Reset access around people, openings, and credentials
After a move or change of occupants, key control means knowing which openings exist, which credentials operate them, and who should still have access. Include front, rear, balcony, garage, mailbox, storage, gate, common-entry, alarm, smart-lock, and building-app access. Do not assume that collecting the visible front-door keys completes the job.
Build a one-page access inventory
Record the opening, not sensitive secrets
For each opening, record the credential type, current authorized roles, action needed, responsible person, and completion date. Do not put full codes, passwords, or recovery codes in an ordinary household checklist. Store sensitive credentials using an appropriate secure method.
- Physical: keys, fobs, parking transmitters, mailbox keys, and window locks.
- Digital: lock accounts, building apps, camera sharing, alarm users, and recovery methods.
- Third-party: landlord, property manager, cleaner, contractor, pet carer, or trusted contact access.
Renters should follow their lease and local process before changing building hardware. Document a failed shared entrance through the responsible property channel rather than making an unauthorized alteration.
Choose reset, return, or continued access
A missing key is not the only reason to act. A code may be known by people who no longer need it, an app may still show an old resident, or a garage remote may remain paired. Decide separately for each credential whether it should be returned, disabled, reissued, or intentionally retained.
When a physical lock needs replacement or rekeying, preserve emergency egress and use hardware suitable for the door and local requirements. The apartment security checklist covers shared-building responsibilities, while the door and window upgrade guide helps prioritize failed operation.
Close the handoff with verification
Confirm that the new or reset credential works, that old access is actually removed, and that household members can still leave quickly. Record the date and who verified it. Review the inventory again after a lost key, staffing change, contractor project, separation, or new connected device. The useful outcome is not a pile of new keys. It is a current, limited, and testable access list.