Maintaining Key Control During Staff and Tenant Changes
For business owners, keeping track of physical keys is a constant security challenge. When employees leave the company, or if keys are lost, the security of your office is at risk. Rekeying provides a fast way to restore access control.
The Threat of Unauthorized Duplication
Many unrestricted key blanks are widely available, so returning an issued key does not prove that no duplicate exists. Record issuance and returns, then assess whether affected cylinders should be rekeyed when authorization changes.
Implementing Restricted Keyways
A restricted-key system may improve duplicate control when its authorization and recordkeeping match the organization.
- Restrictions may come from patent protection, contractual distribution controls, or both; confirm the current status of the exact system.
- Blank availability and participating dealers vary by manufacturer and region.
- The organization should document who can authorize duplicates, which provider can produce them, how identities are checked, and how the process changes if the original dealer is unavailable.
Why staff change is a key moment
Every departure raises the same question: which keys does the person still hold? Even honest employees may have copies you do not know about. A system that assumes keys are returned is a system that will eventually fail.
Options
For small teams, rekey the doors the person had access to and issue new keys against a signed register. For larger teams, consider a master-key layout or access control with cards, so removing a person takes minutes rather than a full rekey. Use restricted keyways so copies cannot be made elsewhere.
Records
Keep a register with the key number, the holder and the dates issued and returned. Review it once a year. See master key systems and access control.
Need Professional Locksmith Help in the GTA?
iProtect Locksmith is a mobile locksmith service serving homes, vehicles, businesses, and property managers across the GTA. We discuss available options and estimated pricing before work begins.
If you are locked out, need locks changed, or want to upgrade your security, call our dispatch line (8 AM to 10 PM) at 📞 437-295-4001 for a fast, reliable mobile response.