Locked out? Call 604-227-908324/7 emergency · Vancouver · Burnaby · Kitsilano · Richmond20-min avg arrivalNo hidden feesLicensed & insured Locked out? Call 604-227-908324/7 emergency · Vancouver · Burnaby · Kitsilano · Richmond20-min avg arrivalNo hidden feesLicensed & insured

Lock Change & Rekey Vancouver

Vancouver · BC
New locks.New keys.Same day.

Just moved into a Vancouver apartment, condo, or house? Lost a key? Had a break-in? We change or rekey your locks across Vancouver the same day — one call, one visit, upfront price before we touch anything.

If you've just moved into a place in Vancouver — a pre-war character home in Kitsilano, a concrete condo tower in Yaletown, a strata townhouse in Burnaby — you have no idea how many keys are floating around from previous tenants, contractors, or building managers. Rekeying or changing the locks is the single fastest way to reset your security without replacing the entire hardware.

We carry both options: a full lock change replaces the entire lockset (cylinder, bolt, hardware) with a new unit; a rekey keeps your existing hardware and replaces only the internal pin tumblers so old keys no longer work. Both leave you with a fresh set of keys and a lock that only you control. We'll tell you honestly which makes sense for your situation before we quote anything.

What's included

  • On-site assessment of existing lock brand, grade, and condition
  • Rekey of deadbolts, knob sets, or lever handles using new pin tumblers
  • Full lock-change installation when rekeying isn't viable (worn cylinder, wrong grade, insurance requirement)
  • Key-alike service — rekey multiple locks to a single key where possible
  • New key cutting on-site, verified in the lock before we leave
  • Disposal or return of old hardware
  • Written quote before work begins — no hidden labour charges
  • Work guaranteed: if a lock we serviced fails within 30 days, we come back at no charge

Typical price ranges

Prices vary by lock grade (residential vs. commercial), brand, and whether you need a rekey or a full change. The table below gives honest ranges — not guesses, not bait-and-switch minimums. Your final price is quoted on the phone and confirmed before work starts.

ServiceTypical range (per cylinder)
Rekey — residential deadbolt or knob$35 – $65
Rekey — multiple locks, key-alike$25 – $50 each (bulk)
Lock change — grade 2 residential deadbolt (supply & fit)$120 – $200
Lock change — grade 1 / high-security (supply & fit)$180 – $320
Commercial deadbolt change or rekey$80 – $160 per cylinder
Service call / dispatch fee$49 – $75 (applied to work)

Emergency / after-hours calls carry an additional premium; we'll state it clearly when you call. Strata and multi-door commercial jobs are quoted as a package — usually lower per-door than individual pricing.

How it works

01

Call or book

Tell us your address, lock brand if known, and whether this is a move-in, lost key, or post-break-in situation. We quote a range on the phone before dispatching.

02

On-site check

The technician arrives, inspects the cylinder condition and grade, confirms the final price, and gets your go-ahead. If a rekey is the better call, we say so — even if it costs less.

03

New keys, verified

We rekey or swap the lock, cut fresh keys, and test every key in the lock in front of you before leaving. Job done in most cases in under an hour.

Rekeying after a move in Vancouver

British Columbia law doesn't require landlords to rekey between tenancies, and most don't. That means in a dense rental market like Vancouver — where suites in Mount Pleasant, Commercial Drive, or Hastings-Sunrise turn over frequently — you can't assume you're the only key-holder. A rekey costs a fraction of a new lockset and takes about 20 minutes per cylinder. It's the first thing we'd do in a new place.

For strata buildings, some strata councils require approval before altering suite entry hardware. We can advise on what's typically acceptable (rekeying the cylinder only, leaving the lock brand and finish intact) versus what might require strata sign-off (full hardware replacement). We've worked with stratas across Downtown Vancouver, Yaletown, and Burnaby — the requirements are usually straightforward.

When a full lock change makes more sense

Rekeying isn't always the right answer. If the existing lock is a cheap builder-grade knob with a one-inch latch and no deadbolt — common in older Eastside houses and basement suites — a full upgrade to a Grade 2 deadbolt is worth the extra cost. Similarly, if the lock cylinder is worn, the door frame is damaged, or your insurer requires a specific security grade, we'll recommend a change rather than a rekey. We stock Schlage, Kwikset, and Defiant grade-1 and grade-2 deadbolts on the truck and can install the same day.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between rekeying and changing a lock?
Rekeying replaces the small pins inside the existing cylinder so old keys no longer work and new keys do. The lock body, bolt, and hardware stay in place. Changing a lock replaces the entire lockset — cylinder and all hardware. Rekeying is faster and cheaper; a full change makes sense when the hardware is worn, damaged, or undergraded for the security level you want.
Can you rekey all my locks to the same key?
Yes — this is called a key-alike service. As long as your locks use a compatible keyway (most residential Schlage and Kwikset locks do), we can rekey your front door, back door, and any other entry points so a single key operates all of them. We confirm keyway compatibility on-site before quoting.
Do I need strata approval to rekey my condo in Vancouver?
In most Vancouver strata buildings, rekeying the interior cylinder without touching the exterior escutcheon or changing the lock brand doesn't require strata approval. Replacing the full lock hardware sometimes does — it depends on your strata's bylaws. We're familiar with how strata rules work in buildings across Downtown, Yaletown, and Burnaby and can advise you before we start.
How long does a rekey or lock change take?
A single-cylinder rekey typically takes 15–20 minutes. A full deadbolt replacement is 30–45 minutes including fitting and testing. If you have multiple locks, plan for about 20 minutes per cylinder plus travel time. We'll give you a realistic time estimate when you call.
Is rekeying as secure as putting in a new lock?
Yes — a properly rekeyed lock is as secure as a new one of the same grade. The pin tumblers are replaced with fresh ones, and no old key will operate the lock. If the existing lock is a high-quality deadbolt in good condition, rekeying is exactly as secure as buying the same lock new.
Do you carry locks on the truck or do I need to buy my own?
We stock a range of residential deadbolts and knob sets on the truck — Schlage B60N, Kwikset 980, and select Grade 1 options. If you have a specific brand or finish in mind, let us know when you book and we can source it before arriving. You're also welcome to supply your own lock and pay for installation only.
► Areas we serve

All Vancouver areas.

Mobile lock change and rekey service across Vancouver and central Metro — same-day availability in most areas.

► Related services

Other services.

Every job done in-house by a licensed Vancouver technician — mobile, same-day, no subcontractors.

► Locked out right now?

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