Who this is for: An owner or tenant in a downtown condo or loft who wants to change, rekey or upgrade a suite lock.
Start with the declaration and rules
Condominium rules differ. Most allow an owner to change the lock on their own suite door, but many require the board or management to keep a key, or to approve the hardware. Some ban certain electronic locks, or ask for an emergency override. Read the rules first, and ask property management if in doubt.
What is usually yours and what is not
The suite door is usually the owner's responsibility, inside the rules. The lobby doors, elevators, parking gates, fob readers and mailbox banks belong to the building. A locksmith can work on the first group with your authorization; the second group needs management.
Check the fire rating
Suite doors in mid-rise and high-rise buildings are often part of a fire-rated assembly. A hole cut in the wrong place, or the wrong closer, can void the rating. Any hardware we fit is chosen to suit the door's listing.
Common requests
- Rekeying after a move: the fastest way to end old access
- A keypad or smart lock: popular for rentals, but check the rules and the door thickness
- A deadbolt upgrade: a stronger bolt and a reinforced strike
- Peephole or door viewer changes
- A lost fob: report it to management at once so it can be cancelled
Access for the technician
Book the freight elevator if required, arrange visitor parking, and tell the concierge who is coming and when. Tenants should get the landlord's approval before any lock change; a lock change that keeps a landlord from entering can breach the tenancy.
Emergencies
If you are locked out, the concierge may hold a suite key or be able to send security. If not, a locksmith can usually open a suite door without damage once ID and address are confirmed.
Talk to us
Better Call Locksmith Toronto is at 901 Yonge Street, Unit 105, answers 24/7 on (416) 240-0593, and welcomes walk-ins. See condo and apartment locksmith and residential locksmith in Toronto.