How Much Does It Cost to Rekey a House in Houston? (2026 Pricing)

I get this question 20 times a week: "I just bought a house in Cypress / Katy / Bellaire / The Heights — how much to rekey it?"

There is no single answer, but there is a real range. Here is the 2026 pricing breakdown for rekeying a house in Houston, based on actual jobs I quote every day.

The Short Answer

For a typical 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom Houston home with 6 standard locks keyed alike:

Total cost: $135 - $215, completed in one visit.

That includes the service call, all the labor, and matching all your locks to one new key.

How Pricing Actually Breaks Down

A locksmith bill for rekeying has 3 parts. Knowing them protects you from getting upcharged.

1. The Service Call (Trip Fee)

• Inside the Loop (Montrose, Heights, Midtown): $25 - $40
• Suburbs (Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, Cypress): $35 - $55
• Far suburbs (The Woodlands, Kingwood, Conroe): $45 - $75

This is just to show up. Nothing has been done yet.

2. Per-Lock Rekey Cost

This is the actual labor — replacing the pins inside each lock so old keys no longer work.

• Standard Kwikset / Schlage deadbolt: $18 - $28 per lock
• Knob lock (entry handleset): $20 - $30 per lock
• Smart lock (August, Schlage Encode): $35 - $50 per lock
• High-security (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock): $45 - $90 per lock
• Kwikset SmartKey (the one with the slot on the side): $15 - $22 — fastest in the industry

3. New Keys

• Standard cut keys: $4 - $7 each
• Most jobs include 2 - 4 free keys in the flat rate.

Sample Quotes for Real Houston Homes

1,800 sq ft house, 4 deadbolts + 2 knob locks (Katy):

• Service: $40
• 6 locks at $22 avg: $132
• 4 keys: included
• Total: $172

3,200 sq ft house, 5 deadbolts + 2 knob locks + 1 patio (The Woodlands):

• Service: $55
• 8 locks at $24 avg: $192
• 4 keys: included
• Total: $247

Townhouse, 2 deadbolts + 1 knob (Montrose):

• Service: $35
• 3 locks at $22 avg: $66
• 4 keys: included
• Total: $101

When You Should Rekey Instead of Replace

Rekey if:

• You just moved in (you do not know who has copies)
• A roommate moved out
• You lost a key
• A house cleaner / contractor / ex had access
• The locks themselves work fine, you just want new keys

Rekey saves about 70% vs. buying and installing new locks. A new Kwikset deadbolt is $50 + $40 install = $90. Rekeying the same lock is $22.

When You Should Replace Instead of Rekey

Replace if:

• The lock is older than 10 - 15 years and feels gritty when you turn the key
• The exterior of the lock is rusted (Houston humidity is brutal)
• You want to upgrade to a smart lock
• The lock has been damaged, kicked in, or drilled
• The lock is a builder-grade brand that you have never heard of (most Houston tract homes ship with these — they are weak)

Can I Rekey It Myself?

If you have Kwikset SmartKey locks (the slot-style ones), yes. The SmartKey rekey kit is $12 at Home Depot. It takes 4 minutes per lock.

For all other locks — Schlage, Baldwin, Yale, Master Lock, etc. — you need a pinning kit ($60+), a follower tool, and 30 minutes of practice not to lose tiny springs in your carpet. Most people who DIY their first Schlage rekey end up calling me anyway. The labor is the same; you just paid extra for the failed attempt.

What About Master Keying?

If you want one master key that opens everything, plus separate keys for the maid, the dog walker, and your teenager that only open certain doors — that is master keying.

• Setup cost: $35 - $60 above the standard rekey
• Per-key cost: $8 - $14 each
• Worth it for: Houses with rental units, in-law suites, Airbnb properties

Do You Need an Appointment?

For rekeying — usually no. Most of Houston I can be there same-day if you call before 4 PM. After 4 PM, next morning is realistic.

For full lock replacement of 6+ locks, we like to schedule 24 hours out so we can stage the right hardware on the truck.

Get a Real Quote First

Tell me on the phone:

1. How many doors total?
2. What brand are the locks (Kwikset, Schlage, etc.)?
3. Any deadbolts on patio / French doors?
4. Your neighborhood?

I will give you a flat number before any technician leaves the shop. No "we have to see it" runaround.

Houston Key Rescue: (281) 845-4011 — most rekeys in Houston, same day, flat price.