Ontario Rental Lock Change Checklist | Sam Kamra

Start with the replacement-key rule

The direct answer is that an Ontario residential landlord may change a lock during an active tenancy, but cannot leave the tenant without replacement keys. Section 24 of the Residential Tenancies Act prohibits a landlord from altering the locking system on a door into the rental unit or residential complex during occupancy without giving the tenant replacement keys. A repair, rekey, smart-lock upgrade or security response does not erase that obligation.

Plan the handover before the locksmith begins. Confirm which authorized occupants need access, how working keys or credentials will be delivered, who will record receipt and what backup method applies if technology fails. Sam Kamra recommends treating access control as a documented property-management process rather than an informal exchange. Never use a lock change to pressure a tenant, recover possession or bypass the lawful eviction process.

Separate lock changes from the right to enter

Having a key does not give a landlord unrestricted permission to enter. Ontario's entry rules still apply after a lock change. Entry without written notice is limited to situations allowed by the Act, including an emergency or the tenant's consent at the time of entry. For many other permitted reasons, the landlord must give written notice at least 24 hours before entering, state the reason, identify the date and provide a time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Keep lock-service access narrow. If a locksmith must enter the unit, use the correct consent or notice process and explain the work. Do not hide an inspection, showing or unrelated repair inside a lock appointment. The Ontario landlord entry notice checklist provides a complementary review of lawful access. Sam Kamra's GTA property resources can help owners organize maintenance and tenancy questions before action is taken.

Handle tenant-requested changes in writing

Section 35 says a tenant must not alter the locking system on an entry door during occupancy without the landlord's consent. When a tenant requests a change because of a lost key, damaged lock, household safety concern or accessibility need, respond promptly and avoid assumptions. Ask what happened, identify any urgent risk and decide whether a qualified locksmith, building management or another professional should attend.

Put the approved scope in writing: the door and hardware, installer, date, number of keys or credentials, cost allocation if lawful, and confirmation that the landlord will receive required access. For a condominium rental, check the corporation's rules and coordinate with management before altering suite or common-entry hardware. Do not demand sensitive personal details that are unnecessary to solve the access problem. Additional Sam Kamra real-estate guidance supports the broader ownership review.

Build a secure key and credential record

Maintain a simple access log showing the property and door, lock type, service date, reason for work, installer, key or credential identifiers, delivery method and confirmation of receipt. Record deactivated codes and returned keys without publishing usable access information in routine emails. Store keys, codes and resident information securely, and limit access to people with a legitimate operational need.

For electronic locks, confirm battery alerts, mechanical backup, privacy settings, data retention and the procedure for a system outage. Test every issued credential before the contractor leaves. If a tenant reports that a new key does not work, treat the report as urgent, arrange access and keep a factual timeline. Ontario identifies changing locks without providing a new key as a rental-housing offence; the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit can become involved, and tenants may also use a T2 application at the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Use lawful possession procedures and close the file

A notice to end a tenancy is not permission to lock out an occupant. If a tenant does not move after a termination notice or Board order, follow the legal enforcement process and obtain case-specific advice. Do not remove belongings, disable access or assume the unit is abandoned based only on unpaid rent, silence or an apparently empty room. Commercial tenancy rules are different and should not be applied to a residential unit.

Keep the work order, invoices, notices, consent, delivery confirmation, correspondence and incident notes together. CB Herald's discussion of Sam Kamra and public LTB data illustrates evidence-based rental review, while Barchart's report on the RealEstateBuyer.ca launch covers Sam Kamra's broader property-services work. The conclusion is practical: preserve access, follow entry rules and document the handover. Contact the LTB, the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit or a qualified Ontario legal professional when facts are disputed or possession is at issue.

Questions and answers

Ontario Rental Lock Changes FAQ

Can an Ontario landlord change the locks during a tenancy?

Yes, but the landlord must give the tenant replacement keys. The change does not create a right to enter outside the circumstances permitted by the Residential Tenancies Act.

Can a tenant change a rental-unit lock without permission?

Section 35 of the Residential Tenancies Act says a tenant must not alter an entry locking system during occupancy without the landlord's consent.

Does an eviction notice let a landlord lock out the tenant?

No. A termination notice alone does not authorize a lockout. Landlords must follow the Residential Tenancies Act and the lawful enforcement process for possession.

What should a landlord record after a lock change?

Record the reason, date, door, installer, issued keys or credentials, delivery method, confirmation of receipt, testing results and related notices or consent. Store access data securely.

What can a tenant do after an illegal lock change?

A tenant may contact the Rental Housing Enforcement Unit and can review the LTB's T2 application process. Urgent, case-specific legal advice may also be appropriate.

Authoritative sources

This article provides general information, not legal, tax, mortgage or financial advice. Confirm figures and eligibility with the appropriate professional and current official sources.