Have you ever been searching for your keys only to look through your window and see them locked inside the place you’re trying to get into? Everyone makes mistakes, and getting locked out is a common one, especially if you have doors that lock behind you in your home. If your rental property has self-locking doorknobs, it might be best to replace them. Here are a few reasons why it’s wise to consider changing your locks to prevent any future lockouts.
Getting Locked Out Is Inevitable
Since self-locking doorknobs are supposed to help save time by allowing the door to lock without having to use keys, they typically aren’t the best choice for rental properties. Also called keyed privacy locks, these type of locks increase the likelihood that your tenant will lock themselves out.
You Won’t Always Be Available
Unless you have an alternative policy in place, your tenant will have to call you to help them get back inside their home. Unfortunately, it may be when you’re out of town or asleep at 3:00 a.m. when your tenant is locked out, so it’s wise to avoid this situation altogether. If you don’t want to replace all of your locks, you can also consider partnering with a local locksmith that is available 24/7 so you don’t have to be. If you choose to partner with a locksmith, make sure your tenant can get in contact with them quickly and easily. With Apartments.com, renters can submit requests for service or repairs online. You get a notification when renters submit maintenance requests, and you can update them as the service progresses without ever having to leave your home.
Save Time and Money
If your tenant is locked out of their rental and you aren’t available, they will most likely find an alternative way to get back inside. If your tenant doesn’t call a locksmith, they could harm themselves or damage something on the property by trying to get back in through a window or tampering with the lock. A locksmith may seem like the best option, but they can still damage the door lock, which can be expensive to replace, depending on the type of locks you have installed. For these reasons, it's best to avoid using a self-locking door lock and opt for a more convenient option.
Possible Solutions
There are various types of door locks to help you avoid lockouts. Do your research and determine which type of locks will be best for your budget and rental property. Here are three great lock systems to use to avoid future lockouts:
Re-key Kits
Re-key kits provide lock systems that are designed to be easily re-keyed by anyone and it can take less than five minutes to re-key any of these locks. Because using this system repeatedly for multiple units can add up, these types of locks are great for landlords who have mid-length to long-term tenants.
Keypad Locks
Keypad locks are a great modern option for various reasons. Although some models have traditional locks as well, keypad locks typically only require someone to enter a code to unlock the door. Since there isn’t a physical key, your tenants literally can’t get locked out. These codes can easily be updated and some keypads allow for multiple codes to be used for entry. Other keypad models even allow you to limit when the code can be used, which is a great tool when showing the property. Similar to self-locking doorknobs, keypad locks automatically lock once they’re shut, so tenants don’t have to deal with locking the door.
Smart Locks
Smart locks eliminate the need for keys or an entry code. Smart locks allow you to simply touch the lock and the door will open via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, voice commands, or a mobile app. These can be more expensive, but it might be worth the investment since smart locks can be an extra selling point. Tenant lockouts will certainly be a thing of the past with this option.
Having to drive to your rental to unlock the front door for your tenant is inconvenient (and a bit of a headache), but it can be avoided by being proactive. Although they provide security, an automatic locking doorknob will ultimately lead to lockouts. Even though it may seem like a small upgrade, investing in locks can enhance the living experience of your tenants while also saving time and money. Hopefully, you’ll be able to determine what locks are best for your property soon.
