Many condo owners assume their unit door is theirs to change. In practice, the corporation often has rules about it, because the door is part of the building's fire separation and its corridor face is common element in many declarations.

What boards and managers typically consider

  • Fire rating: unit doors are often fire-rated assemblies. Hardware changes must not compromise the rating.
  • Appearance: the corridor side may need to match other units.
  • Emergency access: management may require a way in for emergencies.
  • Master keys: some buildings key unit doors to a master system.

How to get approval

  1. Read your declaration and rules.
  2. Ask management for any approved-hardware list.
  3. Submit the model, a photo and confirmation it fits the existing door preparation.
  4. Agree how emergency access will work.

Choosing a model

Models that fit the existing deadbolt preparation and keep a mechanical override are easiest to approve. Avoid anything that requires new holes in a fire-rated door without approval.

Why boards care

A condominium corporation has to think about fire safety, emergency access, and how much risk a new device brings to the building. Some declarations require the suite door to remain a specific type, and fire-rated doors have limits on how they can be modified.

Writing a request that gets approved

Describe the lock, confirm that it uses the existing bore and does not require drilling, and explain how management can enter in an emergency. Attach the manufacturer's data sheet. Ask for a reply in writing.

After approval

Keep the approval with your records, tell your insurer if required and set up codes carefully. Read phone-as-a-key locks and smart home integration.

Some points boards raise

Boards often ask whether the lock is battery-only or wired, whether it keeps a mechanical override, whether firefighters can enter and whether the suite door is fire rated. Prepare a one-page answer to each question before you submit your request, and you may avoid a second round of correspondence.

For smart lock installation in Toronto, see smart lock installation.

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