California Civil Code 1954.535 requires landlords to rekey locks between tenants. Rekeying costs $25 per lock. Changing all locks on a 3-bedroom unit runs about $100 and takes under an hour.
A property manager in Rohnert Park called us after reading about California Civil Code 1954.535. She manages 40 units and had never rekeyed between tenants — not once in six years. That is 40 units where former tenants still have working keys. We rekeyed all 40 in a single week. If you manage rental property in Sonoma County, this is the law you need to know.
What Does California Law Require?
California Civil Code 1954.535 says landlords must rekey locks when a new tenant moves in. The law does not require brand-new hardware — rekeying is enough. The cost falls on the landlord, not the tenant. This applies to all residential rental properties in California including apartments, condos, single-family homes, and ADUs. If you are a landlord in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, or anywhere in Sonoma County and you have not rekeyed between tenants, you are out of compliance.
What Rekeying Costs for Rental Properties
Rekeying a standard deadbolt and knob set costs $25 per lock. A typical apartment front door has one deadbolt and one knob — $50 total. A 3-bedroom house with front, back, and garage entry doors runs $75 to $100. We offer volume pricing for property managers: 10+ units in one visit get a per-lock discount. A 40-unit complex we serviced in Rohnert Park came out to $18 per lock at volume. Call (707) 775-7069 for property manager pricing.
Master Key Systems for Multi-Unit Properties
If you manage a multi-unit property, a master key system lets you access all units with one key while each tenant has a key that only opens their door. When a tenant moves out, we rekey only their unit — the master key still works and other tenants are not affected. We set up master systems for apartment buildings, condo complexes, and HOA common areas across Santa Rosa, Windsor, and Petaluma.
What Happens Between Tenants?
Tenant moves out Monday, new tenant moves in Friday. Call us Monday afternoon. We show up Tuesday, rekey all locks, test every key, and hand you the new set. Two working keys per lock, old keys permanently dead. The new tenant gets fresh keys on move-in day and you are compliant with California law. Call (707) 775-7069 to schedule a turnover rekey.