Landlords & Property Managers · Middle Tennessee
Rental Property Lock Changes for Landlords and Managers
Instant Locksmith TN rekeys and replaces locks for landlords and property managers across Middle Tennessee, usually between tenants so the new resident's keys are the only ones that work. We coordinate around vacant units and multi-door turnovers so make-ready stays on schedule.
- Turnover rekeys between tenants
- Multi-door and multi-unit jobs
- Price confirmed before work
Rekey every turnover
Instant Locksmith TN provides lock changes for single-family rentals, duplexes and apartment communities throughout Middle Tennessee. The most important habit for any landlord is simple: change the keying when a tenant moves out.
Departing tenants rarely return every copy. Former roommates, partners, pet sitters and contractors may also hold keys. A rekey changes the pins so all old keys stop working, without replacing hardware that's still in good shape.
Make-ready rekeys
Front, back, garage-entry and storage doors rekeyed alike so the incoming tenant gets one key, plus the copies you need for the office.
Keyless conversions
Replace keyed deadbolts with keypad locks so turnovers become a code change instead of a service call.
Portfolio key plans
Already on a master key system? We rekey turnover units to the key schedule you keep, so maintenance keys keep working.
Lock changes requested by tenants
Tenants sometimes ask for a lock change after a lost key, a roommate moving out, or a safety concern. If you are the landlord or manager, you can order the work directly and decide how keys are issued.
If you're a tenant, we will not change or rekey your unit's locks without the landlord's or property manager's authorization. Instant Locksmith TN never violates state law for a landlord, a tenant or anyone else. Our verification process exists to protect owners and residents alike.
How a turnover visit works
Vacant units are the easiest to schedule. You can arrange access through your office, a lockbox or an on-site staff member. For multiple units, a list with unit numbers, doors per unit and any hardware problems helps us bring the right parts.
- Send the scope. Order online with the property address, number of units and doors, and how you'll provide access.
- Confirm pricing. Rekeying is $55 per cylinder, and landlords and property managers get volume pricing on multi-unit work. We confirm the price before work begins, including any lock replacements found necessary on site.
- Rekey and test. Each cylinder is rekeyed or replaced and tested with the new key at the door.
- Hand off keys. We cut the number of copies you ask for and deliver them as you direct.
What do rental lock changes cost?
Standard price: quoted before dispatch; rekeying is $55 per cylinder, with volume pricing for landlords and property managers. Online orders pay the $15–$25 service call at checkout as the deposit: $15 inside city limits, $25 outside. It is a flat fee added to the service price, and the time-of-day multipliers never apply to it. Details are in our Payment & Deposit Policy.
The total depends mainly on the number of cylinders, whether any locks must be replaced instead of rekeyed, keys needed, and how many units are done in one visit.
- Standard rate: orders placed 7 AM–8 PM
- After hours (orders placed 8 PM–7 AM): 1.5×
- Federal holidays (calendar date and observed date): 2×
- Federal holiday, after hours: 3×
- No weekend surcharge
- Mileage: $1.25/mile beyond 5 miles from the city center
Multipliers apply to everything on the job (service, labor, parts and hardware) except the flat $15 (inside city limits) or $25 (outside city limits) service call and mileage. The after-hours rate is set by the time the order is placed. Holidays are U.S. federal holidays, billed on both the calendar date and the observed weekday.
Your price is confirmed before any work begins. If the job turns out different from what was described, we explain the change and get your approval first. See full pricing and rate details.
Short-term and vacation rentals
For hosts who change guests weekly, keys are the wrong tool. Code-based locks let you assign each stay its own code. See short-term rental keyless entry for options, and lockbox installation for managed key access.
Rental Property Lock FAQ
How long does a turnover rekey take?
It depends on the number of doors and lock condition. A typical single-family home with a few exterior doors is a relatively short visit. Tell us the scope when ordering and we'll give you a realistic estimate.
Do I need to be present for a vacant unit rekey?
Not necessarily. Many managers provide access through the leasing office, a staff member or a lockbox. We'll still verify that the person ordering is authorized to approve work at the property.
Can all my rental units use one key for maintenance?
That takes a master key system, which lets each unit have its own key while a master key opens all of them. We don't design master key systems in-house, but if your property already has one, we rekey and maintain it using the key schedule you keep.
Can I change the locks if my tenant stops paying rent?
Not on your own. Tennessee landlords generally must go through the court eviction process before regaining possession. Consult an attorney and follow lawful process. We never violate state law for a landlord or anyone else, and we don't change locks to exclude a tenant.
A tenant locked themselves out. Can they call you directly?
Yes, for a lockout. We verify that the person is authorized to enter the unit before opening anything. If they need new keys or a lock change, the landlord or manager must authorize it first.
Is switching rentals to keypad locks worth it?
For frequent turnovers, often yes. A keypad lock means you change a code instead of rekeying, and you never chase missing keys. Choose a model with a mechanical backup and a solid ANSI/BHMA grade.
Turning over a unit?
Send us the doors and units, and we'll confirm pricing before we arrive.
