The Property Masters repairs, replaces and rekeys door locks across Dubai — from a stiff or failing cylinder to a full lock change after moving in, plus smart-lock installation and help when you're locked out. We work across the common types — euro cylinder, mortise, rim, deadbolt and handle-set locks — and advise honestly whether a repair, a rekey or a replacement is the sensible call. New tenants and owners should always secure the door, since you never know how many keys are still out there. Priced as a fixed quote after assessment, +5% VAT.
Repair, rekey or replace — the honest call
- Repair — a stiff, sticking or rough-turning lock can often be serviced: cleaning, lubrication, realigning the strike plate or replacing a worn part. If the mechanism is sound, repair is the cheaper option.
- Rekey — where the lock is fine but you want old keys to stop working (after moving in, losing a key, staff changes), we rekey the cylinder so existing keys no longer open it — no new lock needed.
- Replace — when a lock is worn out, damaged, insecure or outdated; we fit a quality lock suited to the door.
Lock types we work with
- Euro cylinder locks — standard in many Dubai apartments and villa doors; quick to replace or upgrade, most often rekeyed.
- Mortise locks — heavier locks set into the door edge, common on main and villa doors.
- Rim and deadbolt locks — surface-mounted and additional security bolts.
- Handle-sets and door-handle locks — combined handle-and-lock units for internal and external doors.
- Sliding and glass door locks — patio, balcony and glass-door mechanisms.
We confirm size and type before sourcing a replacement so the new lock fits the existing door preparation cleanly.
Smart locks
- Keypad, fingerprint, card and app-controlled units fitted to the door.
- Access codes and users configured — we show you how to manage it.
- Honest advice on whether your door and frame suit a given smart lock and how it behaves in a power cut.
Smart locks tie into our smart home service for unified control.
Locked out?
We can help regain entry to your own property using non-destructive methods where possible, then repair or replace the lock as needed. We'll ask for reasonable proof the property is yours (tenancy contract or Emirates ID) before opening a door — a responsible locksmith always should.
Why new tenants and owners should change or rekey
When you move into a Dubai apartment or villa, you have no idea how many copies of the key exist — previous tenants, agents, cleaners, maintenance. Changing or rekeying the main-door lock on day one is one of the cheapest pieces of security you can buy.
Common lock problems — symptom and cause
- Key getting harder to turn — worn or dry cylinder, or a door that's dropped so the bolt no longer lines up with the strike plate.
- Latch that doesn't catch — often a misaligned strike; fixable without a new lock.
- Key that snaps — usually follows months of forcing a stiff cylinder; acting on early stiffness saves a lockout.
Indicative pricing
- Handyman work — from AED 109 per hour; lock work priced after assessment.
- Figure depends on lock type, door, and whether repair, rekey or replacement — smart locks vary widely by model.
- Indicative only — fixed quote after assessment, subject to +5% VAT.
Call us on +971 50 928 5264 for a free quote, or sooner if you're locked out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I change the locks when I move into a new place in Dubai?
We'd strongly recommend it. When you move into an apartment or villa you have no idea how many copies of the key exist, since previous tenants, agents, cleaners and maintenance staff may all have had one. Changing or rekeying the main-door lock on day one is one of the cheapest pieces of security you can buy. If the existing lock is sound, a rekey makes the old keys stop working without the cost of a whole new lock; if it's worn or insecure, a full replacement is the better move.
What's the difference between rekeying and replacing a lock?
Rekeying changes the internal pins of the existing cylinder so that old keys no longer work and you get a new set, while keeping the same lock hardware. It's ideal when the lock itself is fine but you want previous keys disabled, such as after moving in or losing a key. Replacing swaps the whole lock for a new one, which is the right call when the lock is worn out, damaged, insecure or outdated. We'll advise honestly on which one your situation actually needs rather than defaulting to the more expensive option.
Can you install a smart lock?
Yes. We install keypad, fingerprint, card and app-controlled smart locks, fitting the unit to the door, configuring the access codes and users, and showing you how to manage it. We'll advise honestly on whether your particular door and frame suit a given smart lock and how it behaves in a power cut, since not every model suits every door. If you're building a wider connected home, smart locks tie into our smart home service for unified control.
Can you help if I'm locked out?
Yes. We can help you regain entry to your own property using non-destructive methods where possible, then repair or replace the lock if needed. For everyone's protection we'll ask for reasonable proof that the property is yours, such as a tenancy contract or Emirates ID, before opening a door. A responsible locksmith should always verify ownership, and we'd expect the same care to be taken on your behalf.
How much does a door lock change cost in Dubai?
Lock work is priced after assessment because a cylinder swap, a rekey and a full mortise replacement are very different jobs, and our handyman work starts from AED 109 per hour. The figure depends on the lock type, the door, and whether you choose repair, rekey or replacement, and smart locks vary widely by model. These are indicative figures only; we provide a fixed quote after assessment, and all pricing is subject to +5% VAT.