People ask us this constantly: “Is there a rule, like every 5 years, every 10 years, for changing locks?” There isn’t a hard number. What matters more is whether specific things have changed about who has access to your home.
The Honest Answer: It Depends on These Triggers
Change or rekey your locks any time one of these happens, regardless of how old the lock is:
- You just moved into a new home (even if the seller says they only made two copies)
- A roommate, tenant, or ex-partner moved out
- You lost a key or think one was stolen
- You gave a key to a contractor, cleaner, dog walker, or house sitter and want it back in circulation
- The key is sticking, the deadbolt doesn’t throw smoothly, or the cylinder feels loose
- You’re upgrading to a smart lock or a higher security cylinder
If Nothing Has Changed, How Long Do Standard Locks Actually Last?
Mechanically, a quality residential deadbolt (Grade 1 or Grade 2, from brands like Schlage or Kwikset) is built to handle tens of thousands of cycles, that’s often 7–10+ years of daily use before parts wear enough to matter. But mechanical lifespan and security lifespan are two different things. A lock can look and feel fine while still being “insecure” simply because too many people have a working key to it.
Local Factors That Shorten Lock Life Around LA
Climate plays a bigger role than most homeowners realize. In the Valley, Sherman Oaks (91403), Studio City (91604), North Hollywood (91601), big daily temperature swings cause metal components to expand and contract, which speeds up wear on cheaper cylinders. Closer to the hills and marine layer, Toluca Lake (91602), Universal City (91608), moisture exposure can corrode lower-quality plated finishes faster than solid brass or stainless steel hardware. If you’re in one of these areas, we’d lean toward inspecting exterior lock hardware every 3–5 years instead of waiting for a failure.
Rekey vs. Replace When It’s Time
Once you’ve decided a change is needed, you don’t always need a brand-new lock. If the hardware itself is in good shape and you just need to invalidate old keys, rekeying is faster and cheaper. If the lock is worn, outdated, or you want to upgrade security grade, full replacement makes more sense. We break down exactly how to decide in our rekey vs. replace guide.
A Simple Rule of Thumb
- Always rekey immediately after moving into a new place, see our guide on what to do when you’re locked out for related move-in tips
- Inspect locks every 3–5 years for wear, especially in high-heat or coastal-adjacent neighborhoods
- Replace immediately if you see visible corrosion, looseness, or the deadbolt doesn’t fully extend
We rekey and replace locks across Glendale (91201, 91208), Burbank (91502, 91505), Pasadena (91101, 91107), and La Crescenta (91214) every week, often the same day you call. Reach us at 818-249-5128.