They re-keyed the lock. A locksmith would charge about $10 a lock.

They are charging you to have the locks re-keyed either before you move in or after you move out. Just another way for them to pass the cost on to the consumer.

A re-key fee is a charge to you the new renter for the apartment complex to hire a locksmith to come out and make your door knob and lock open for a new key. Instead of replacing the knob and lock on your door it’s cheaper to just have you the new renter pay for a locksmith to come out and replace the tumblers (guts) of the these locks. This will ensure that only you and the apartment complex will have access to your home. So you don’t have to worry about Mr. or Mrs. Dishonest coming back and letting themselves back into your/their old appt. hope this sheds some light on things for you and enjoy you new place.