Tenant turnover is a busy time for property managers and landlords. With so many tasks on your checklist— from inspections to cleaning and repairs — it’s easy to overlook a crucial step: rekeying the locks. While it may seem like an unnecessary cost, this simple security measure is one of the most effective ways to protect your property and your new tenants. Here’s why it should be non-negotiable.
The undeniable benefits of rekeying
1. Tenant safety and peace of mind
Your new tenants deserve to feel safe and secure in their new home. If the locks aren’t changed, they may worry that former tenants, or anyone they gave a key to, could still have access. Rekeying the locks provides a fresh start and guarantees that only authorized individuals have a key, giving your new tenants peace of mind. This feeling of security can also be a powerful selling point when showing the property to prospective renters.
2. Reduces liability
In a worst-case scenario, if an unauthorized person—such as a former tenant or someone who received a copied key—gains entry and causes harm or theft, you could face a lawsuit. By rekeying the locks between tenants, you demonstrate that you’ve taken reasonable steps to ensure the property’s security. This helps reduce your liability and protects you from potential legal issues.
3. Prevents unauthorized access and squatters
It’s impossible to know how many keys an outgoing tenant may have made or given to others. Rekeying ensures that any unreturned keys are useless. This also protects your vacant property from unauthorized access between tenants. Former tenants could potentially enter the empty unit or even attempt to squat, which can lead to costly and time-consuming eviction proceedings and damage.
4. Cost-effective and efficient
Rekeying is the process of altering the lock’s internal pins to work with a new key, a more affordable and quicker option than replacing the entire lock and hardware. This efficiency allows for a faster turnaround time between tenancies, reducing your vacancy period and maintaining cash flow.
Best practices for a seamless process
- Create a clear policy: Include a clause in your lease agreement stating your policy on rekeying and what tenants should do if they want to change locks during their tenancy.
- Keep records: Always document when and what locks were rekeyed. This provides a clear record of your commitment to tenant safety.
- Consider keyless entry: For a long-term solution, consider electronic or smart locks. They allow you to simply change the access code, eliminating the need for physical keys and locksmith appointments altogether.
By making rekeying a standard procedure in your tenant turnover process, you are investing in the security of your property and the safety of your tenants. It’s a small investment that offers a significant return in peace of mind, reduced liability, and a professional reputation.
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