{"id":110092,"date":"2026-05-29T10:12:11","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T17:12:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=110092"},"modified":"2026-05-29T10:12:11","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T17:12:11","slug":"common-reasons-homeowners-call-a-locksmith","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/common-reasons-homeowners-call-a-locksmith\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Common Reasons Homeowners Call a Locksmith and What to Expect"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019re locked out of your <\/span>house in Phoenix, AZ<\/span><\/a> or upgrading the smart locks in your <\/span>apartment in Chicago, IL<\/span><\/a>, there are plenty of situations where calling a locksmith becomes necessary. Beyond emergency lockouts, many homeowners now call locksmiths for rekeying, broken locks, lost keys, and home security upgrades as smart technology and high-security systems become more common.<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding the common reasons homeowners call a locksmith can help you act quickly, avoid added stress, and make informed decisions about protecting your property. From move-in rekeying to smart lock installation, here\u2019s <\/span>what homeowners should know<\/span><\/a> about when to call a locksmith and what to expect during the service call.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Common<\/p>\n

1. You\u2019re locked out of your home<\/span><\/h2>\n

One of the most common reasons homeowners call a locksmith is a home lockout. It can happen surprisingly fast <\/span>\u2013<\/span> a rushed morning, a malfunctioning smart lock, or a door that accidentally closes behind you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Professional locksmiths are trained to regain access with minimal damage to your locks or door hardware. In many cases, they can get you back inside within minutes. \u201cHomeowners most commonly call us for a locksmith service in case of a lockout, lost keys, broken locks, rekeying after moving, or upgrading their home security,\u201d says David Aharon, Head Locksmith at <\/span>Safety Locksmith & Hardware<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lockouts have also become more complicated as more homeowners rely on keypad entry systems, Wi-Fi-enabled locks, and app-controlled devices. Sometimes the issue isn\u2019t the lock itself, but a dead battery, connectivity problem, or software malfunction.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDuring a service call, we\u2019ll arrive quickly, assess the lock, and get you back inside or secured without damage,\u201d shares <\/span>Edmonton Locksmith<\/span><\/a>. During a lockout service call, most locksmiths will first verify ownership or residency before working on the door. From there, they\u2019ll assess the type of lock and determine the safest method for entry.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. You lost your keys or they were stolen<\/span><\/h2>\n

Losing your house keys is stressful enough. But if your keys were stolen \u2014 especially alongside your wallet or identifying information <\/span>\u2013<\/span> changing or rekeying your locks becomes a safety issue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many homeowners assume they need a full lock replacement, but that\u2019s often unnecessary.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne thing homeowners don’t always expect is that a simple rekey is often all that’s needed instead of a full lock replacement, which saves both time and money,\u201d explains Sam Wilson, President of <\/span>1-800-Unlocks<\/span><\/a> and an ALOA member.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rekeying changes the internal pins inside the lock so old keys no longer work, while allowing you to keep the existing hardware. It\u2019s usually faster and more affordable than installing entirely new locks. For homeowners juggling multiple spare keys, this can also be a good opportunity to simplify access by having several locks keyed alike so one key works throughout the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. You recently moved into a new home<\/span><\/h2>\n

Moving into a new property<\/span><\/a> is another one of the common reasons homeowners call a locksmith, and for good reason. Previous homeowners, contractors, cleaners, neighbors, or tenants may still have copies of the old keys.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you’ve just moved in, rekeying should be one of your first calls <\/span>\u2013<\/span> you never really know how many copies of the old key are floating around out there,\u201d says Wilson. Many security professionals recommend rekeying exterior doors shortly after closing on a home. It\u2019s a relatively small investment that can offer major peace of mind, especially for first-time homeowners unfamiliar with the property\u2019s history.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Joshua Kaluba, Founder of <\/span>Examify<\/span><\/a>, notes that move-in service calls are extremely common. \u201cHomeowners most often call a locksmith after a lockout, lost keys, moving into a new home, broken hardware, or when they want to improve their home security,\u201d he says. In many cases, locksmiths can complete rekeying, lock inspections, and hardware upgrades in the same appointment.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Your locks are broken or worn out<\/span><\/h2>\n

Locks experience wear and tear over time, especially on frequently used doors. Difficulty turning the key, sticking deadbolts, loose handles, or rusted hardware are all signs your lock may need professional attention. <\/span>Ignoring these warning signs can eventually leave you locked out or vulnerable to break-ins.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe most common reasons homeowners call a locksmith are lockouts, rekeying after a move or tenant change, broken or worn-out locks, and lost or stolen keys,\u201d says Wilson. <\/span>A locksmith will usually inspect the condition of the lock, door alignment, strike plate, and surrounding hardware before recommending a repair or replacement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOn a service call, a locksmith will typically inspect the lock or door hardware, confirm the best solution, and explain whether rekeying, repair, replacement, or an upgrade makes the most sense,\u201d explains Dr. Kaluba. <\/span>In many situations, homeowners are surprised to learn the issue can be fixed without replacing the entire lock system.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"You<\/p>\n

5. You want to upgrade your home security<\/span><\/h2>\n

As package theft, property crime, and smart home adoption continue to rise, more homeowners are upgrading their locks proactively rather than waiting for a problem to happen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Modern locksmiths now commonly install:<\/span><\/p>\n