Non-destructive entry first, always - and we re-key Schlage, Kwikset, and Baldwin locks on the spot while you watch
You get a price before we start. It does not change when we arrive. No surprises.
Lock Change in Los Angeles, CA
A professional lock change in Los Angeles typically costs between $120 and $350, depending on the complexity of the hardware and the number of cylinders you need replaced. At Novak Lock & Security, we provide a firm, written quote before we begin any work, ensuring the price you are given on the phone is the price on your invoice. If you are looking for a reliable Residential Locksmith in Los Angeles to secure your property, call us at (213) 632-4875 for an exact estimate.
Our Residential Locksmith services go beyond a simple security upgrade; replacing locks is a necessity for maintaining control over who has access to your home. Whether you have recently moved into a new property in the Hollywood Hills, experienced a lost key incident in Santa Monica, or are simply upgrading your hardware to high-security cylinders like Medeco or Abloy, we handle the installation with precision. Since 2002, our team has completed over 60,000 service calls, always adhering to The Haven Standard-a rigorous framework that requires us to document every visit with a photo record and provide a written scope of work before a single tool is turned. We do not use bait-and-switch tactics. When you call (213) 632-4875, you speak to a live person who can explain your options and provide a clear, upfront price.
When You Need a Lock Change
Knowing when to change your locks is a matter of assessing your current security posture. We often see Los Angeles homeowners wait until an incident occurs, but proactive replacement is more cost-effective and safer. Here are the most common scenarios where a full lock change is the right move:
- New Home Purchase: When you buy a house, you never know how many copies of the old keys are floating around with previous contractors, real estate agents, or former owners. Changing the locks immediately upon closing is standard practice to regain full control of your entry points.
- Lost or Stolen Keys: If your keys are lost, you cannot be certain if they were misplaced or stolen. Replacing the cylinders prevents unauthorized access, and we can often upgrade your hardware to pick-resistant models like Schlage or Kwikset during the process.
- Post-Break-in or Attempted Entry: If your current hardware shows signs of tampering, drilling, or forced entry attempts, the internal mechanism is likely compromised. We replace the hardware to restore the structural integrity of your door.
- Hardware Failure: Locks in coastal environments like Venice or Malibu are prone to faster wear due to salt air and humidity. If your key is sticking, the cylinder is grinding, or the latch no longer retracts smoothly, it is time for a replacement before the lock fails completely.
- Upgrading to High-Security: Many older homes in neighborhoods like Silver Lake or Hancock Park still use builder-grade hardware. Upgrading to high-security systems like Mul-T-Lock provides resistance against bumping, drilling, and picking, which standard entry-grade locks simply cannot match.
- Change in Household Occupancy: If a roommate moves out or a tenant leaves, changing the locks ensures that former residents no longer have access, protecting your privacy and your assets.
Our Lock Change Process

We approach every lock change with the same methodical process, governed by The Haven Standard. We believe that professional locksmithing is about documentation and transparency, not just turning a screwdriver. Here is how we handle your service request:
- Assessment and Quote: We begin by discussing your specific needs over the phone at (213) 632-4875. We identify the type of hardware you currently have and what you need, providing a firm, written price before we ever dispatch a technician to your location.
- Arrival and Verification: Our background-checked, uniformed technician arrives at your home in Los Angeles. Before any work begins, we confirm the scope of the project and verify the price against our initial quote.
- Removal of Existing Hardware: We carefully remove your existing lockset, ensuring the door and frame remain undamaged. We inspect the strike plate and the door prep to ensure the new hardware will fit securely.
- Installation and Alignment: We install the new lock, ensuring the latch aligns perfectly with the strike plate. This is critical for security; a lock that doesn’t align properly is prone to failure and is easier to bypass.
- Testing and Documentation: We test the operation of the new lock multiple times. Per our procedure, we create a documented photo record of the finished installation, which is provided to you for your records.
- The 365-Day Done Right Promise: Once the job is complete, our work is backed by our 365-Day Done Right Promise. If you encounter any issues with the installation within a year, we make it right.
Lock Change Pricing in Los Angeles
Customers often ask us How Much Does Residential Locksmith Cost? (2026 Price Guide) - Los Angeles, CA when scheduling a lock change. Because we do not use hidden fees or “service call” bait tactics, we can provide clear ranges. The final cost depends on the brand, the security grade of the lock, and the number of cylinders. We provide a firm quote before arriving, so you are never surprised by the final bill.
| Service Type | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Standard Lock Replacement (Per Cylinder) | $120 - $180 |
| High-Security Lock Installation (Per Cylinder) | $200 - $350+ |
| Full Entry-Set Replacement (Handle + Deadbolt) | $250 - $500 |
Please note that these ranges are estimates. For an exact price tailored to your specific hardware needs, call us at (213) 632-4875. We are also happy to provide a free second opinion on any written estimate you have received from another company.
FAQs - Lock Change

How much does it cost to change locks on a house in Los Angeles?
A professional lock change in Los Angeles typically runs between $120 and $350 per cylinder, depending on the brand and security level of the hardware. At Novak Lock & Security, we provide a firm, written quote over the phone before we arrive, adhering to our policy that the price quoted is the price you pay. Call us at (213) 632-4875 to get your exact quote today.
Can you change the locks on my home today?
Yes, we offer 24/7 service and can typically perform a lock change the same day you call. When you contact us at (213) 632-4875, our live dispatcher will coordinate a time that fits your schedule, ensuring a background-checked technician arrives with the necessary tools and hardware.
Is it better to rekey or replace my locks?
Lock Rekey is a cost-effective option if your existing hardware is in good working order and you simply want to change who has access, while replacing is necessary if the locks are broken, outdated, or you want to upgrade to high-security brands like Medeco or Abloy. If you are unsure which path is right for your home, call us at (213) 632-4875 for an honest assessment of your current security.
Do you offer a warranty on lock changes?
Every installation we perform is backed by our 365-Day Done Right Promise, which guarantees that if the work is not done correctly, we will make it right. We document every visit with a photo record to ensure quality control, upholding The Haven Standard on every service call we complete in Los Angeles.
Written by Daniel Novak, Owner at Novak Lock & Security Los Angeles, serving Los Angeles since 2002.






