Reviewed by Emergency Locksmith NY|Published: | Updated:
Your First Priority: Change the Locks
When you move into a new apartment in NYC, you have no idea how many copies of the existing keys are floating around. Previous tenants, their friends, former roommates, dog walkers, house cleaners, contractors, maintenance workers, and the previous landlord's office staff may all have had keys at some point. Rekeying your locks should be one of the first things you do -- ideally on move-in day.
Rekeying is typically faster and less expensive than replacing locks entirely. A locksmith can rekey your deadbolt and knob lock in about 20 to 30 minutes total, giving you new keys and invalidating every old copy. If the locks are old or in poor condition, this is also a natural time to upgrade to better hardware.
Security Inspection Checklist
Walk through this checklist before or shortly after moving in:
Deadbolt throw: The bolt should extend at least 1 inch into the strike plate. A shorter throw provides less security.
Strike plate condition: Is the strike plate secured with long screws (3+ inches) into the frame structure, or short screws into just the molding? Reinforce if needed.
Door condition: Check for warping, gaps, loose hinges, or damage. Report maintenance issues to your landlord in writing.
Peephole: Is there a working peephole? Can you actually see through it? Replace if clouded or missing.
Window locks: Test all window locks, especially ground-floor or fire-escape-accessible windows. NYC law requires window guards in buildings where children under 10 reside.
Sliding door locks: If you have a sliding patio door or balcony door, check the lock mechanism and consider a security bar.
Building Access Updates
Get your own building fob or key card: Make sure the previous tenant's fob has been deactivated by building management
Mailbox key: Obtain your mailbox key from the landlord or building manager. If the mailbox lock was not changed, request a change.
Intercom setup: Ensure the apartment intercom is labeled with your name and that it buzzes your unit correctly
Emergency contacts: Provide building management with your emergency contact information and get theirs (super, management office, after-hours emergency number)
Building security: Ask about building security policies -- camera locations, package delivery procedures, guest access rules
Know Your Rights
As a new NYC tenant, you should know:
You have the right to install additional locks at your own expense, but you must provide the landlord with a key
The landlord is required to provide functioning locks on the apartment entrance door
If locks or door hardware are defective, report it in writing. The landlord is responsible for maintenance and repair.
Window guards are required in buildings with children under 10 (landlord's responsibility to install)
Keep a copy of your lease, landlord's contact info, and building management info in a secure but accessible place
Save a Locksmith's Number
Before you need one, save a trusted locksmith's phone number in your contacts. The worst time to search for a locksmith is when you are standing in a hallway at midnight, locked out of your new apartment. Having a number ready means you avoid the panic search that often leads to scam locksmith call centers.
Lock Change & Rekey Services
Moving into a new apartment? Our locksmiths can rekey or replace your locks on move-in day so only your keys work.
NYC does not universally mandate rekeying between tenancies, though it is a best practice that many landlords follow. As a new tenant, you have the right to have the locks rekeyed at your own expense. Given the unknown number of old key copies in circulation, this is a strongly recommended security step.
How much should I budget for move-in lock security?
Rekeying a deadbolt and knob lock typically costs $100 to $250. If you choose to replace with higher-security hardware, budget $200 to $600 depending on the brand. A reinforced strike plate adds about $25 to $50 installed. For a thorough security setup, $300 to $500 covers most apartment needs.
Should I change locks even in a new construction building?
Yes. Even in new construction, multiple people have had access during the building process -- contractors, inspectors, sales agents, cleaning crews. Construction master keys may still work. Rekeying after taking possession ensures only your keys work.
