Realtor & Landlord Lock Guide: Rekeys and Turnovers in Atlanta

If you sell, manage, or invest in Atlanta real estate, locks are a recurring line item — and getting them right protects your clients, your tenants, and your liability. Here’s a practical guide to rekeys and turnovers for agents, landlords, and property managers.

Sales: Rekey at Closing, Every Time

During a listing, a remarkable number of people hold or access keys: the seller, listing and buyer agents, inspectors, appraisers, contractors, stagers, and every showing. By closing, “all the keys” means nothing. The professional standard is a rekey at handoff so the new owner is the only person with working keys on day one. Smart agents build this into the closing experience — it’s an inexpensive, memorable touch that clients appreciate.

Lockboxes: Convenient, But Rekey After

Showing lockboxes are essential, but they mean the access code and keys circulated widely. Always rekey after the lockbox comes off. We can coordinate a closing-day visit so the lockbox period ends and the rekey happens the same day.

Rentals: Turnover Rekeys

Every tenant turnover should include a rekey of all door locks — and the mailbox lock too. A former tenant, their guests, or their contractors may still have copies. Rekeying between tenants is fast and cheap insurance against a liability claim. For multi-unit buildings, we rekey efficiently in a single visit.

The Tricky Ones: Lockouts and Evictions

We handle tenant lockouts and turnover lock changes routinely. One important note: if a lock change is tied to an eviction, the legal dispossessory process in Georgia must be complete before the unit is secured against the tenant — “self-help” lockouts aren’t legal. Once you’re clear, we rekey the unit promptly.

Work With Us on Repeat

King Locksmith works with Atlanta agents, investors, and property managers on recurring rekeys and turnovers with consistent, upfront pricing across the metro — from Marietta to Decatur. Set up a repeat-client arrangement by calling (404) 383-4426 or through our contact page.

Need a locksmith in metro Atlanta now? King Locksmith is available 24/7. Call (404) 383-4426 for fast, upfront-priced service.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should a property be rekeyed during a sale?

At closing, before the new owner moves in. Countless people may have had keys during the listing — agents, inspectors, contractors, stagers, and showings. Rekeying at handoff guarantees only the new owner has access.

Can you rekey on the closing date?

Yes — we schedule closing-day rekeys across metro Atlanta so the new owner gets a secure home the day they get the keys. Call (404) 383-4426 to book a time.

Do you offer accounts for property managers and realtors?

Yes. We work with Atlanta agents, investors, and property managers on recurring rekeys and turnovers with consistent, upfront pricing. Ask us about repeat-client arrangements.

Should rentals be rekeyed between every tenant?

Yes. A previous tenant (or their guests and contractors) may still have keys. Rekeying between tenants is fast, inexpensive, and protects you from liability.

Can you handle a tenant lockout or an abandoned-unit cleanout lock change?

We handle tenant lockouts and turnover lock changes. For lockouts tied to an eviction, the legal dispossessory process must be complete first — we then rekey the unit.