Rental property rekeying and lock upgrades
Rekey and upgrade locks between tenancies for agents and landlords, on planned scheduled jobs.
- A$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
Planned locksmith work for rental properties: rekeying locks at tenancy changeovers, fitting deadlocks and window locks, and bringing doors up to safety and security standards.
Your first three steps
- Check your state's locksmith licensing rules and complete the required training before offering the service
- Put together a simple price list for rekeys, deadlocks and window locks, and a one-page flyer for agents
- Visit or call local property managers and offer a trial job at a competitive price
Who pays
Real estate agencies, property managers, landlords and body corporates.
How it makes money
A set price per property or per lock, often billed monthly to the agency. Steady repeat work from a few agents can fill your diary without emergency call-outs.
Skills that help
- Rekeying and fitting standard locks
- Reliable scheduling and keeping to appointments
- Clear quoting and invoicing
- Good relationships with agents
Watch out for
- State or territory licensing for locksmith work, so check with your licensing body
- Public liability insurance, which agents often ask to see before engaging you
- Rental security rules differ by state, so check what your local landlords must provide
- Relying on one or two agents is risky, so aim to spread your clients
- Agents may pay on 30-day terms, so plan your cash flow
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: rental property rekeying and lock upgrades
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a rental property rekeying business?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your tools, vehicle, stock of locks and hardware, and insurance. Costs vary with how many lock types you plan to handle.
How much can you earn rekeying rental properties?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on how many agents and landlords you work for, how many jobs you complete and your pricing. That is revenue before costs.
What should I check before doing lock work for rental properties?
Check state or territory locksmith licensing with your licensing body, and the rental security rules your local landlords must meet. Also check public liability insurance, which agents often ask to see before engaging you.
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