Home › Guides › Locksmith › Locksmith guide: lockouts, rekeying, smart locks and home security
GuideYou usually think about locks at the worst possible moment — standing outside your own door, or realizing the previous owner's keys are still out there somewhere. A little knowledge about lockouts, rekeying and smart locks saves money, improves security, and keeps a bad moment from getting worse. Here's what to know.
First, stay calm and check every door and accessible window — people lock themselves out more often than they're truly sealed out. Don't force a door or break a window; the damage usually costs more than the lockout service. A professional locksmith can get you in quickly without damage, for a home or a car, and verify you belong there first.
Rekeying changes the lock's internal pins so old keys stop working — ideal when you move into a new place, lose a key, or a former roommate or tenant still has one. It's cheaper than replacement and keeps your existing hardware. Replace the lock only when the hardware is damaged, worn, or you want to upgrade security or switch to a smart lock.
Smart locks add keyless entry, temporary codes for guests or pros, and remote control — genuinely useful for busy households and short-term rentals. The considerations are reliable Wi-Fi or hub connectivity, battery maintenance, and a backup entry method. Professional installation ensures the deadbolt is aligned and secure, not just the app working.
The single most overlooked security step is rekeying or changing all exterior locks the day you take possession of a new home. You have no idea how many keys are out there — previous owners, their cleaners, contractors, neighbours. It's cheap, fast, and the foundation of feeling secure in a new place.
Locksmiths have access to your home's security, so trust is paramount — look for identity verification, licensing where required, insurance, and reviews. Be wary of suspiciously cheap quotes that balloon on arrival. On Genie, locksmith work goes to vetted, insured pros at a clear price, with payment held until the job's done.
Every task in this guide is something you can book on Genie — vetted, insured pros at an upfront price:
Rekey when you move in, lose a key, or someone still has one — it's cheaper and keeps your hardware. Replace only when the lock is damaged, worn, or you're upgrading to a smart lock or higher security.
Stay calm and check all doors and accessible windows before anything else. Don't force a door or break a window — the damage costs more than a locksmith, who can get you in without damage.
Yes — rekey or change all exterior locks on day one. You can't know how many copies of the old keys are out there; it's cheap, fast essential security.
