A rental unit that's just been vacated, whether through a completed eviction or a tenant simply moving on, is a property with an unknown number of keys still floating around. Before a new tenant moves in, or before the unit sits empty for any length of time, changing the locks is one of the most straightforward ways a landlord can regain control of who has access.
An Important Note on the Legal Process First
In Ontario, a landlord cannot legally remove a tenant or change the locks to force them out. Evictions must go through the Landlord and Tenant Board, and any physical enforcement — actually regaining possession of the unit — is carried out by the Sheriff, not the landlord or a locksmith. Attempting a "self-help eviction," including changing locks to bar a tenant from a unit they still legally occupy, can expose a landlord to real legal and financial consequences.
What we're describing on this page is the step that comes after that process has been properly completed: once the Sheriff has enforced a Board order, or once a tenant has voluntarily vacated and returned the keys, a landlord needs the unit secured before anyone new moves in.
Why This Step Matters
Whatever the circumstances of a tenant's departure, there's rarely a reliable way to know how many keys were cut, copied, or handed out during their tenancy. A rekey resets that count to zero, giving the landlord — and the next tenant — a genuine clean slate.
What This Service Involves
- Rekeying existing locks so any keys held by the previous tenant stop working
- Replacing worn or damaged hardware if the unit's locks aren't in serviceable condition
- Assessing all entry points, including any secondary doors, garages, or storage areas tied to the unit
- Providing a fresh, documented set of keys for the landlord or property manager
Common Situations We See
- A unit recovered through a completed Landlord and Tenant Board process and Sheriff enforcement
- A tenant who has voluntarily vacated at the end of a lease
- A tenant who has abandoned a unit without formally ending the tenancy
- Preparing a unit for a new tenant after a change in occupancy
What We Need Before We Start
Because of the legal sensitivities involved, we ask landlords or property managers to confirm that a unit is legally vacant and that any required legal process has been completed before we perform any lock change. We're glad to talk through what documentation makes sense for your situation, though we can't provide legal advice — a paralegal, lawyer, or the Landlord and Tenant Board itself is the right resource for questions about the eviction process itself.
Why Landlords and Property Managers Choose Can-Lock Security
Can-Lock Security is a mobile, family-owned locksmith serving landlords and property managers across Ottawa. We handle the technical side — securing the property properly once it's legally in your control — quickly and without unnecessary cost.
Book a Post-Eviction Lock Change in Ottawa
If a rental unit in Ottawa is now legally vacant and ready to be secured, Can-Lock Security can help. Reach out to schedule an appointment.
Related pages: Residential Lock Replacement | Emergency Lockout Service Ottawa | Ottawa Residential Lock Rekeying | Residential Locksmith Services
