Who handles the keys and locks?
Who really keeps the keys after closing? The blunt answer every Georgetown seller must know.
If you’re selling a home in Georgetown, Ontario, you need the facts, not fluff. This guide cuts straight to what matters: who handles the keys and locks during the closing process, what you must do as a seller, and how to avoid costly mistakes. Read it, follow the checklist, and close like a pro.
Quick overview: Closing day and the keys
Closing day (also called completion or possession day) is when ownership transfers. In Ontario, the transfer of title and funds is handled by lawyers or licensed paralegals. Keys and locks are part of possession — the physical control of the property. Who physically hands over the keys depends on the contract terms, possession time, and local practice.
In Georgetown, ON: lawyers coordinate the paperwork and funds. Realtors coordinate key exchange. The buyer takes possession at the agreed time and expects keys, remotes, and security codes that provide full access.
The standard answer: who handles the keys and locks
- The seller must provide keys, garage openers, and alarm codes so the buyer gets vacant possession at the agreed time.
- The buyer’s lawyer often receives confirmation of possession and will confirm the buyer has the keys.
- The listing agent commonly holds or transfers keys leading up to closing (for inspections, final walk-throughs, or turnover), but the actual legal transfer occurs at possession.
- After legal closing and on the possession date, keys can be handed directly to the buyer, to the buyer’s agent, or to their lawyer — whichever the contract specifies.
Bottom line: legal transfer is handled by the lawyers; physical key transfer is handled by agents or the parties at possession.
Georgetown-specific details every seller should know
- Possession timing: Many Agreements of Purchase and Sale specify possession at 12:01 a.m. on the possession date. That means keys must be available to the buyer at that time unless the contract says otherwise.
- Local practice: In Halton Hills (Georgetown), realtors commonly coordinate a final walkthrough the day of closing and deliver keys to the buyer or buyer’s agent immediately after funds clear and lawyer confirmation.
- Vacant possession: Ontario law enforces the terms of the agreement. Buyers expect vacant possession unless the contract lists tenants or items staying. If you occupy the home past possession, you risk legal liability.
- Lockboxes: Sellers and listing agents remove lockboxes once the home is sold or at possession. Don’t leave active lockboxes beyond possession without buyer consent.
Practical timeline — what to do, day by day
- 7–14 days before closing:
- Gather keys, garage remotes, alarm codes, and manuals for appliances.
- Label everything clearly (e.g., “Front door key — 504 Main St”).
- Confirm possession time and any special arrangements in the agreement.
- 24–48 hours before closing:
- Confirm with your lawyer that funds will clear and that keys will be handed over as agreed.
- Arrange final walkthrough timing with the buyer’s agent.
- Closing / possession day:
- Do not change locks before possession unless the buyer agrees.
- Provide keys, remotes, and codes to the buyer or buyer’s agent at the agreed time.
- If you must leave keys elsewhere (lawyer, agent), confirm receipt in writing via email and get a timestamp.
What sellers must not do
- Do not change the locks before possession unless you have written agreement from the buyer.
- Do not remove items that the contract says stay (e.g., door keys to the detached garage or community keys).
- Do not leave a lockbox active after possession without buyer authorization.
Doing any of these can be a breach of contract and can cost you damages.
When are locks changed — who pays?
Buyers typically change locks after closing for security reasons. The buyer bears the cost unless the agreement says otherwise. If sellers want to ensure immediate security, sellers can offer to leave locks as-is and provide duplicate keys. Buyers usually change locks within the first few days after possession.
If locks were changed prior to possession without consent, the seller may be liable for costs and damages.
Special scenarios and how they’re handled in Georgetown
- Tenant-occupied homes: The agreement must address tenant possession, notice requirements, and how keys transfer. Landlord and tenant laws apply, and a holdover can create legal exposure.
- Condo units: Provide building fobs, parking passes, and locker keys. Condos often require the owner to register the new owner with the management office; check the condo corporation’s requirements early.
- New-build closings: Builder typically coordinates turnover. Builders provide a final orientation and keys at possession; warranty documentation follows specific processes.
- Missing keys: If keys are missing at closing, the buyer can demand replacement costs or lock changes. The seller should disclose missing keys early and pay to replace them or agree on an adjustment.
Local practical tips to protect your sale in Georgetown
- Hire a local experienced realtor and lawyer. They know Halton Hills practices and common pitfalls.
- Create a key inventory and include it with closing documents.
- Use email confirmation when handing keys to an agent or lawyer. Email timestamps are evidence.
- Leave spare keys behind clearly labeled. Buyers appreciate this and it prevents disputes.
- Make sure any lockbox is deactivated the moment possession is confirmed.
If something goes wrong: dispute and resolution options
- Contact your lawyer immediately. They will review the Agreement of Purchase and Sale and advise on remedies.
- If a buyer claims they did not receive keys, documentation helps — emails, agent confirmations, inventory lists.
- If a dispute escalates, mediation or small claims court are options. Most issues resolve when lawyers confirm the contract terms.
Checklist for Georgetown home sellers (copy this)
- [ ] Confirm possession date and time in writing
- [ ] Gather and label all keys, remotes, and codes
- [ ] Provide keys to buyer/agent/lawyer as per contract
- [ ] Deactivate lockbox at possession
- [ ] Leave appliance manuals and any relevant access cards
- [ ] Email receipt confirmation if keys delivered to a third party
- [ ] Do not change locks before possession unless agreed
Why local expertise matters
Local lawyers and realtors know municipal quirks, local condo rules, and timeframe expectations specific to Georgetown and Halton Hills. These nuances prevent surprises on closing day. If keys, lockboxes, tenants, or condos are involved, a local expert removes friction and risk.
If you want a predictable, clean closing in Georgetown, work with someone who closes deals here, every week.
Contact: Tony Sousa — tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — Closing process and keys in Georgetown, ON
Q: Who legally controls the property during closing?
A: Legal title transfers when documents are registered by the buyer’s lawyer. Physical control (possession) transfers at the possession time in the contract.
Q: Who physically hands over the keys at closing?
A: Either the seller, the seller’s agent, or the seller’s lawyer hands over keys based on the agreement. The buyer may receive keys from the buyer’s agent or lawyer.
Q: Can the seller change locks before possession?
A: No—changing locks before possession without buyer consent can be a breach of contract and lead to damages.
Q: What if keys are missing at closing?
A: The buyer can demand replacement or lock change. The seller should disclose missing keys early and arrange replacements or an adjustment.
Q: Do buyers typically change locks immediately?
A: Yes. Most buyers change locks within days of possession for security.
Q: How are tenant-occupied properties handled?
A: The agreement must specify tenant arrangements. Ontario tenant law and the possession clause control what happens. Consult your lawyer.
Q: Who pays for a locksmith if locks must be changed?
A: The buyer usually pays after possession. If the seller changed locks prematurely, the seller may be liable.
Q: How should keys be documented?
A: Create a simple inventory list included with closing documents and email a copy to all parties and lawyers.
Q: What about condo keys and fobs?
A: Provide all fobs, parking passes, and locker keys. Register the new owner with condo management per corporation rules.
Q: Who do I call locally for help with a difficult closing?
A: Call a local real estate lawyer or an experienced Georgetown realtor who handles closings regularly.
If you want a clean closing in Georgetown, get local guidance. I help sellers document keys, coordinate lawyers, and remove surprise costs. For a direct conversation, email tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620.
