Moving into a new home in Toronto or anywhere in the GTA is one of the most significant life events you'll experience. Amid the boxes, the utilities setup, and the furniture arrangements, one critical security step is often overlooked: changing your locks. Here's why it matters and exactly what to do.
You Don't Know Who Has a Copy of Your Keys
When you move into a property — whether it's a brand-new build, a resale home, or a rental — you genuinely have no way of knowing how many copies of the keys exist. Previous owners may have given copies to family members, house cleaners, dog walkers, contractors, or neighbours. Landlords and property managers of rental properties often retain master keys. Builders of new construction homes may have used a master construction key during the build phase that's in circulation among tradespeople.
A Standard Keyed-Alike Builder Lock Is Especially Risky
Many Toronto-area new builds use a 'construction master key' system during the build phase, where a single master key opens all units in a development. While the keys are supposed to be invalidated after closing, this process isn't always foolproof. Several Toronto condo owners have discovered their 'new' lock responds to old construction keys months after move-in. Rekeying or replacing on move-in day eliminates this risk entirely.
Rekeying vs. Replacing: Which Is Right for Move-In?
For most move-in scenarios in Toronto, rekeying is the right approach — it's faster, cheaper ($120–$200 for a whole home vs. $400–$800+ for full replacement), and produces the same security outcome. The exception: if the existing hardware is builder-grade (Grade 3 knob locks with no deadbolt, or cheap deadbolts with no security pins), moving in is the perfect time to upgrade. Our technicians assess hardware quality honestly and recommend replacement only when genuinely warranted.
Our mobile locksmiths serve the entire GTA. Call (647) 874-2137 for current availability.
What Locks Should You Change?
Every exterior door that uses a key: front door deadbolt, front door knob/handle lock, back door, side door, garage entry door, and any patio door with a keyed lock. Don't forget sliding door pin locks and any exterior outbuildings (workshop, shed) if they share a key. If you're in a condo, the building's front entrance may use a key — consult your property manager before rekeying that cylinder.
Should You Also Change Your Mailbox Lock?
If your mailbox uses a key, yes. Mail theft is a significant issue in Toronto and the GTA. Your mailbox may contain credit card offers, bank statements, and other documents that could facilitate identity theft. Most mailbox locks are inexpensive and can be replaced during the same locksmith visit.
How Quickly Can a Locksmith Rekey a Home?
A QA Locksmith technician can rekey a typical 3–4 exterior cylinder Toronto home in 45–90 minutes. We come to you, assess and rekey on the spot, and cut new keys immediately. Same-day appointments may be available across the GTA. Many clients book us on move-in day alongside the mover — we work around you.
The Bottom Line
Rekeying your locks on move-in day is one of the simplest, most affordable security decisions you'll make — and one of the most impactful. At $120–$200 for a complete home rekey, it costs less than a dinner out and provides immediate, verifiable security for your family. Don't put it off.
Need a locksmith in the GTA?
QA Locksmith is a certified mobile locksmith serving Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, and all surrounding communities. We come to you — 24/7.
Call (647) 874-2137