keys in circulation.
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A recent break-in or access scare occurred.
Treat any of these as indicators to schedule a full audit — and rekeying if necessary.
How Long Rekeying Takes
Professional locksmiths can rekey a single lock in 10–20 minutes, and entire office suites in a few hours, depending on door count and complexity. For buildings with dozens of locks, locksmiths often work after hours or on weekends to avoid interrupting operations.
If your business uses master key systems, expect slightly more time — precision is vital to ensure hierarchy integrity.
Cost and Efficiency Benefits
Rekeying is among the most affordable security services available. While replacing a commercial lock might cost $150–$300 per door, rekeying often ranges from $50–$100.
For companies managing dozens of locks, that difference translates to substantial savings — without compromising protection.
More importantly, rekeying allows continuity: your hardware stays intact, and your workflow remains unaffected.
Building a Rekeying Schedule for Your Business
To stay consistent, formalize rekeying as part of your security maintenance calendar:
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Start with an audit: List all locks, access points, and keyholders.
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Define risk zones: Identify which doors need more frequent rekeying.
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Set fixed intervals: Every 12 or 18 months depending on traffic.
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Add it to HR protocols: Trigger rekeying whenever staff leave or transfer.
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Keep a logbook: Record every service date, locksmith, and key set.
This turns a reactive task into a predictable routine — simple, measurable, and effective.
Final Thoughts: Rekeying as Preventive Strategy
In a business environment, security isn’t static — it’s cyclical. Locks, keys, and personnel evolve together.
Waiting until a breach or lost key forces change invites unnecessary risk.
A well-structured rekeying schedule keeps your office secure without disrupting operations or inflating costs. It ensures that only the right people, at the right time, have access — no more, no less.
The question isn’t “Should we rekey?” — it’s “When’s our next one?”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the main reason to rekey office locks regularly?
To eliminate unauthorized key copies and maintain accurate access control, especially after employee turnover or vendor access.
2. Is it expensive to rekey a whole office?
No. Rekeying costs a fraction of full lock replacement and can often be done in a single visit, minimizing downtime.
3. How long does rekeying an office take?
Most offices can be rekeyed within a few hours. Individual locks take about 10–20 minutes each.
4. Can I rekey all doors to one master key?
Yes. Locksmiths can configure all compatible locks to operate under one master key, simplifying access for management while maintaining controlled levels for staff.
5. Should I rekey digital locks too?
Smart locks don’t use traditional keys but should still be reset or reprogrammed regularly — especially when access credentials change.
6. Does frequent rekeying damage locks?
Not at all. Professional rekeying is non-invasive and can extend a lock’s lifespan by keeping pins and tumblers properly aligned.
7. What if my office has hundreds of locks?
Locksmiths use phased schedules or master key systems to manage large properties efficiently without interrupting business operations.
8. How do I know if I should replace instead of rekey?
Replace if your locks are corroded, broken, or outdated. Rekey if they function well but require new access control.
