What Security Steps Should Businesses Take Before Moving Into a New Commercial Space?

Moving into a new commercial space is a big deal. You’ve signed the lease, negotiated the terms, and now you’re ready to set up shop. But before you bring in your team, your equipment, or your inventory, there’s one thing that deserves your full attention: the security of the space itself. You should understand:

• How to review existing locks, keys, alarm codes, and former-tenant access before move-in
• Which entry points, restricted areas, and outdoor spaces to secure first
• When existing cameras, alarms, or fire alarm equipment need to be inspected or updated
• How to create a move-in security plan for employees, vendors, equipment, and after-hours access

Here at Phil & Son, Inc., we want you to understand how to take the proper security steps to protect your new space. Contact our team today to see how we can help you protect your business.

How Do You Review Existing Locks, Keys, Alarm Codes, and Former-Tenant Access Before Move-In?

Most commercial leases transfer a building without any of this information being documented. That means former employees of past tenants, maintenance workers, or contractors may still have physical copies of keys or memorized alarm codes. You may have no way of knowing who has what information. Fortunately, there are things you can do, such as:

• Request key records from the landlord or property manager. Ask how many copies were issued and whether any master keys exist.
• Change all locks immediately, or rekey them. This is non-negotiable. You cannot verify who holds copies of the old keys, and rekeying is far less expensive than dealing with a break-in.
• Reset all alarm codes. Any code used by a previous tenant or their staff should be deactivated. Create new codes with unique credentials for each authorized user if your system supports it.
• Audit any access control systems already installed. If the space has a card access or keypad system, pull the user list and wipe it. Start fresh.
• Document everything. Keep a record of who receives keys, fobs, or access credentials from day one.

This step protects you from a risk that is entirely invisible if left unaddressed. A technician can help you determine the best next steps.

Which Entry Points, Restricted Areas, and Outdoor Spaces Should Be Secured First?

Once you’ve figured out what to do about the access points, the next step is to map the property and prioritize which areas need attention before anyone moves in. Each door carries its own risk. You can start with:

• Primary Entry and Exit Points: Front and rear building entrances, loading docks and delivery areas, emergency exits that can be opened from the outside, and parking garage or lot access gates.
• Restricted Areas: Parts of your space that house sensitive equipment, financial records, servers, or inventory. These areas should have independent access controls, separate from general employee access.
• Outdoor Spaces: Parking lots with poor lighting, unsecured fence lines, and unmonitored exterior storage areas all create opportunities. Walk the full perimeter of your property before move-in and flag every gap.

A good rule of thumb: if someone could enter without being seen, that area needs attention. An experienced technician can help you determine the best solutions for your property.

When Do Existing Cameras, Alarms, or Fire Alarm Equipment Need to Be Inspected or Updated?

Previous tenants often leave behind security equipment that looks functional but fails to meet your operational needs. An experienced technician can inspect your legacy hardware to make sure everything works correctly. During an inspection, a technician evaluates:

• Video surveillance: They check camera placement, resolution quality, storage capacity, and integration compatibility with modern cloud platforms.
• Burglar alarms: They verify sensor coverage at all entry points, test battery backups, review monitoring agreements, and assess system scalability.
• Fire alarms: Commercial buildings in Northwest Indiana must meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, including NFPA 72. A system that passed inspection for a previous tenant might not meet the codes for your specific occupancy type.

Schedule an independent inspection for every system before your employees move into the building. You should upgrade any system that is more than ten to 15 years old, requires frequent repairs, or does not connect with modern management tools.

How Do You Create a Move-In Security Plan for Employees, Vendors, Equipment, and After-Hours Access?

Combine these details to form your working policy. Your move-in security plan does not need to be long, but it must answer several core questions clearly. A complete plan establishes policies for four main areas:

• Employee Access: Who receives access to specific areas, when credentials are issued or revoked, and who handles lost keys, fobs, or access cards.
• Vendors and Contractors: Whether they receive temporary credentials or require an escort, which areas remain off-limits, and who approves and documents their access.
• Equipment Protection: Where you store valuable items, what controls secure those areas, and whether server rooms or equipment closets require a separate access tier.
• After-Hours Security: Who has authorization to be on-site outside business hours, how the system logs after-hours activity, and how you receive real-time alerts when someone enters the building unexpectedly.

This plan helps you build a system where you account for every entry, and every access event remains traceable.

Build Your Security Foundation Before the Boxes Arrive

Moving into a new commercial space gives you a rare opportunity. You get to set the standard before any habits form, before any vulnerabilities become routine, and before any incidents put you on the defensive.

The steps above aren’t complicated, but they do require intention. Rekey the locks. Reset the codes. Audit the systems. Map the risks. Build a plan. Done in the right order, these actions lay the groundwork for a property that protects your people, your assets, and your reputation from day one.

If you’re ready to put a comprehensive security system in place before or during your move-in, the team at Phil & Son, Inc. can help. With over 50 years of experience serving businesses across Northwest Indiana, Phil & Son, Inc. offers integrated security solutions, from access control and video surveillance to burglar alarms and fire safety, all managed through a single, cloud-based platform. Contact Phil & Son, Inc. today to schedule a consultation.