Locks are one of the most common sources of friction between landlords and tenants. A few clear principles, based on Ontario's residential tenancy rules, prevent most disputes. This is general information, not legal advice; the Landlord and Tenant Board and the Residential Tenancies Act are the authoritative sources.
Changing the locks
In Ontario, a landlord may not change the locks of a rental unit without giving the tenant a replacement key, and a tenant may not change the locks without the landlord's consent. In practice, many landlords agree to a tenant-paid rekey if they receive a copy of the new key.
Entry by the landlord
A landlord generally needs to give written notice before entering, except in emergencies or where the tenancy agreement allows entry for specific purposes such as cleaning. Holding a key is not permission to enter at will. A master-key system in a building is a tool for lawful access, not a way around notice rules.
At move-in
- Record every key, fob, mailbox key and garage remote handed over.
- Agree in writing whether the tenant may rekey or install a smart lock.
- Check that deadbolts, window locks and patio door locks work.
At move-out
- Collect everything listed at move-in.
- Rekey anyway, because copies are easy to make.
- Keep the invoice with the tenancy file.
Security obligations
Landlords are responsible for maintaining the unit in a good state of repair, which includes exterior doors and locks that work. Tenants should report broken locks promptly. Documenting requests and repairs protects both sides.
What Ontario landlords and tenants should know
Under Ontario's residential tenancy rules, a landlord cannot change the locks without giving the tenant a new key, and a tenant should not change them without the landlord's consent. Entry by the landlord generally requires written notice except in emergencies.
Practical steps
At move-in, ask when the locks were last rekeyed and how many keys exist. At move-out, return all keys and fobs and keep a record. If the landlord changes the lock as part of a rekey, the tenant should get a working key right away.
When there is a dispute
Keep written records and contact the appropriate tenant board or legal clinic for guidance. This article is general information, not legal advice. See rekeying a new home.
For rekeying between tenants in Toronto, see lock rekeying.