Move-in lock checklist

Print this on possession day and walk the house once. It takes about ten minutes and tells you exactly what needs rekeying.

Doors

• Front door deadbolt and handle
• Back or side door
• Door from the attached garage into the house
• Patio or sliding door lock and bar
• Every lock turns smoothly with the key, no sticking or wobble
• Strike plates are fixed with long screws, not short trim screws
• Each deadbolt throws its full length into the frame
• Glass beside a door isn't within arm's reach of the lock
• Garage side door has its own deadbolt

Keys and codes

• Count every key you were handed
• Ask who else had keys: cleaners, contractors, neighbours, a realtor lockbox
• Garage keypad code changed
• Garage remotes counted, the opener memory cleared and your remotes re-paired
• Smart lock or keypad codes reset and old user accounts removed
• Mailbox, shed and storage keys found

Decide

• Rekey the locks that work well
• Replace any lock that sticks, wobbles or is damaged
• One key for every outside door if you want it
• Any door that will not lock tonight: call, do not wait