Would you recommend ELECTRONIC locks?

Question

Hi, beginner landlord here.Just closing on my first duplex and am curious about your experiences with electronic locks. Actually one unit of my duplex units has an electronic keypad lock, but the other one doesn't. Planning to use the property as Long Term RentalsWhat are the PROs and CONs of using electronic locks vs reliable mechanical locks? If you are using electronic locks, which ones do you recommend and which ones I should stay away from?Any other advice about things I may be not considering you can give?

Polo Vazquez · Answer

In theory, electronic locks are a great idea since you keep add and keep a master code so ensure you always have access. Then you can just change the tenant code every time you have a new tenant. You should replace locks between every new tenant in most states that I know of.However, there are a few issues I have seen. First, tenants won't replace the batteries so then you can't use them without the key anyway. Then they call you to complain that it doesn't work. Second, tenants mess around with them and change the codes. Third, tenants will replace their doorknobs (they shouldn't but still do sometimes) and throw away your electronic lock. Fourth, you can replace the tenants code but not the key itself so if you give the tenant a key you still need to replace the lock. I opted to just use the Kwikset rekeyable locks. Everytime I have a new tenant I just grab one of my old keys and rekey myself. It takes 15 seconds. If they mess up the lock or replace the locks themselves, it doesn't hurt me to much since the Kwickset locks are not too expensive.