Brampton has thousands of basement apartments and second units, many with their own side or rear entrance. These entrances are often the least secure doors in the house: tucked away from the street, poorly lit, and fitted with whatever lock came with the door. Good basement apartment entrance security protects your tenant, your family upstairs and your property.
Why side and basement entrances are targets
- They are out of sight from the street and neighbours.
- They often have light-duty exterior doors installed during a conversion.
- Many have only a knob lock, with no deadbolt.
- Lighting is frequently poor or absent.
- Steps down to the door hide anyone standing there.
1. Install a proper deadbolt
A Grade 1 or Grade 2 single-cylinder deadbolt with a full one-inch bolt is the foundation. Single-cylinder (key outside, thumb-turn inside) is important for a living space: the tenant must be able to get out quickly in an emergency without looking for a key. Our Lock Installation Brampton team fits deadbolts on new and existing doors.
2. Reinforce the strike and hinges
Most forced entries break the frame, not the lock. Replace short strike-plate screws with three-inch screws into the framing, use a heavy-duty strike plate, and add at least one long screw to each hinge.
3. Give each unit its own key
The main house and the basement apartment should not share a key. If you are the landlord, a simple master key setup lets you keep one key for both while tenants only access their own space.
Securing a second unit?
Deadbolts, rekeying and master keys for Brampton landlords. Call 647-330-7919.
4. Think about the door between units
Where an interior door connects the main house and the basement unit, it needs appropriate locking for privacy, while still allowing safe exit where required. Talk to a locksmith about the right hardware and check local requirements for your second unit.
5. Light the path
Motion-sensor lighting at the top and bottom of the stairs and at the door itself deters intruders and prevents falls. A small camera or video doorbell adds peace of mind.
6. Consider a keypad lock
Keypad deadbolts are popular for basement apartments. There are no keys to copy or lose, and when a tenant moves out you change the code. Keep the mechanical key backup rekeyed as well. See Smart Lock Installation Brampton.
7. Rekey at every tenant change
Whenever the basement tenant changes, rekey that entrance before the new tenant moves in. It is a small cost that prevents big problems. Details on Rekey Locks Brampton.
8. Don’t forget windows and egress
Basement bedroom windows need to open for emergency exit, so do not block them with permanent bars. Use window locks and security film where appropriate instead.
Quick checklist
- Grade 1 or 2 single-cylinder deadbolt
- Three-inch strike and hinge screws
- Separate keys per unit, or a master key system
- Rekey on tenant change
- Motion lighting on the stairs and door
- Clear, keyless exit from inside
For more on landlord responsibilities, read Changing Locks Between Tenants in Ontario.
Frequently asked questions
What lock is best for a basement apartment door?
A Grade 1 or Grade 2 single-cylinder deadbolt with a reinforced strike plate, plus a handle or knob.
Should the basement and main house share a key?
No. Each unit should have its own key. A master key can give the owner access to both.
Can I use a keypad lock for a basement unit?
Yes. Change the code between tenants and rekey the backup cylinder.
Should I rekey between basement tenants?
Yes, every time a tenant moves out.