Lock Changes for Landlords After an Eviction
Once the sheriff has returned possession to you, the unit should be secured the same day. We meet you or your property manager at the unit, change or rekey the locks, and leave you with fresh keys and a written receipt for your file.
We work after the sheriff, not before
In California, a landlord cannot lock a tenant out on their own. Possession is returned through the court process, and the final step is carried out by the sheriff. We schedule our visit for the time the sheriff gives you, or for right after it. We will not change locks on an occupied unit at a landlord's request without that process completed.
If you are not sure where your case stands, talk to your attorney before you book us. We are locksmiths, not legal advisors, and we would rather wait a day than be part of a wrongful lockout.
What we need on site
Bring the paperwork that shows possession was returned to you, such as the sheriff's notice or the writ, plus proof you own or manage the property. If a property manager is meeting us, a letter or email from the owner authorizing the work is enough. We note the unit and the work done on the receipt so it can sit with your case file.
Rekey or replace?
For most units a rekey is enough. It keeps the existing knob and deadbolt and makes every old key useless, including copies the former tenant may have made. If the hardware is worn, damaged or cheap, replacing it on the same visit makes more sense, and we will tell you honestly which one your doors need.
Do not forget the rest of the keyring. Mailboxes, side gates, garage doors, storage closets and laundry rooms often share keys the tenant still holds. Tell us which ones belong to the unit and we will price them in one go so you do not have to come back.
Timing the visit
Sheriff lockouts happen on a set date and window. Text us the address and the scheduled time as soon as you have it. We will confirm when the tech will arrive so you are not left holding the door open with no way to lock it. If the sheriff's window runs late, keep us posted by text and we will adjust. Once the locks are done, the tech walks the unit's doors with you and hands every new key to you directly, not to a neighbor or a contractor.
Bring to the unit
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Common questions
Can you change the locks before the sheriff comes?
No. A landlord changing locks on an occupied unit outside the court process is a self-help eviction, which California does not allow. Book us for the sheriff's time slot or after it, and we will be there to secure the unit right away.
The tenant left on their own. Do I still need the sheriff?
That is a legal question and depends on how the tenancy ended, so check with your attorney or a local housing resource. Once you are confident the unit has been surrendered and is legally yours to secure, we can rekey or change the locks the same day.
Should I rekey or replace the locks?
If the hardware is in decent shape, rekey. It is quicker and keeps what works. If a lock is damaged, worn or very basic, replacement on the same visit is better. The tech looks at each door and gives you the price for both before starting.
Can you do several units at once?
Yes. If you manage a building with multiple turnovers, tell us how many units and doors are involved. We can plan it as one visit, and for larger buildings a master key system can make future turnovers simpler for your staff.