New to Miami Beach? Why Changing the Locks Should Be Your First Move

US Locksmith is a licensed (Lic #00443LK) locksmith company serving all of South Florida since 2004. When you move into a new home or condo in Miami Beach, changing or rekeying the locks should happen on day one; before you unpack a single box. You have no way to know how many copies of the existing key are in circulation from previous owners, tenants, contractors, or cleaning services.

Why Should You Change the Locks When You Move In?

Previous owners, real estate agents, contractors, house cleaners, pet sitters, and neighbors may all have copies of the current key. In Miami Beach, where many properties are seasonal rentals or investment condos, the number of people who have held a key over the years can be significant. Rekeying eliminates all previous access instantly.

A 2024 survey by the National Association of Realtors found that only 34 percent of homebuyers change their locks within the first week. The remaining 66 percent leave their property accessible to anyone with a previous key, a risk that increases in high-turnover markets like Miami Beach.

Should You Rekey or Replace the Locks?

If the existing hardware is in good condition and less than 10 years old, rekeying is the smart choice. It costs $20 to $50 per lock versus $100 to $300 for a full replacement. If the locks are corroded, loose, or builder-grade hardware from the original construction, replacement with upgraded deadbolts is worth the investment.

Miami Beach condos built after 2000 usually have decent Schlage or Kwikset hardware that rekeys easily. Older Art Deco buildings may have vintage hardware worth preserving — a locksmith can rekey these without replacing the decorative exterior.

What Else Should You Secure When Moving to Miami Beach?

Beyond the front and back doors, check the garage entry, sliding glass door locks, mailbox lock, and any shared access points. In condo buildings, confirm that the building management has updated access cards or fob codes. Change the code on any electronic keypad locks; do not keep the previous owner's code.

Miami Beach properties with pool enclosures, lanai doors, and secondary entrances often have locks that are overlooked during a move. A full security audit by a locksmith covers every entry point and identifies weak spots.

How Much Does It Cost to Change All Locks in a Miami Beach Home?

A typical 3-bedroom Miami Beach home or condo with 3 to 4 exterior entry points costs $80 to $200 for a complete rekey or $300 to $1,200 for full lock replacement depending on the hardware grade chosen. US Locksmith offers same-day service and can complete most jobs in under two hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can US Locksmith rekey my new home? +

Same-day service is available throughout Miami Beach. Most rekey jobs for 3 to 5 locks take under 90 minutes. Call 1-866-776-6062 to schedule, or request service for your move-in day.

Should I rekey my condo if the building has a doorman? +

Yes. A doorman adds a layer of security but does not eliminate the risk of previous key holders accessing your unit. Rekey the unit locks and update building access codes with management.

Can I rekey to make all locks use one key? +

Yes. A locksmith can rekey all locks in your home to work with a single key; called keying alike. This is one of the most requested services for new homeowners and costs the same as standard rekeying.

Do I need to change the mailbox lock too? +

Yes, especially in Miami Beach where mailbox theft is a concern. A locksmith can replace or rekey your mailbox lock for $15 to $30. This prevents previous key holders from accessing your mail.

What if my condo HOA requires specific lock hardware? +

Many Miami Beach condo associations mandate specific lock brands or finishes for aesthetic uniformity. US Locksmith works with HOA requirements and carries approved hardware. We coordinate with building management as needed.