{"id":102568,"date":"2026-02-02T13:26:34","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T19:26:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/?p=102568"},"modified":"2026-03-31T10:42:44","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T15:42:44","slug":"rekey-or-replace-how-to-decide-after-tenant-turnover-or-incidents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/blog\/rekey-or-replace-how-to-decide-after-tenant-turnover-or-incidents\/","title":{"rendered":"Rekey or Replace? How to Decide after Tenant Turnover or Incidents"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"sl-blog-post\">\n<div class=\"sl-wrap\">\n<ul class=\"sl-callout\">\n<li>Illinois law requires a lock to be rekeyed or replaced before a new tenant moves in.<\/li>\n<li>Rekeying is usually best when the hardware still works properly and key control is the main concern.<\/li>\n<li>Replacing is the better choice when a lock is damaged, outdated, ineffective, or no longer fits your access plan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"sl-content\">\n      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A tenant moves out, you have to evict a tenant, a tenant disappears, someone breaks into a unit\u2026 For Chicago-area owners and property managers, the situations that raise the question of whether to rekey or replace a lockset range from inconvenient to scary \u2014 and in some cases, costly. While rekeying may be the most attractive option because <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/blog\/to-rekey-or-not-to-rekey\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">it\u2019s quickest and the most affordable up front<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, there are times when replacing saves time and hassle down the road. So, how do you decide?<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Choose: A Short Decision Tree<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re dealing with an unusual incident such as an eviction or break in, we can cut to the chase with this decision tree. We\u2019ll unpack these choices below.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>      <b>Rekey or Replace Decision Tree<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is the hardware damaged, worn, or otherwise not working properly?<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n        <\/span><b>Yes:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Replace<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n        <\/span><b>No: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go to Step 2<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Was there a break-in or some other unauthorized entry, especially as a result of an inadequate or ineffective lock?<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n        <\/span><b>Yes: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Replace<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n        <\/span><b>No: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go to Step 3<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Was there a break-in or unauthorized entry involving stolen keys?<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n        <\/span><b>Yes: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rekey<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n        <\/span><b>No: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go to Step 4<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is the lockset mismatched or out of date for your current master key or access control plan?<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n        <\/span><b>Yes: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Replace<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n        <\/span><b>No: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go to Step 5<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is the sole concern compliance and the next tenant\u2019s security?<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n        <\/span><b>Yes: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rekey<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>      <i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note: <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the lock is on a labeled fire door or under any other code, always make sure any changes, especially lock replacements, keep the door up to code.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do You Have to Rekey or Replace At All?<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-108170 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hospital-e1774537405419-300x201.png\" alt=\"Technician working near a door lock in a commercial setting\" width=\"473\" height=\"317\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hospital-e1774537405419-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hospital-e1774537405419-1024x685.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hospital-e1774537405419-768x514.png 768w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hospital-e1774537405419-600x401.png 600w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hospital-e1774537405419-992x663.png 992w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hospital-e1774537405419-598x400.png 598w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hospital-e1774537405419-525x351.png 525w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hospital-e1774537405419.png 1162w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 473px) 100vw, 473px\" \/><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The short answer is <\/span><b>yes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have had any incident affecting the security of the unit, you cannot simply cut new keys and wash your hands of the situation. This includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lost keys<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tenant turnover<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eviction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tenant abandonment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Locks changed by tenant, with or without permission<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Damage or wear prevents lock from operating properly<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A break-in or unauthorized entry involving the lock itself<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Illinois law requires that you replace or rekey your locks before a new tenant moves in (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ilga.gov\/Legislation\/ILCS\/Articles?ActID=2201&amp;ChapterID=62&amp;Chapter=PROPERTY&amp;MajorTopic=RIGHTS%20AND%20REMEDIES\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">765 ILCS 705\/15<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). <\/span><\/p>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In other words, it doesn\u2019t matter if you\u2019re confident you have all the old keys or even if you were the previous tenant; you have to change the locks enough that they require a new means of entry. You could even be held liable if your failure to do so results in theft from that unit.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do You Have to Replace the Locks After Any Break-In?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The short answer is <\/span><b>no<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The important question is how the break-in occurred. If the perpetrator had access to keys or somehow operated the lock properly, then it is enough to rekey the lock.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the perpetrator was able to pick or bump the lock because it was old, defective, or inadequate, or if the hardware was damaged such that it does not operate properly, then you should replace that lock.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re unsure the damage affects the lock\u2019s proper operation, it\u2019s best to call us or a trusted locksmith to take a look.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rekeying and Replacing: What\u2019s Involved<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that we\u2019ve looked at the most urgent questions, let\u2019s take a wider look at the several factors involved in the decision to rekey or replace.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Rekeying Means<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The part of the lock that receives the key is called the cylinder, and inside the cylinder are a series of pins that are pushed up to different degrees by the ridges on your key. Rekeying involves removing this cylinder and reconfiguring the pins so that the lock requires a new key profile to operate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rekeying makes previous keys useless. It is an easy and cost-effective means of securing a unit, and any locksmith can help you with it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When to Rekey<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When there is no concern about damage to the lock, rekeying is your best bet. This is the obvious choice when you\u2019re prepping for a new tenant or for key control, i.e., tracking who has physical keys to your building or unit. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rekeying is especially useful if you\u2019re using a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/locksmith-services\/master-key-systems\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">master key system<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, since to replace the lock would require ensuring the new hardware could fit seamlessly into your existing system. Be sure to communicate with your locksmith about your master key hierarchy, as rekeying a lock the wrong way can break your whole system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a commercial building that has been in operation for a long time, you likely have a messy key history. Rekeying can be a great reset for your key control system.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do You Need the Original Key?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You do not need the original key to rekey a lock so long as the locksmith can disassemble the lockset. If the door is locked shut, however, then your locksmith may have to pick the lock first, to open the door.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Replacing Involves<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Replacing the lock may mean more than just swapping out the hardware that\u2019s mounted in your door.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, the door may need to be modified slightly for the new lock. The bore holes (where the lock cylinder and latch fit in) may need to be drilled out or padded. The wood may need to be reinforced on the edge of the door. This is especially true for older Chicago-area buildings where hardware may have been replaced many times.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, you will also need to replace the strikeplate (where the door hits the jamb), which may also require some prep once the old plate comes off.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When to Replace<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As we\u2019ve said, you should certainly replace a damaged or malfunctioning lock \u2014 rekeying isn\u2019t going to provide the security you need. Older locks or locks on high-traffic doors can begin to jam or bind. A locksmith can tell you whether some maintenance will be adequate or if it\u2019s time to replace it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The other times you will want to replace are when the existing lock hampers or interferes with your larger access control system. For example, you may have updated parts of your building and put off updating the rest. Or perhaps the existing lock is adequate but lacks features that would integrate it better with your system. This may be the right moment to make an investment that will improve the building\u2019s overall security as well as its <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.multihousingnews.com\/industry-surveys-reveal-renter-preferences-for-2024\/#:~:text=Video%20doorbells%20in%20the%20unit%20(65%20percent)%2C%20keyless%20smart%20locks%20(67%20percent)%20and%20smart%20thermostats%20(72%20percent)%20were%20also%20among%20the%20amenities%20renters%20are%20willing%20to%20pay%20a%20monthly%20premium%20for.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">curb appeal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note that it\u2019s often possible to upgrade to electronic access controls without replacing the whole door with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/blog\/retrofitting-modern-access-control-into-historic-chicago-buildings\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">modern retrofitting options<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask an Anderson Lock Expert<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-108171 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/A97A9426-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Anderson Lock technician consulting on lock replacement options\" width=\"511\" height=\"341\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/A97A9426-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/A97A9426-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/A97A9426-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/A97A9426-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/A97A9426-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/A97A9426-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/A97A9426-992x661.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/A97A9426-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/A97A9426-525x350.jpg 525w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 511px) 100vw, 511px\" \/><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you know what you want to do or need an expert opinion, Anderson Lock\u2019s lock technicians are here to help. You should definitely work with an expert if you\u2019re rekeying; trying to do it yourself will be more hassle than it\u2019s worth. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>      <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may be able to replace straightforward locksets on your own. If you\u2019re upgrading, however, and the door needs specific prep, or you have an electronic access control system, we recommend leaving that to the experts rather than damage your door or waste a lot of time troubleshooting a malfunctioning electronic lock.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>      <a href=\"http:\/\/andersonlock.com\/contact\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call us today<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to speak with a technician to find the best solution for your property.<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<section class=\"sl-faqs\">\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<h3>Do landlords in Illinois have to rekey or replace locks between tenants?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Illinois law requires locks to be rekeyed or replaced before a new tenant moves in so the unit requires a new means of entry.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<h3>When is rekeying the better option?<\/h3>\n<p>Rekeying is typically the right choice when the lock hardware still works properly and the main issue is key control, tenant turnover, lost keys, or maintaining a master key system.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<h3>When should you replace a lock instead of rekeying it?<\/h3>\n<p>You should replace a lock when it is damaged, malfunctioning, outdated, ineffective, or no longer fits your current access control or master key plan.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<h3>Do you always need to replace a lock after a break-in?<\/h3>\n<p>No. If someone gained entry using a key or otherwise operated the lock normally, rekeying may be enough. If the lock was picked, bumped, damaged, or proven inadequate, replacement is the safer choice.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<p>  <!--\n  Meta Description: Learn when to rekey or replace locks for Chicago-area rental and commercial properties, including break-ins, tenant turnover, damaged hardware, and Illinois compliance requirements.\n  SEO Title: Rekey or Replace Locks? A Guide for Chicago Property Owners\n  Blog Title: Rekey or Replace? 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