Do you provide tenants with a physical key for smartlocks?

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Do you provide tenants with a physical key for smartlocks?

Brandon Malone
Gaithersburg, MD · Member since 2013 · 90 posts · 9 votes

Hi All,

I recently acquired a property that has a smartlock. I would like to avoid providing keys to the tenants and just have them setup and control the codes for access. Smartlocks are expensive, I hate to have to switch them out each time a tenant leaves because they have an existing key. Like to get feedback on this and how everyone is handling this. This is a for long-term rental, not airbnb/short-term rental situation. Thanks

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Travis TimmonsPro Member
Rental Property Investor · Ellsworth, ME · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
2y

I don't provide a physical key but try to have two backups in case the battery dies or the lock malfunctions. I put a physical key in a lockbox on property and try to have either a remote garage door opener or garage door keypad (for houses with a garage, obv). 

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  • Jacob St. MartinPro Member
    Investor · Charlottesville Virginia · Member since 2021 · 348 posts · 346 votes
    2y

    If there is just a smart lock on the door I don't think they need the key. However if it is a smart deadbolt and a normal lock on the door handle they will need that key bc they will inevitably lock that one on accident and lock themselves out. 

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  • Travis TimmonsPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Ellsworth, ME · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2y

    I don't provide a physical key but try to have two backups in case the battery dies or the lock malfunctions. I put a physical key in a lockbox on property and try to have either a remote garage door opener or garage door keypad (for houses with a garage, obv). 

    7Reply
  • Brandon Malone
    OP
    Gaithersburg, MD · Member since 2013 · 90 posts · 9 votes
    2y

    @Jacob St. Martin It's just smart bolt; Schlage. So just utilizing the code will allow them to enter the property. They'll also have the garage door openers. 

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  • Evan MillerPro Member
    Investor · Denver, CO · Member since 2017 · 41 posts · 21 votes
    2y

    We just keep the physical key as a back-up, and don't give it to the Tenant. Good point by @Jacob St. Martin about the door handle though! I just switched out the door handle for a non-locking one in one of our units so there's no chance they'll lock themselves out. 

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  • Brandon Malone
    OP
    Gaithersburg, MD · Member since 2013 · 90 posts · 9 votes
    2y

    @Travis Timmons Thank you this is exactly my thought as they'll have the garage door openers as well. Have you had any push back from tenants?

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  • Russell BrazilBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
    2y

    Smart locks break and screw up all the time. As someone going into properties on a dailey basis, I curse owners that use them because ai constantly cant get into properties.

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  • Travis TimmonsPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Ellsworth, ME · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2y

    @Brandon Malone nope...people don't want keys. They are just there in case of emergency. 

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  • Brandon Malone
    OP
    Gaithersburg, MD · Member since 2013 · 90 posts · 9 votes
    2y

    @Evan Miller Thanks for confirming. I agree the important thing is that they have access. Having to change out smartlocks when tenants move is too costly. I'm hoping tenants don't start pushing back on needing a physical key. My goal is to start moving to smartlocks to prevent the constant switch outs. 

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  • Brandon Malone
    OP
    Gaithersburg, MD · Member since 2013 · 90 posts · 9 votes
    2y

    @Russell Brazil I know these can have issues, but ultimately, the unit will have access to the garage door openers. (which similar to smart locks don't use a physical key). Having multiple properties, smartlocks are saving solution for key management. 

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  • Brandon Malone
    OP
    Gaithersburg, MD · Member since 2013 · 90 posts · 9 votes
    2y

    @Travis Timmons Good feedback to have. I'd hate to get pushback from tenants.

    0Reply
  • Russell BrazilBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Brandon Malone:

    @Russell Brazil I know these can have issues, but ultimately, the unit will have access to the garage door openers. (which similar to smart locks don't use a physical key). Having multiple properties, smartlocks are saving solution for key management. 


     Key management is simple....all of your properties should be keyed to a master key system.  All your go to contractors should have a copy of that key as well. And you should always have a backup lockbox on your property in the back yard with an extra key. 

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  • Alan AsriantsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    I love smart locks

    Not only does it make it easier for the tenant, but it makes it so much easier for you as a landlord

    The worst feeling is showing up to the property to check something to find out you forgot your key lol

    Been there, done that

    For smart locks I control the codes. I have a user code and I have a code that I give them. This way there is no tinkering and they accidentally wipe my codes

    God forbid there is an emergency I need access. 

    I usually provide the tenant with a physical key as well just in case the battery dies

    I like to avoid the 2am phone call to me or mangagement company if the battery died

    In summary, smart locks are great and are an awesome investment. Amazon sells a great one

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  • Colleen F.Pro Member
    Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    2y

    @Brandon Malone  No physical key given to the tenant but either have one with a trusted person who is available or in a lock box on site. Batteries go dead and you can;t get in. If you give them the key you have to change it when they leave which is more work. Have multiple codes and delete theirs when they leave. 

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  • Brandon Malone
    OP
    Gaithersburg, MD · Member since 2013 · 90 posts · 9 votes
    2y

    @Alan Asriants That's exactly what I'm trying to prevent is switching out smart locks each time tenants leave. I know some landlords rotate locks but personally, I'm not comfortable with that as a secure option. Since this is a long-term rental, I was thinking of letting them have the app to control the smart lock app and create codes, etc as they need. I just keep the key. I'm curious if there's any potential problems with that option. 

    0Reply
  • Brandon Malone
    OP
    Gaithersburg, MD · Member since 2013 · 90 posts · 9 votes
    2y

    @Colleen F. Since this is a long-term rental, I was thinking of letting them have the app to control the smart lock app and create codes, etc as they need. I just keep the key. I'm curious if there's any potential problems with that option. 

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  • Brian Van Pelt
    Specialist · Owings Mills, MD · Member since 2017 · 485 posts · 415 votes
    2y

    Yes,

    It will cost you more in time to meet a tenant locked out then the cost of a key.

    I have an addendum for smart locks that require the tenant to return control of smart lock to landlord on moveout date or pay for replacement

    1Reply
  • Robert PaynePro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Bowling Green, KY · Member since 2023 · 36 posts · 36 votes
    2y

    If you use Kwikset locks, you can re-key the entire house without having to change out the locks. Just keep the keys that come with the different locks and you will have the next set of keys ready to swap out each time someone moves. They even have the re-key setup on the smart locks. 

    4Reply
  • Carlos Ptriawan
    Member since 2019 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Robert Payne:

    If you use Kwikset locks, you can re-key the entire house without having to change out the locks. Just keep the keys that come with the different locks and you will have the next set of keys ready to swap out each time someone moves. They even have the re-key setup on the smart locks. 


     This is very smart , which model that has the longest battery ?


    also there are smart lock where you can use usb charger in case the battery is dead.

    0Reply
  • Morgan Eriksson
    Real Estate Agent · Greenville, SC · Member since 2016 · 52 posts · 43 votes
    2y

    i get one of those mechanical lock boxes from masterlock and mount it to a post or the deck, in the event that the smartlock fails i can get them a phsyical key from the lockbox by giving them that code. Someone mentioned the kwikset locks... I 100% recommend those and I usually use their "halo" line for smart locks, however i'm about to start testing the yale locks that partnerned with google. 

    1Reply
  • Carlos Ptriawan
    Member since 2019 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Morgan Eriksson:

    i get one of those mechanical lock boxes from masterlock and mount it to a post or the deck, in the event that the smartlock fails i can get them a phsyical key from the lockbox by giving them that code. Someone mentioned the kwikset locks... I 100% recommend those and I usually use their "halo" line for smart locks, however i'm about to start testing the yale locks that partnerned with google. 


     I am also researching lot of these aspect. My requirement is :
    1. Smartlock can last 6 months
    2. No WIFI
    3. Can use USB charger in case battery is dead 
    4. Key that can be re-keyed easily.

    0Reply
  • Alan AsriantsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Brandon Malone:

    @Alan Asriants That's exactly what I'm trying to prevent is switching out smart locks each time tenants leave. I know some landlords rotate locks but personally, I'm not comfortable with that as a secure option. Since this is a long-term rental, I was thinking of letting them have the app to control the smart lock app and create codes, etc as they need. I just keep the key. I'm curious if there's any potential problems with that option. 


     I control the codes and programming, and i just give them an assigned one. When they move out I change it

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  • Robert PaynePro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Bowling Green, KY · Member since 2023 · 36 posts · 36 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Carlos Ptriawan:
    Quote from @Morgan Eriksson:

    i get one of those mechanical lock boxes from masterlock and mount it to a post or the deck, in the event that the smartlock fails i can get them a phsyical key from the lockbox by giving them that code. Someone mentioned the kwikset locks... I 100% recommend those and I usually use their "halo" line for smart locks, however i'm about to start testing the yale locks that partnerned with google. 


     I am also researching lot of these aspect. My requirement is :
    1. Smartlock can last 6 months
    2. No WIFI
    3. Can use USB charger in case battery is dead 
    4. Key that can be re-keyed easily.

    Why no WiFi? 
    i use mine for STR so it is really nice to have notification when a guest arrives or when cleaners are there.
    But even for LTR, being able to control codes and provide access for maintenance from a distance is a nice convenience.
    0Reply
  • Colleen F.Pro Member
    Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    2y

    @Brandon Malone  I would not give them control of the lock since theoretically I think they could then lock you out on the codes without notice. You would then be forced to use the key. Doable but inconvenient and unneccessary. I would just give them several entry codes.  How often do people need to change codes anyway?

    @Robert Payne  I used to think Kwikset was great but I don't anymore, that one failure was enough.  Theory was someone put a key in that jammed and reset the lock and we had to drill it out because it wouldn't work with the key anymore.  

    0Reply
  • Robert PaynePro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Bowling Green, KY · Member since 2023 · 36 posts · 36 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Colleen F.:

    @Brandon Malone  I would not give them control of the lock since theoretically I think they could then lock you out on the codes without notice. You would then be forced to use the key. Doable but inconvenient and unneccessary. I would just give them several entry codes.  How often do people need to change codes anyway?

    @Robert Payne  I used to think Kwikset was great but I don't anymore, that one failure was enough.  Theory was someone put a key in that jammed and reset the lock and we had to drill it out because it wouldn't work with the key anymore.  

    Fair. Should be a rare occurrence, but I get that it would sour you.
    0Reply
  • Bud Gaffney
    Rental Property Investor · Boston, MA · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    Absolutely not.

    0Reply
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