Rekey or replace? How to decide after moving into a Vancouver home

You've got the keys to a new place. The question is who else still has them. Previous owners, tenants, contractors, dog walkers and property managers can all have copies. Changing who can open your door is the first security job in any new home. There are two ways to do it.

What rekeying actually does

Most door locks in Canadian homes are pin tumbler locks. Inside the cylinder is a row of small pins cut to different lengths. The right key lifts every pin to exactly the right height, and the lock turns.

Rekeying means taking the cylinder apart and replacing those pins with a new set. Your lock looks the same and works the same, but every old key stops working. You get a new set of keys that do.

Rekeying makes sense when:

• Your locks are in good condition and you like how they look.
• You simply want to make sure old keys no longer work.
• You want several doors (front, back, garage entry) to work on one key.

When replacing is the better choice

Replacing means installing new hardware. It's the right call when:

• The lock is worn, sticky or damaged, or the deadbolt doesn't fully extend.
• The hardware is a low-grade builder's lock and you want better protection.
• You want a different style, such as a smart lock or a keypad deadbolt.
• You want restricted keys that can't be copied at a hardware store.

A quick way to judge your current locks

Look at the deadbolt with the door open. Extend the bolt and check it moves smoothly and fully. Then look at the strike plate on the frame. If it's held by short screws that only reach the soft trim, the lock is weaker than it looks, whatever brand it is. Longer screws into the framing behind make a real difference.

Door hardware in North America is graded under ANSI/BHMA standards. Grade 1 is the most durable and is common in commercial buildings. Grade 3 is entry-level. Many new homes ship with Grade 3 hardware.

Renting? Check before you change anything

In British Columbia, tenants generally need their landlord's agreement before changing or rekeying locks, and landlords have obligations about keys too. If you rent, talk to your landlord or property manager first. If you live in a strata, check the bylaws before touching any lock on a common door.

The short answer

If your locks work well, rekeying is usually the simplest way to take back control of your keys. If they're worn, low-grade, or you want more security or convenience, it's time to replace them. Either way, the goal is the same: you should know exactly who can open your door.