Physically, yes — rekeying a lock yourself is a real DIY job, and Kwikset SmartKey locks make it a 30-second one. Legally and practically, check your lease first: Nevada law doesn’t forbid tenants from rekeying, but nearly every Las Vegas lease requires the landlord’s permission and a copy of the new key. Skipping that step can put you in lease violation over a $20 job.
Step one: read your lease before you touch the lock
Nevada state law stays out of this one — there’s no statute banning tenants from changing or rekeying locks. What controls the answer is your lease, and most Nevada leases do one of three things:
- Require written landlord permission before any lock change,
- Allow it only if you hand over a working key within 24–72 hours, or
- Prohibit it outright under a “no alterations” clause.
The landlord’s logic isn’t just control: under NRS 118A.330 they have to be able to enter for repairs, inspections, and emergencies like a burst pipe. A lock they can’t open is a real legal problem for them — which is why unauthorized lock changes can be treated as a material lease violation.
One exception worth knowing: under NRS 118A.345, tenants who are victims of domestic violence can require the landlord to install a new lock (by rekeying or replacement) at the tenant’s expense, with the proper documentation.
The DIY options, honestly assessed
| Option | Cost | Difficulty | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kwikset SmartKey (rekeys itself with a special tool) | Included with the lock; tool ~$10 | Easy — 30 seconds per lock | Low if done gently; forcing it can jam the cylinder |
| Pin-tumbler rekey kit (Kwikset/Schlage brand-matched) | $10–$25 | Moderate — tiny pins, patience required | Drop a spring and you’ve got a pile of parts and a door that won’t lock |
| Replace the whole lockset | $15–$80 per lock | Easy-moderate — screwdriver job | Wrong backset or door thickness = a second trip to the store; may violate lease “alterations” clause |
| Call a locksmith to rekey | $20–$50 per lock + $50–$75 trip fee (often waived for multiple locks) | None — done in minutes per lock | None; keyed-alike options so one key works every door |
When DIY makes sense — and when it really doesn’t
Reasonable DIY: you own the home, or your landlord gave written OK, and the locks are SmartKey or a common brand you can match a kit to.
Call a pro instead:
- You’re a renter and haven’t cleared it with the landlord — the risk isn’t the lock, it’s the lease.
- You want all the locks on one key (keyed alike). Matching cylinders across mixed brands is finicky work.
- Anything high-security (Mul-T-Lock, Medeco, restricted keyways) — these aren’t DIY hardware, full stop.
- The lock is already sticking or damaged — rekeying a worn lock just gives you a new key for a bad lock.
Do the math: a kit, an hour of fiddling with pins the size of rice grains, and the risk of a jammed cylinder — versus $20–$50 per lock for someone who rekeys a dozen locks a day and guarantees it. For a whole apartment, the professional route usually costs less than $150 all-in.
Landlords: the other side of this question
If you own the rental, the move-in/moving-out rule is simple: rekey between every tenant, even if the old tenant returned “all” the keys. Copies take two minutes to make and you have no way to know how many exist. It’s cheap — $20–$50 per lock — it’s the single highest-value security habit in the rental business, and it protects you if a former tenant’s copy is ever misused. SmartKey or keyed-alike systems make turnover rekeys faster still. We offer multi-unit pricing across Las Vegas and Henderson for exactly this.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rekey my own apartment locks safely?
Physically yes — Kwikset SmartKey locks rekey in 30 seconds and pin-kit rekeys are a moderate DIY job. But check your lease first: Nevada law doesn’t prohibit tenant rekeying, while most Las Vegas leases require landlord permission and a copy of the new key. Skipping that can put you in lease violation.
Is it legal for a tenant to change locks in Nevada?
Nevada has no statute banning tenants from changing locks — the lease controls it. Most leases require permission or a copy of the key. Victims of domestic violence have a specific right under NRS 118A.345 to require the landlord to rekey at the tenant’s expense.
How much does a locksmith charge to rekey an apartment?
Typically $20–$50 per lock plus a $50–$75 trip fee — often under $150 total for a whole apartment, with the option to key every lock alike so one key opens all your doors.
Can my landlord keep a key to my apartment?
Generally yes. Landlords need entry for repairs, inspections and emergencies (with 24 hours’ notice except in emergencies, per NRS 118A.330), and most leases require you to provide a working key if you change or rekey locks.
Who rekeys apartment locks in Las Vegas?
Silver Eagle Locksmith rekeys apartments, homes and rental turnovers across Las Vegas and Henderson — $20–$50 per lock, keyed-alike setups, landlord multi-unit pricing, and same-day appointments. Call (702) 539-9581 or see our landlord rekeying guide.
Related: Securing your new Las Vegas home — a lock change guide · Verified 2026 locksmith prices in Las Vegas
