What can a locksmith change in a condo?
Your suite door, yes. The building's fobs and common doors, no.
- Suite door lock
- The deadbolt and lever on your own suite door, rekeyed or replaced.
- Mailbox lock
- Your own compartment lock can be replaced if management agrees. The master door of the mail panel belongs to Canada Post and is never touched.
- Building fob or card
- Not done. Fobs, access cards, garage remotes and the intercom come from management or the security desk.
- Common area doors
- Lobby, stairwell, garbage room and locker doors belong to the building and are not changed for residents.
What should you ask management before you book?
Three questions. The answers decide whether the job is a rekey or a new lock, and whether it takes one visit or two.
Is there a master key?
Some buildings keep a master key that opens every suite for fire or flood access. If yours does, the new cylinder may have to stay on the building's keyway, or management may ask for a copy of your new key.
Must the hardware match?
Suite doors are fire-rated, and some boards want the same lever and finish on every door in the hallway. A rekey sidesteps the question, because the hardware stays where it is.
How do contractors get in?
Tell the concierge or security desk a locksmith is coming to your suite. Some buildings log the visit or want a name in advance. Ask what they need, so the technician is not kept waiting in the lobby. What you are asked when you phone
What proof do you need for a condo suite?
- Owner
- Photo ID with the suite address. If your ID still shows an old address, bring the closing papers or a property tax bill.
- Tenant
- Photo ID and the lease, plus your landlord's OK. Ask before the lock is changed, not after.
- Landlord or manager
- ID plus a work order or a call from the management office for the suites you look after.
Renting the suite out? Rental lock change walks through handover day. Suite doors and houses are set side by side on the Willowdale page.
What do condo owners ask before booking?
Can a locksmith program my condo fob?
No. Fobs and access cards are set up by your building's management or security desk. The suite door lock is the only part a locksmith changes.
Do I need permission to change my condo lock?
Check your building's rules first. Many allow it but ask for a key copy or a cylinder on their master key system.
Should management get a copy of the new key?
If your building keeps keys for emergencies, yes. The technician can cut the extra key during the visit.
Can you replace my condo mailbox lock?
Yes, once management agrees. Some buildings change mailbox locks through their own contractor, so ask the office first.
New keys for your condo suite?
Tell us the building, the suite number and what management said. You have a price per lock before the visit is booked.
Call (647) 367-3162Open daily, 7am to 10:30pm