Business owners and property managers ask us all the time: “Do I really need to rekey, or am I being paranoid?” Almost always, when someone is asking the question, the answer is yes. Here are seven concrete signs it’s time.
1. An employee with key access just left
The single most common reason businesses rekey. It doesn’t matter whether they left on good terms — once a key is out of your control, you have no way to know whether it’s been copied, shared, or left in someone’s glove compartment. Rekey on the last day.
2. You can’t account for every key
Quick test: write down the number of keys to your building that you know exist, and the name of the person who has each one. If you can’t do that exercise from memory, your access has drifted. Rekey, set up a master-key system if you don’t have one, and start a key log.
3. You just took over the lease or bought the building
The previous tenant had keys. So did their employees. So did their delivery people, their cleaning crew, and whoever else they handed copies to over the years. Rekey on day one.
4. You’ve had a break-in or attempted break-in
Even if nothing was taken, you don’t know whether the burglar had a key, picked the lock, or got in through a different door. Rekey everything, and ask the locksmith to evaluate the entry point that was attacked — you may need a hardware upgrade, not just a rekey.
5. Your insurance carrier asked for proof of access control
This is increasingly common. Carriers want to know exactly who has access, that lost keys are addressed, and that you have a documented key-control policy. A rekey plus a key-log is usually the cheapest way to satisfy that requirement.
6. Your locks are non-restricted hardware-store keys
If your key is the kind that says “DO NOT DUPLICATE” on it — that means nothing. Any hardware store will copy it for $3. Restricted-keyway locks (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Schlage Primus, others) require the locksmith’s key card to make a copy. Upgrading is a one-time cost with permanent payoff.
7. You realize you don’t have a key-control policy at all
This is the one most small businesses miss. Who can request a copy of the building key? Who issues them? Where’s the master log? What happens when someone leaves? If those questions don’t have answers, it’s time for a quick conversation with your locksmith. We’ll help you set up a simple system that fits your business.
Cost is not the reason to put it off
A commercial rekey is typically a few hundred dollars, depending on door count. Compare that to the cost of a single incident — theft, an HR situation, an insurance claim — and the math is clear.
Need a commercial rekey or key-control assessment? Call NolaKey at 504-220-1552. We work with Westbank businesses of every size and we’re happy to walk through your building with you before quoting.