Published 2026-05-09 · MKE Locksmith
Turnover Rekey for Milwaukee Landlords
Quick answer: Rekey between tenants. A 4-6 cylinder unit usually runs $150-$300. For a smaller job, each cylinder usually costs $20-$40, with a service call added. Scheduling several units together in one visit usually costs less per unit than booking them separately.
Why rekey between tenants
A previous tenant, a maintenance worker, or a repair person may still have a key that opens the unit. Rekeying between tenants closes that gap. It's a small cost compared to dealing with a break-in or a dispute over who had access.
What it usually costs
| Unit type | Usual cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom (1-2 cylinders) | $20-$40 for each cylinder, with a service call added |
| Larger unit (4-6 cylinders) | usually $150-$300 |
Scheduling several units in one visit can lower the total, because one service call covers the whole visit instead of each unit paying for its own. Ask for a quote if you're booking multiple units at once.
Master-key systems for landlords
A master-key system lets you or your property manager hold one key that opens every unit, while tenants keep their own individual keys. Sub-master keys can be issued to maintenance or leasing staff with more limited access. Setting one up on an existing building takes planning and depends on the number of cylinders and the building's layout, so ask a locksmith for a price based on your specific property.
Smart locks for rentals
Smart locks change the turnover math. You can issue a new code for an incoming tenant from an app instead of scheduling a rekey visit. Many smart locks still have a physical key slot as a backup, so if the old tenant's key opens that slot, rekey that cylinder too. Installing one usually runs $150-$400, with hardware extra if you don't supply it. Two common options:
- A Wi-Fi model, so you can manage codes remotely without visiting the property.
- A keypad-only model, which usually costs less but has no remote app, so code changes are made in person by whoever holds the master code.
Ask your locksmith which fits your budget and how many units you manage.
Scheduling tactics that help
- Bundle by lease-end date. If several leases end around the same time, schedule those turnovers together instead of one at a time.
- Rekey during the vacancy gap rather than on the new tenant's move-in day, so nobody is working in the unit while someone is unpacking.
- Keep a documented record of what's been rekeyed and when. It saves time on the next visit.
- For a larger portfolio, ask about a standing arrangement that covers routine turnover rekeys.
Frequently asked
Should Milwaukee landlords rekey between every tenant?
Yes, it's worth doing every time. It closes off keys held by the previous tenant, a repair person, or anyone else who had access. A 4-6 cylinder unit usually runs $150-$300; for a smaller job, each cylinder usually costs $20-$40 with a service call added.
How far ahead should I schedule a turnover rekey?
As soon as you know the move-out date, so the rekey can happen during the vacancy gap. If several units turn over together, book them for the same visit.
If I have a master-key system, do I still need to rekey between tenants?
Yes. Rekey the unit's own cylinder so the old tenant's key stops working, and update your master-key records to match. The master system itself doesn't need to change.
What about smart locks for rentals?
Smart locks let you issue a new code for an incoming tenant without a service call. If the lock has a key slot, rekey it too. Installing one usually runs $150-$400, with hardware extra if you don't supply it.
Can you handle a large building?
Ask about your specific property. Larger buildings are often scheduled across more than one visit to limit disruption to tenants.
Need a landlord rekey?
Managing an apartment building? Start with our property manager page. Call (262) 236-5232 with your unit count and cylinder type, and we'll help you plan the visit. For several properties, see our master key systems and commercial locksmith pages.
Last updated: 2026-05-09.