Why Lock Turnover Is a Legal and Safety Responsibility
Texas Property Code Section 92.153 requires landlords to provide certain security devices, including keyed entry locks and security door chains, at the time of move-in. While the statute does not mandate a rekey between every tenancy, it does establish that landlords bear responsibility for the reasonable security of the unit. If a prior tenant used a copied key to re-enter after moving out and a new tenant was harmed, the failure to change the locks could become a factor in any legal claim.
Beyond legal exposure, there is a straightforward safety argument. You cannot know how many copies of the old key exist. The outgoing tenant may have given copies to family members, friends, or service workers, and none of those people are obligated to return them. A rekey or lock replacement resets that chain of possession entirely.
Step One: Audit Every Keyed Entry Point
Before scheduling any locksmith work, walk the property and list every entry point that uses a key. Landlords in Amarillo often miss one or two access points, especially on older rental stock. A thorough audit should cover:
- Front door and back door deadbolts and knob or lever locks
- Side entry or garage access doors
- Detached garage or storage unit locks
- Mailbox locks, if keyed
- Gated courtyard or fence locks on multi-family properties
- Exterior utility or meter room locks that tenants may have accessed
Once you have a complete list, our residential locksmith team can assess the hardware on site during a single visit and determine what each lock needs.
Step Two: Decide Between Rekeying and Lock Replacement
A rekey changes the pin configuration inside the cylinder so old keys no longer work, while the lock body stays in place. Rekeying costs less and works well when the hardware is in good condition. Lock replacement makes more sense when hardware is worn, damaged, or a low-grade product. Properties with original builder-grade knob locks or visible wear from heavy use are strong candidates for an upgrade to ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 hardware, which offers the best resistance to physical attack in residential settings.
If you manage multiple units or buildings, a master key system is worth considering. A well-designed setup lets each tenant’s key open only their unit while a single master key covers all units for maintenance and inspections. We design and install these systems using controlled keyways, which limits unauthorized key copying and gives you genuine key control across your portfolio.
Step Three: Check the Door Frame and Hardware Condition
A quality lock on a damaged door frame offers limited protection. Forced-entry attacks almost always target the frame and strike plate, not the lock cylinder itself. Before your next tenant moves in, check the following:
- Strike plates should be anchored with screws long enough to reach the wall stud. Three-inch screws are the standard minimum.
- Door frames that show splits, cracks, or soft wood near the strike area need reinforcement before a new lock will hold under force.
- Hinges should be tight and flush. Loose hinges allow the door to sag, putting stress on the latch and deadbolt over time.
Our team handles lock installation and repair alongside door jamb reinforcement, so a single visit can address the full entry point rather than just the cylinder.
Step Four: Address Patio Doors and Window Locks
Sliding patio doors and ground-floor windows are a consistent weak point in rental properties and are frequently overlooked during turnover. Original factory hardware on sliding glass doors is often thin and easy to defeat by lifting the door off its track. Secondary locks such as foot locks or bar locks add meaningful protection without significant expense. Older sash locks can also be forced open without much effort. Our patio door and window lock service covers sliding glass doors, sash locks, and secondary security options for ground-floor openings.
Step Five: Document Everything and Set a Recurring Schedule
Once the locksmith work is complete, record which locks were rekeyed versus replaced, the key quantities issued to the new tenant, and the date of service. That documentation is useful if a security question ever arises and helps you build a maintenance schedule going forward. Rental properties see more frequent use than owner-occupied homes and often reach the end of a hardware cycle faster, so scheduling an annual walkthrough with a licensed locksmith can catch worn hardware before it becomes a problem.
Frog’s Safe & Key is licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (License #B09391101), insured, and a member of ALOA and the Texas Locksmith Association. We back all products and labor with a 90-day warranty and provide flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees. Whether you manage a single rental home or a portfolio of properties across Amarillo and the surrounding Panhandle, our team is ready to help. Contact us today to schedule service or request a free quote before your next tenant moves in.