Real Estate Investor · Johannesburg, South Africa · Member since 2014 · 33 posts · 11 votes
I am having some trouble keeping tenants in my 8-unit apartment block. Some tenants have broken leases on account of getting into debt but it seems security may be an issue. The block is set close to the street with a wrought-iron gate leading up a short path to a set of glass doors. Neither the gate nor the doors have locks. I have looked into several methods to improve security and would appreciate some thoughts from the community. Should I go for remote to open the gate and keys for the glass door? Should I go the whole hog and emply a security guard? Or should I opt for the digi-pad where tenants enter a pin at the gate, and where each flat has its own telephone intercom with a button to admit visitors? I'm worried about incurring lots of repair costs if the equipment gets broken.
Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
11y
I have been looking into locks and keypad locks are a good option. If the glass doors do not lock I would look to replace or add a lock. Mechanical keypad locks are available for your gate I would think, they are push button and do not need a battery. Electronic is another option but you need to change the battery. If you have a pretty unsophisticated set of tenants I would add mechanical keypad locks and assign them codes. If you do this you just delete users when they move. I would not like glass doors for security but if that is usual in your area and they have not been broken into it is less expensive to keep them. I am not sure how well they would work with the locks I have seen. An intercom system someone else would need to comment on, it is only usual in bigger buildings by us. For our building they can leave the door unlocked although I prefer they don't or just go let someone in. I have looked at other options but the newer locks and temporary key codes are not really where we would want them to be yet, they are not simple enough.
Real Estate Investor · Johannesburg, South Africa · Member since 2014 · 33 posts · 11 votes
11y
Colleen, I really apprexiate your reply. I habe not come across mechanical keypad locks but I'm sure they must be available here. My automatic response to the problem of access control was to contact an armed response company which specialises in all sorts of security solutions from panic buttons to infared beams and intercom systems. However, something less sophisticated would definitely be preferable. I will visit my hardware store and speak to my handyman. I'm sure this will prove the answer.
Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes
11y
Security should be set to the threat level expected, not having locks on doors is really inadequate anywhere. A lock means that an intruder would have to overcome the lock or break the door, that is breaking and entering. Locks don't deter thieves as much as keeping honest people honest, your measures should first at least require more serious illegal acts that carried penalties more than just trespassing.
Automatic gates can be a PITA, they do break or misalign, it's a mechanical thing. There are all kinds of gates, simple weighted levers that only require one way action to hydraulic operated gates. Impossible to advise, certainly a cost issue, but also the level of security isn't known.
Key pad locks on doors are probably your best bet for a small unit. Obvious cameras deters most and will be the cheapest route.
You can probably get by with locks on the doors, cameras and a camera at the gate that can activate when the gate is opened.
If you have serious concerns, I suggest you speak to a security specialist, your attorney can tell you the degree of security needed to keep you from being negligent and keeping tenants reasonably protected. :)
Real Estate Investor · Johannesburg, South Africa · Member since 2014 · 33 posts · 11 votes
11y
Bill, thank you for your input. You have raised some issues that I had not thought of, such as the legal aspect of being found negligent and the simple matter of the law prohibiting breaking and entering.
The block is on a busy street that is generally incident-free but our city has a reputation for a high crime rate and many people live in fear of break-ins or attack. I am more concerned with reassuring tenants of safety than actually keeping out thugs. I am meeting with my property manager tomorrow to discuss options and we will go from there.