Plan a complete key change
Count front, side and rear cylinders you want included. Tell us if a basement or shared entrance has separate access arrangements. A complete inventory helps determine whether compatible locks can share a key and prevents one entrance from being overlooked.
Repair the symptom, not just the key
If the door is difficult to lock, explain whether the bolt aligns when the door is open and whether the handle moves normally. Rekeying changes key access; it does not necessarily fix a latch, strike or door-alignment problem. Ask which part of the issue the proposed work will resolve.
Prepare for a home visit
Have the authorized owner or tenant available and confirm any manager’s permission. Keep existing keys and accessible hardware details together. After the work, test every affected door and new key, and clarify whether any entrances remain on the previous key.
Local geography: DC government neighborhood overview.
