Lock Rekeying in Salt Lake City, UT

When rekeying makes sense

Rekeying changes the pins inside an existing cylinder so old keys stop working, while the door and its visible hardware stay put. It suits two moments: moving into a house whose earlier owners or contractors may still hold keys, and a rental changing hands between tenants.

Utah law does not require the second: Section 57-22-4 of the Utah Code bars renting out premises that are not safe, sanitary and fit for human occupancy but says nothing about locks or rekeying between renters. Renting in Salt Lake City, find out whether anyone changed the locks after the last tenant left.

The city's good landlord program

Chapter 5.15 of the Salt Lake City Code sets up the Landlord/Tenant Initiative. Joining is voluntary, and owners who qualify pay a reduced disproportionate rental fee. Under section 5.15.020 an owner or agent completes four hours of training every three years, unless exempt, and signs a management agreement with the city. Under section 5.15.030 that agreement names crime-reduction measures approved by the mayor. Nothing in the chapter mentions specific lock hardware, so read your own agreement for what it expects.

New locks after a crime

Under Utah Code 57-22-5.1, a renter who has been the victim of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, a covered sexual offense or burglary can require the owner to put in a new lock. The renter hands over a protective order issued after a hearing, or a copy of a police report, and pays for the work. The owner can rekey a lock that is in good working order rather than replace it, can keep a key, and has to withhold one from the perpetrator. This is general information, not legal advice.

Yalecrest and the other historic districts

Yalecrest, one of the city's nine local historic districts, includes smaller areas such as Normandie Circle, Harvard Park and Douglas Park. Exterior changes there go through design review, while rekeying works inside the cylinder and leaves the door looking as it did.

What to list in a request

When you request lock rekeying, list every exterior door, garage, basement and side entries included, and say whether one key should fit them all. If a lock is worn out rather than just exposed, look at lock replacement. More city rules are on the Salt Lake City page.