Spring is one of the busiest moving seasons in Canada. New keys, fresh paint, and a clean slate. It feels like a fresh start. But here is something most homeowners overlook. Just because you have the keys does not mean you are the only one with access. If you have recently moved or are planning to move this April, securing your home should be one of the first things on your checklist. Not later. Not after unpacking. Right away. Why New Homes Come with Hidden Security Risks When you move into a new home, you inherit more than just the space. You also inherit its past access points. That includes: Previous homeowners Contractors or renovation crews Real estate agents Cleaning services Neighbours who may have had spare keys There is no way to know how many copies of your keys exist or who might still have access. Even if everyone had good intentions, this creates uncertainty. And in home security, uncertainty is a risk. What You Should Change Immediately After Moving In Before you settle into routines, take time to secure the essentials. These are quick fixes that make a big difference. 1. Replace or Rekey All Door Locks This is the most important step. Even if the previous owner hands over all keys, there is no guarantee that duplicates were not made. Rekeying or replacing locks ensures that only you and your household have access. Focus on: Front and back doors Side entrances Garage entry doors 2. Reset Garage Access Garages are one of the most overlooked entry points. If your garage connects to your home, treat it like a main entrance. Make sure you: Change the keypad code Clear any programmed remotes Avoid leaving garage remotes visible in your car 3. Update Alarm Codes and Smart Access If the home already has a security system or smart locks, update everything. You want full control over who can arm, disarm, or access your home. This includes: Alarm system passcodes Smart lock access codes App logins and permissions 4. Check Windows and Secondary Entry Points Windows are often ignored during a move. There are common weak points, especially in older homes. Take a few minutes to: Test all window locks Inspect basement and ground-level windows Look for damaged or loose latches Why Installing a Security System Early Matters Many homeowners delay installing a security system until after they have settled in. That gap is exactly when homes are most vulnerable. It is not just about reacting to threats. It is about preventing them. Moving periods often mean: Boxes and valuables in plain sight Doors opening and closing frequently Unfamiliar neighbours and surroundings Irregular schedules Installing a monitored system early helps you: Protect your home from day one Receive instant alerts for unusual activity Ensure emergency response if something happens Build secure habits right away Build Security Into Your New Routine A new home is the perfect time to build better habits. Start simple: Lock doors consistently, even during the day Close the garage fully every time Avoid leaving packages unattended Get to know your neighbours Start Secure with Alarm Guard Moving is a fresh start. Your home security should be part of that from the beginning. Alarm Guard Security helps homeowners protect what matters with customized security systems and 24-hour professional monitoring. From smart alarms to surveillance and real-time alerts, their solutions are designed to fit your home and your routine. If you have recently moved or are planning to, now is the time to secure your space properly. Contact Alarm Guard Security at +1 866-282-3331 for a free home security assessment and take the first step toward a safer home.

 Airbnb Security Tips for Canadian Hosts: How to Protect Your Property Between Guest Stays

ByAlarm Guard en

You have cleaned the place, restocked the toiletries, and left a nice welcome note. But here is the part most Airbnb hosts in Canada are not thinking about: the window between one guest leaving and the next one arriving is when your property is most vulnerable.

Between turnovers, your property sits empty, keys may have been copied, codes may have been shared, and whatever the last guest left behind in terms of damage, unlocked doors, or general chaos is now your problem to deal with before the next booking. It is not a glamorous part of hosting. But getting it right is what separates hosts who scale their listings from hosts who burn out after one bad experience.

Here are the most important Airbnb security tips every host should follow between guest stays.

Smart Locks and Unique Access Codes Every Single Time

If you are still using a physical key system, this section is for you first. Traditional keys are a liability in short-term rentals. Guests can copy them. Cleaners can lend them. And once a key is out of your control, it is out of your control permanently.

Smart locks solve this by letting you generate a unique access code for every guest and deactivate it the moment they check out. No chasing down keys, no awkward handoffs, and no wondering whether someone made a copy. If you are not already using a smart lock on your rental, it is one of the highest-return upgrades you can make as a host.

And if you already have smart locks, make sure you are actually generating fresh codes for every booking rather than reusing the same one. It takes thirty seconds and closes a gap that most hosts leave wide open.

Do a Security Walk-Through Between Guests

There is a difference between a cleaning visit and a security check, and most hosts blur the two together. Your cleaner is there to make the place look good. A security check is about making sure the property is actually intact and no vulnerabilities have been introduced during the stay.

Walk through every entry point. Check that all windows are closed and latched. Confirm that any exterior doors, including garage doors, side gates, or basement entrances, are properly locked. Look for anything a guest may have propped open, damaged, or left in a state that compromises the property. It sounds tedious, but it takes ten minutes and can prevent a situation that costs you a lot more than that to fix.

Know What Cameras You Can and Cannot Use

This is where a lot of Canadian hosts get it wrong, either by doing too little or by crossing a line they did not know existed.

Airbnb is clear on this: cameras are only permitted in outdoor areas such as driveways or front yards, and indoor cameras are not allowed anywhere inside the property, even if they are turned off. You are also required to disclose the presence of all cameras in your listing, including their exact locations.

That means no cameras in living rooms, bedrooms, or bathrooms, and no exceptions. Hosts who install hidden cameras or undisclosed devices risk being removed from the platform entirely, and in some provinces, they may face legal consequences beyond that.

What you can do is use outdoor cameras at entry points to monitor who is coming and going between stays. A camera covering your front door and driveway gives you a clear record of when guests arrive, when they leave, and whether anyone else showed up during the booking that should not have. That footage matters if you ever need to file a claim or dispute a damage situation.

Hosts Need More Than Airbnb’s Coverage Alone (AirCover)

Airbnb’s AirCover for Hosts includes up to USD 3 million in damage protection and USD 1 million in liability insurance. That sounds reassuring, and it is a legitimate safety net. But coverage and prevention are two different things, and most hosts who have gone through an AirCover claim will tell you it is not as frictionless as the marketing suggests.

Professional monitoring fills the gap that coverage cannot. If there is a break-in at your property during a vacancy period, a monitored alarm system means someone is contacted immediately, not after you notice something is missing three days later. If there is a fire or a carbon monoxide issue, monitoring means emergency services are dispatched without waiting for a neighbour to notice something is wrong.

Airbnb requires hosts to equip their properties with a fire extinguisher and a working carbon monoxide detector if they have gas appliances. A monitored system goes further by ensuring those detectors are connected to a response team around the clock, not just sitting on a wall waiting for someone to be home to hear them.

Monitored Alarm Systems Protect Airbnb Properties

The best hosts treat the turnover period as seriously as the stay itself. It is not just about clean sheets and fresh towels. It is about walking back into a property that is exactly as it should be, secure, intact, and ready for the next guest without any surprises.

With a monitored system:

  • Emergency responders can be dispatched quickly
  • Break-ins can be addressed immediately
  • Fire or carbon monoxide alerts are responded to in real time
  • Properties remain protected during vacancy periods

This is especially important for:

  • Remote Airbnb properties
  • Cottage rentals
  • Multi-property hosts
  • Seasonal vacation homes in Canada

Alarm Guard offers professional installation and 24/7 monitored security for Canadian homeowners and investment properties. Whether your rental sits empty overnight or for a full week between bookings, a properly monitored system means you are never actually in the dark about what is happening at your property.

Protect Your Airbnb Property with Alarm Guard

Alarm Guard’s 24/7 monitored security system is built for Canadian homeowners, Airbnb hosts, and vacation rental properties.

Whether your short-term rental sits vacant overnight or between bookings for several days, monitored protection helps ensure your property stays secure around the clock.

Learn more about Airbnb security systems in Canada at Alarm Guard today. Call us at +1 866-282-3331 today!

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