First Apartment in Denver? A Renter’s Security Checklist

Moving into your first apartment (or your first place on your own in the Denver metro) comes with a long to-do list — and security is one of the items that’s easy to push to the bottom of it. The problem is, you don’t know who had keys to your unit before you moved in, and standard apartment locks aren’t always as secure as you’d assume. Here’s a simple checklist to run through in your first week.

1. Ask About — or Arrange — a Rekey

Unless your building rekeys every unit between tenants (many don’t, or only do it inconsistently), the locks on your new door may still work with keys held by a previous tenant, a former roommate, or an old maintenance worker. Lock rekeying resets the internal pins so old keys no longer work — without needing to replace the entire lock hardware. It’s fast, affordable, and honestly one of the most overlooked security steps for renters.

2. Check Your Lease Before Changing Anything

Most leases allow rekeying but restrict full lock replacement without landlord approval, since that changes the physical hardware. If your lock is damaged, sticking, or clearly outdated, it’s worth confirming with your landlord first — or asking us to walk you through what your lease actually allows.

3. Add a Simple Layer of Home Security

You don’t need an elaborate system to make a real difference. A basic home security system — door/window sensors and a monitored alarm — is often more affordable and less invasive than people expect, and most setups don’t require permanent changes to the property.

4. Consider a Camera for Peace of Mind

A security camera at your door or a shared entry point can help you see who’s coming and going, which matters even more in multi-unit buildings where you don’t control the front entrance the way you would in a single-family home.

5. Know Who to Call If You’re Locked Out

New apartment, new keys, and it’s inevitable — someone locks themselves out at some point. Save an emergency locksmith number in your phone before you need it, not after.

Settle In With Confidence

Getting the security basics handled in your first week means one less thing to think about for the rest of the lease. Colorado Security Products has served renters and homeowners throughout Denver, Lakewood, Aurora, and Wheat Ridge since 1977, and rekeying a new apartment is one of the most common calls we get from people who just moved in. Learn more about us or visit our homepage for our full range of locksmith and security services.

Ready to rekey your new place or ask about a simple security setup? Contact Colorado Security Products.