Managing a rental property comes with a unique set of responsibilities, and ensuring the security of your investment and your new tenants is paramount. One of the most overlooked yet critical security measures for landlords is rekeying the property’s locks. While it might seem like an extra step, the benefits of choosing to rekey rental property far outweigh the minimal effort and cost.
At KeyItLocks, we specialize in helping landlords in Ottawa and surrounding areas maintain secure and safe rental units. Here are the top reasons why rekeying should be a standard practice for every landlord locksmith checklist.
1. Tenant Turnover: The Most Crucial Time to Rekey
The period between tenants is the absolute best time to rekey rental property.
- Previous Tenant Access: You can never be certain that a previous tenant has returned all copies of their keys. Even if they claim they have, duplicates could exist, or keys might have been given to friends, family, or contractors.
- Unauthorized Entry Risk: Without rekeying, former tenants or anyone they shared keys with could potentially re-enter the property, posing a security risk to your new occupants and your investment.
- Peace of Mind for New Tenants: New tenants will feel much safer and more secure knowing that they are the only ones with access to their new home. This builds trust and shows you prioritize their safety.
2. Lost or Stolen Keys: Immediate Security Risk
If a tenant reports lost or stolen keys, rekeying is not just recommended, it’s often essential for immediate security.
- Compromised Security: Lost keys mean anyone who finds them could potentially gain access to your property. Stolen keys are an even more direct threat, as the thief knows which property the keys belong to.
- Protecting Property & Tenants: Rekeying immediately after a report of lost or stolen keys prevents unauthorized entry and protects both your physical property and the safety of your current tenants. This is a critical aspect of being a responsible landlord locksmith partner.
3. Deterring Unauthorized Duplicates
Even if keys aren’t lost, tenants might make unauthorized duplicates for various reasons.
- Uncontrolled Access: If a tenant moves out and has given duplicates to others (e.g., dog walkers, cleaners, friends), those individuals could still have access.
- Post-Tenancy Control: Rekeying ensures that only the keys you issue to the new tenant will work, giving you full control over who has access to the property after a tenant turnover.
4. Cost-Effectiveness Compared to Full Lock Change
Many landlords mistakenly believe they need a full lock change every time a tenant moves out. However, rekeying is often a more practical and cost-effective solution.
- What is Rekeying? Rekeying involves changing the internal pins of a lock cylinder so that the old key no longer works, and a new key does. The existing lock hardware remains in place.
- Savings: Rekeying is significantly less expensive than replacing entire locksets, saving landlords money while providing the same level of security against old keys.
- Efficiency: It’s a faster process than a full lock change, minimizing downtime between tenants.
5. Maintaining Security Standards
Regularly rekeying your properties helps maintain a high standard of security across your portfolio.
- Preventing Accumulation of Old Keys: Over time, if you never rekey, an increasing number of old keys could be floating around, increasing your risk exposure.
- Professional Image: It demonstrates a proactive approach to property management and tenant safety, enhancing your reputation as a responsible landlord.
6. Streamlining Key Management
For landlords with multiple properties, rekeying can also offer opportunities to simplify key management.
- Master Key Systems: A professional landlord locksmith can set up a master key system where you have one key that opens all units, while each tenant has a unique key for their specific unit. This makes property access and management much easier for you.
Secure Your Investment with Professional Rekeying
Choosing to rekey rental property is a smart, cost-effective, and essential security practice for every landlord. It provides peace of mind for both you and your new tenants, ensures control over property access, and protects your investment from potential risks associated with previous key holders. Don’t wait for a security incident to occur; make rekeying a standard part of your tenant turnover process.
For reliable and efficient rekeying services, and to discuss how we can help with your landlord locksmith needs, contact the experts at KeyItLocks today. We’re here to help you secure your properties with confidence.
