Welcome to the cobblestones. Before the boxes are unpacked, handle the locks: rekey every exterior lock on day one. Between brokers, previous tenants, contractors, and management, you have no idea how many working keys exist — rekeying ends that question in under an hour.
Next, assess what you inherited. Meatpacking buildings range from landmarked cast-iron warehouses with vintage mortise locks to new developments with electronic access. Worn cylinders, loose strikes, and doors that do not latch properly are common and fixable — a short service visit addresses all of it.
Finally, think about key control going forward. A restricted-keyway cylinder means every future copy requires your authorization. And if your building allows it, a smart deadbolt gives temporary codes to the dog walker without another physical key in the wild. One visit from a local shop covers the whole checklist.