Can a landlord charge for lost keys or re-keying the locks?
Short answer
Often a valid deduction
If a tenant doesn't return keys, fobs, or remotes — or you must re-key the locks because keys weren't returned — the reasonable, documented cost is generally a fair deduction.
Returning all keys is part of returning the unit. When keys, garage remotes, or fobs are lost or not handed back, you often have to re-key locks or replace remotes to secure the unit for the next tenant, and that cost is usually chargeable.
Keep it to actual, reasonable cost — a locksmith invoice or the price of replacement fobs. An inflated 'lock fee' beyond real cost is the kind of charge tenants successfully dispute.
Routine re-keying you'd perform between every tenant regardless is arguably your own cost; re-keying forced specifically because keys weren't returned is the tenant's.
Usually normal wear & tear
- ✓Normal key wear
- ✓Routine turnover re-keying you'd do anyway
Often chargeable damage
- •Unreturned keys, fobs, or remotes
- •Re-keying forced by lost keys
More deduction questions
This is general educational information about how normal wear and tear is typically distinguished from tenant damage — not legal advice. Deposit rules vary by state and locality; confirm your state's rules or consult a local attorney before relying on any specific deduction.