Disputing Re-Keying, Key &
Remote Charges in Texas
Your landlord charged $50–$300 for re-keying locks, replacing keys, or replacing garage remotes. Some of these charges are legitimate — but many are landlord overhead that cannot be deducted from your deposit.
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Which Key & Re-Keying Charges Are Legal?
| Charge | Legal Deduction? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Standard re-keying (all keys returned) | No | Routine security measure between tenants — landlord's cost |
| Re-keying when tenant lost keys | Maybe | Tenant failed to return all keys — may be a breach-of-lease cost |
| Replacement keys (tenant lost keys) | Maybe | Tenant's responsibility if they lost them; must be reasonable cost |
| Duplicate keys (landlord's convenience) | No | Landlord's administrative cost, not tenant-caused damage |
| Garage remote replacement (lost/damaged) | Maybe | If tenant lost or damaged the remote, may be chargeable |
| Garage remote (normal wear, returned) | No | Normal wear on electronics; landlord's cost if returned in working order |
| Mailbox key replacement (lost) | Maybe | Tenant's responsibility if lost; must be reasonable cost |
| Pool/amenity key fob (lost) | Maybe | Tenant's responsibility if lost; must be reasonable cost |
| Smart lock reprogramming (routine) | No | Administrative cost between tenants — not tenant-caused damage |
The Key Rule: Did You Return Everything?
The central question is whether you returned all keys, remotes, and access devices at move-out. If you returned everything, routine re-keying is the landlord's cost. If you lost or failed to return items, the replacement cost may be a legitimate deduction — but must be reasonable and itemized within 30 days.
Returned Everything vs. Lost Items
Returned All Items (Can't Charge)
Routine re-keying after you return everything is the landlord's security cost — not your responsibility.
Lost or Unreturned Items (May Be Charged)
Even for lost items, the charge must be reasonable (actual replacement cost) and itemized within 30 days.
Real-World Scenarios
Renter Wins — Re-Keying After Returning All Keys
Tenant returns all 2 unit keys and 1 garage remote at move-out. Landlord charges $125 for 're-keying locks.' Tenant returned everything. Routine re-keying is the landlord's security cost between tenants. Renter recovers $125.
Landlord Has a Point — Lost Garage Remote
Tenant lost one of two garage remotes. Landlord charges $85 for replacement. Tenant failed to return all access devices. $85 for a garage remote is within reasonable range. Charge is likely valid if properly itemized within 30 days.
Renter Wins on Overcharge — Lost Key, Excessive Charge
Tenant lost one key. Landlord charges $200 for 're-keying all locks and replacing all keys.' Tenant lost one key — replacement cost of that key is $5–$15. Re-keying all locks because of one lost key may be reasonable for security, but $200 is likely an overcharge. Reasonable re-keying cost: $50–$75.
Frequently Asked Questions
Charged for Re-Keying or Keys? Get Your Money Back.
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