You can't know how many keys, codes and remotes for a newly bought home are still out there. The previous owners, their family, real estate agents, contractors, cleaners and dog walkers may all have had access at some point. This checklist covers what to change in your first days and weeks in an Ottawa home, starting with the items that matter most.

Just got the keys to your new place? Call (613) 707-4884 to book rekeying.

Day One: Take Back Control of Access

  1. Rekey every exterior lock. That means the front door, back or side door, patio door if it is keyed, and the door from the garage into the house. Rekeying makes every old key useless without replacing hardware that still works well. Have them keyed to one key while you're at it. Not sure whether to rekey or replace? Read should you rekey or replace your locks after moving?
  2. Reset keypad and smart locks. Delete all existing user codes and app users. If you can't get into the settings, factory-reset the lock and set it up again under your own account. Many smart deadbolts still have a keyed cylinder, so rekey that as well.
  3. Reprogram the garage door opener. Clear the opener's memory of all existing remotes and keypad codes, then pair only your own. Check the opener's manual for the "learn" button procedure.
  4. Change the alarm codes. If the home has a monitored system, contact the monitoring company to transfer the account and set new codes and contacts.

First Week: Check the Hardware

  1. Every exterior door has a working deadbolt. It should fully extend and turn smoothly when the door is closed. If you have to lift or push the door to lock it, the strike needs adjusting. See deadbolt vs knob lock.
  2. Strike plates are properly fastened. Remove one strike screw. If it's short and only goes into the thin jamb, replacing it with long screws that reach the framing is a cheap, effective upgrade.
  3. The garage-to-house door is treated as an exterior door. It's often the weakest door in the house.
  4. Sliding patio doors are secured. Check that the latch engages, and add a bar or an auxiliary lock in the track. Our article on sliding door locks has more detail.
  5. Windows latch, especially at ground level and in the basement. Replace broken latches and add window locks where needed.

First Month: The Things People Forget

  1. Mailbox keys. In a condo or with a community mailbox, find out how to get a new key. Some mailboxes can't be rekeyed by the homeowner. See our mailbox lock guide.
  2. Sheds, gates and outbuildings. Swap padlocks and rekey keyed handles.
  3. Hidden spare keys. Check under mats, planters and fake rocks, and remove any spare you find.
  4. Exterior lighting. Entrances, the garage and the back yard should be well lit, and motion lights should work.
  5. Your own spare key plan. Give a spare to someone you trust instead of hiding one outside, and keep track of every copy you have made.

Moving Into a Condo or Rental?

If you rent, don't change the locks yourself without the landlord's consent. Ask the landlord in writing to rekey. Our article on landlord and tenant lock rights in Ontario explains why. Condo owners should check the corporation's rules for suite entry doors and any building access fobs.

Most of the day-one items can be done in a single visit. To book rekeying for your new home, see our lock rekeying service or call (613) 707-4884.