Article
Landlord Turnover Checklist
Updated October 11, 2026
Every turnover, same order
- Collect all keys — compare against the spares log. Missing keys mean rekey, no debate.
- Rekey or replace — price both in the rekey checker. SmartKey doors rekey in-house.
- Reset codes — delete tenant codes on smart locks, audit the log, rotate the manager code yearly.
- Test and photograph — 10-cycle function test per lock, photos for the file.
- Hand over and log — keys issued, date, signature. Paper beats memory in deposit disputes.
Batch the work
Turnover locks are a planned purchase, not an emergency call. Keep one spare deadbolt per common keyway on the shelf, schedule locksmith days across units, and verify invoices with the quote checker. Multi-unit key planning starts in the master-key planner.