Apartment buildings don’t always have the best locks installed. Over time, constant use can wear out the internal parts of a lock, especially if they’re on older units that haven’t been updated. When you try to rekey a lock like that, it might not take well to the new key setup. This can lead to sticky locks, keys that don’t fit right, and even full lock failures.

Another common problem residents face is finding someone reliable to actually do the work. Some property managers might have in-house maintenance handle it, but that doesn't always mean it gets done properly. And when it doesn’t, you’re left with keys that may not work or a lock that’s easy to pick or force open.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what tends to go wrong:

- Worn-out locks: Internal parts inside the lock cylinder can wear down from heavy use. When rekeyed, the new key may catch or struggle to turn.

- Key mismatch: If the wrong key type was used during the rekeying process, the key will not function properly.

- Lack of communication: Apartment management may rekey shared locks without informing residents, leading to unexpected lockouts.

- Old master systems: Some apartment complexes use master key systems that limit how much a single lock can be customized. If these are poorly maintained, rekeying may not resolve earlier issues.

One example: A renter in a mid-size complex recently asked for a lock rekey after a break-in next door. The maintenance staff did the job quickly, but the new key jammed every other time it was used. Turns out the lock itself was so old it couldn’t handle the rekeying pins properly, and what was meant to make the tenant feel safer actually made things worse.

Even when security is your top priority, these types of problems can make it hard to trust that your door is really secure. Luckily, there are ways to avoid or fix these situations before they spiral into bigger issues.