Why Rekey After Staff Turnover? What A Kenner Business Gains
Rekeying after staff turnover is worth it because it makes every old key useless without replacing any hardware. For four doors a rekey runs about $290 to $530, against $780 to $1,580 to replace four deadbolts. It is the cheapest way to close the risk of keys you cannot account for.
When someone leaves, you can collect the keys you know about. You cannot collect the copies you do not. A rekey resets that. This post covers what a Kenner business gains, what it costs, and when it is not needed. For the service page, see commercial rekey in Kenner.
What does a business gain from rekeying after turnover?
- Unknown copies stop working. Every key cut to the old combination is dead the moment the pins change.
- No hardware to replace. Locks, doors and finishes stay exactly as they are.
- Lower cost. Each door after the first is $55 to $85, so a multi-door site stays affordable.
- Clear key control. A fresh set of keys is a chance to record who holds what.
- Proof you acted. If an incident occurs, you can show access was reset on the day someone left.
How do the options compare?
| Option | What it costs | What it fixes |
|---|---|---|
| Do nothing | $0 | Nothing, old copies still work |
| Rekey the affected doors | $125–$275 first door, $55–$85 each after | Every old key, including unknown copies |
| Replace the hardware | $195–$395 per deadbolt | Same result, higher cost, only needed if the lock is worn |
| Restricted keyway conversion | $125–$245 per cylinder | Future copies need authorisation |
Prices are from the prices page. If the hardware itself is worn, replacement is the better spend, and rekey vs replace locks covers the decision.
Which doors need rekeying?
Only the doors that person had a key to, unless they held a master key, in which case the whole system needs attention. The staffing case is covered in what happens when staff or tenants leave a master key system, and whether a master setup suits you is in is a master key system worth it.
When is it not needed?
- The person never held a key.
- Access was electronic and has already been revoked.
- Your keys are on a restricted keyway and every copy is accounted for in writing.
Does this matter more in Kenner?
Any business with seasonal or rotating staff feels it, from storefronts in Rivertown to offices near MSY and units in Laketown. Keyed alike explained shows how a single key across doors changes the risk when one key goes missing. For the full job, read what is included in a commercial rekey, and for the wider service, commercial locksmith in Kenner.
Quick answers
Should I rekey every time an employee leaves?
Rekey the doors that person had keys to, especially if you cannot confirm all copies were returned.
How much does it cost to rekey after an employee leaves?
$125 to $275 for the first door and $55 to $85 for each door after.
Is rekeying cheaper than replacing the locks?
Yes. Four doors rekeyed is about $290 to $530, against $780 to $1,580 for four new deadbolts.
Do I need new keys for everyone?
Anyone who needs access to the rekeyed doors gets a new key, since the old ones no longer work.