Valley guide
Rekey after you move in
Across the Phoenix ZIP codes we chart, 164,853 households, 31% of the total, moved into their home in 2020 or later (Census ACS 2020-2024). Each move handed a stranger's old keys and codes to the new owner or tenant without any way to collect them.
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The people who may still get in
Start with the obvious: the sellers or the last tenants, and anyone they gave a spare. Then the less obvious ones. House cleaners, pool service techs and handymen were often given a key or a code. Listing agents and buyers' agents used the lockbox. In a new build out in Laveen or North Gateway, framing and finish crews worked off a construction master key.
Order of work on move-in week
- Rekey every exterior door to a single new key. Fixr's range is $70 to $160 for the job.
- Reset the garage keypad code and re-pair or replace the opener remotes.
- Change the mailbox lock. Mailbox locks.
- On a smart lock, delete the old owner's account and every user code.
| Survey | Work | National price band |
|---|---|---|
| Fixr cost guide, 1/2025 | Rekeying | $70 to $160 per job Each added cylinder: roughly $20 to $30 |
| Thumbtack, 10/2026 | Rekeying | $191 to $225 Roughly $18 a keyhole |
Buying in the old core
City-wide, only 16% of homes in these ZIPs were built before 1960. In Garfield and Coronado (85006), the share is 47%. Houses that old can have mortise locks, a security screen door keyed separately, and a casita or side gate whose key has been copied by every owner since the 1950s. Walk the property and count the locks before you book the visit, so the quote covers all of them.
Share of homes built before 1960, the 12 highest Phoenix ZIPs
Questions people in Phoenix ask
Should renters rekey?
Ask the landlord first. Many rekey between tenants as routine; if yours doesn't, get written permission before you do it yourself.