Lock Change
Changing Locks in Ontario Rental Properties: What Landlords and Property Managers Should Know
Plan lock changes at turnover
The simplest time to change or rekey a unit's lock is between tenancies. It protects the incoming tenant from keys held by previous occupants, movers, or contractors, and avoids access disputes.
Tenant access during a tenancy
Under Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord generally cannot change the locks of a rental unit during a tenancy without giving the tenant replacement keys. Check the current rules or get legal advice for your specific situation before acting.
Rekey versus replace in rentals
Rekeying is usually the most economical choice for unit doors in good condition. Replace hardware when it is worn, damaged, or when you are standardizing a building on one brand, keyway, or a master key system.
Building-wide key control
For multi-unit buildings, a master key system lets superintendents access common areas and units for maintenance, while each tenant key only opens its own unit. Restricted keys prevent tenants from copying common-area keys.
Keep records
Log each unit, the date of the lock change, and the number of keys issued. Good records make move-outs faster and help resolve questions about who had access and when.