Moving into a new apartment is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with security responsibilities that many renters overlook in the rush of getting settled. You have no way of knowing how many copies of your key exist, who has had access to the unit in the past, or whether the locks are in good working condition. Taking a few straightforward steps in the first days after moving in can make a significant difference to your safety and peace of mind.

1. Request a Rekey or Change the Locks Immediately

The single most important security step when moving into a new apartment is ensuring that the existing keys no longer work. Previous tenants, their family members, friends, or anyone else who was given a copy of the key during the previous tenancy may still have access to your unit. Even if the landlord assures you that all keys were returned, there is no reliable way to verify this without changing the lock or rekeying the cylinder.

Rekeying — changing the internal pin configuration of the existing cylinder so that old keys no longer work — is the most cost-effective solution. It achieves the same security outcome as replacing the lock hardware at a fraction of the cost, and it can be done by a mobile locksmith in under 30 minutes per door. In Ontario, tenants have the right to change or add locks on their unit, provided they give the landlord a copy of the new key. Check your lease and the Residential Tenancies Act for the specific requirements that apply to your situation.

If the existing lock hardware is worn, damaged, or of poor quality, this is also the right time to upgrade to a Grade 1 deadbolt. A quality deadbolt properly installed — with a reinforced strike plate secured with long screws that reach the door frame studs — is one of the most effective and affordable security improvements available.

2. Inspect All Entry Points

Before you unpack, take a few minutes to inspect every entry point in the apartment. Check the condition of the front door lock and deadbolt — does the bolt extend fully? Does the door latch securely without requiring extra force? Is the strike plate firmly attached to the frame, or does it feel loose? A strike plate secured with short screws can be pulled away from the frame with relatively little force, undermining even a quality deadbolt.

Check any secondary entry points — a back door, a patio door, or a door to a shared hallway or parking area. Sliding patio doors are a common vulnerability in apartments: the latch hardware is often minimal, and the door can sometimes be lifted off its track from the outside. A secondary bar or pin lock in the track provides an inexpensive additional layer of security.

Window locks, particularly on ground-floor and accessible upper-floor units, are worth inspecting as well. Many apartment windows have basic latches that can be forced with minimal effort. Window pins or secondary locks are a low-cost improvement that significantly increases resistance to entry through a window.

3. Know Your Building's Security Systems and Protocols

In a multi-unit apartment building, your individual unit security is only one layer of a broader system. Take time to understand how the building's entry system works — whether it uses a key fob, a key, or a code — and report any malfunctions to building management promptly. A front door that does not latch properly, a lobby door that is propped open, or a parking garage entry that is not functioning correctly are building-level security issues that affect every tenant.

Find out whether the building has security cameras, a concierge or security desk, or a monitored alarm system. Knowing what security infrastructure exists helps you understand the overall risk profile of the building and identify any gaps. If the building has a package room or a mail area, understand how access is controlled — these are common points of unauthorized entry in residential buildings.

Finally, introduce yourself to neighbours where possible. In a building where residents know each other, unfamiliar faces are more likely to be noticed and questioned. Community awareness is one of the most effective and underrated security measures available in a multi-unit residential setting.

Locksmith Care — Rekeying and Lock Upgrades for Toronto Renters

Locksmith Care provides fast, affordable rekeying and lock installation for renters across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. Our mobile technicians can rekey all entry locks in a typical apartment in a single visit, often within 30 minutes of arrival. Licensed, insured, and available 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us at 416-828-2596 for a free quote or to book a same-day appointment.