Every tenant turnover comes with a quiet security question that too many Ottawa landlords answer with a shrug: who still has a key to that unit? Between the outgoing tenant, their partner, friends, and anyone who ever borrowed a copy, the old key could be in a dozen hands. Handing those same locks to a new tenant is a liability you do not want.

At Urban Locksmith we handle turnover rekeys for landlords and property managers across the Ottawa area, and the process is simpler and cheaper than most owners expect. Here is how to do it properly.

Why Rekeying Between Tenants Matters

Changing the keys at turnover is not just good practice, it is part of providing a secure unit. A new tenant is entitled to move in knowing that no previous occupant can walk back in. If something goes missing early in a tenancy and the locks were never changed, the finger points straight at the landlord.

The good news is that rekeying is a small cost for real peace of mind, and it protects you as much as it protects your tenant.

Rekey or Replace? What Makes Sense at Turnover

You have two paths, and the right one depends on the condition of the existing hardware.

Rekeying

Rekeying changes the internal pins so old keys stop working, while keeping the existing lock body. It is fast, budget-friendly, and ideal when the hardware is in good shape. For a typical apartment or house turnover, rekeying every exterior door is the standard move.

Replacing

If the locks are worn, damaged, or you have inherited a jumble of mismatched hardware across a building, replacement is the better investment. It also lets you standardize. Our lock replacement services help landlords bring an entire unit or building onto consistent, reliable locks that are easy to manage going forward.

Don't Forget the Secondary Doors

Turnover rekeys often cover the front door and stop there. Walk the whole unit:

• Rear and side entrances
• Balcony or patio doors with keyed locks
• The door between an attached garage and the unit
• Storage lockers or shared entry doors if applicable

If a unit is missing a proper deadbolt on an exterior door, turnover is the ideal time to add one. Our deadbolt installation service is a quick upgrade that raises the security of the whole unit and makes it more attractive to quality tenants.

Master Keying for Multi-Unit Owners

If you own or manage several units, ask your locksmith about a master key system. This lets each tenant have a key that opens only their own door, while you hold a single master key that opens all of them for maintenance and emergencies. It dramatically simplifies key management across a portfolio, and it can be set up or reconfigured during turnover.

Timing the Work Around Your Turnover

The cleanest approach is to schedule the locksmith for the gap between tenants, after the old tenant returns their keys and before the new one moves in. That way:

1. The outgoing tenant hands back every key on record. 2. You rekey or replace all exterior locks while the unit is empty. 3. You hand the new tenant a fresh, complete set on move-in day. 4. You keep your own copies logged and stored securely.

Because units in Ottawa often turn over on the same few dates each year, book your locksmith early during busy months so the work lines up with your schedule.

Work With a Local Locksmith Who Knows Rentals

Landlord work rewards speed and consistency. A local team can reach your property fast, rekey multiple units in one trip, and keep your buildings on a system you can actually manage. Our locksmiths in Ottawa work with owners and property managers regularly and can advise on the most cost-effective way to handle turnover across single units or whole buildings.

Doing turnover right protects your tenants, protects your property, and protects you. It is one of the cheapest forms of insurance a landlord can buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I rekey or replace locks between tenants? Rekey when the hardware is in good condition, which covers most turnovers. Replace when locks are worn, damaged, or you want to standardize a building. Rekeying is faster and cheaper for routine turnover.

How much does a turnover rekey cost? It depends on the number of doors and whether you rekey or replace, but rekeying is one of the more affordable jobs a locksmith does. Handling several units in one visit usually keeps the per-door cost down.

Can I set up one master key for a building? Yes. A master key system gives each tenant access to only their unit while you hold one key that opens all of them. It can be designed or updated during a rekey visit.

Do I need to change locks if the old tenant returned all the keys? Yes. You cannot verify how many copies were made during the tenancy. Rekeying makes every previous copy useless, which is the only reliable guarantee.

Can Urban Locksmith handle multiple units in one visit? Yes. We regularly rekey and replace locks across several units in a single trip, which is more efficient and cost-effective for landlords and property managers.