A sensible approach to copies, records, and the point where rekeying is more appropriate. Written for the Lower Mainland, British Columbia.
Copies solve a convenience problem
Spare keys make sense for current authorized users and planned contingencies. Keep a simple record of who has them, especially for shared homes, suites, and small businesses.
Missing keys are a security problem
If keys are lost or former occupants still have them, the better response may be rekeying compatible cylinders. That changes the keying without necessarily replacing every piece of hardware.
How this applies in the Lower Mainland
Across the Lower Mainland, the same request can involve a strata condo, detached home, retail entry, commercial bay, or vehicle. The exact city, authorization path, and hardware context make a regional call more useful. The Locksmith Team is a regional service entry point for Lower Mainland homes, businesses, and vehicles. Start with the city, exact location, and hardware or access issue so the right path can be assessed.