Who all do you let have a key?

Question

Any maintenance people? I had a call Friday about an AC not working, called our Ac guy, he found fireants, got it working, I called the pest control, they are coming tomorrow, meantime the unit went out again this evening and my tenant would have to leave work again tomorrow to let the AC guy in again...so that is why I am wondering if you let any maintenance people have access. Btw, our 4plex is 2 hours away and tomorrow I will be in another town, otherwise I would go myself.

Bienes Raices · Answer

And when you are showing the place to new people, before the old tenants move out. I never let the applicants wander around on their own in the house--the last thing I need is them stealing something that belongs to the tenants.

Mitch Kronowit · Answer

My understanding is, yes, that's correct. If you plan on entering the premises with or without your tenant's blessing, you must give "reasonable notice", usually 24 hours, but consult this chart.

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/chart-notice-requirements-enter-rental-29033.html

However, the tenant can invite you in sooner, e.g., you give 24-hour notice at 9:00 am on Monday morning to enter tomorrow, on Tuesday, but the tenant says Monday afternoon would be better, so you're cleared to go in.

Kyle Meyers · Answer

For the notices to the tenants, I just wanted to clarify that the tenant can invite you in or tell you it is ok to come sooner and then I would not be violating the notice, correct?

Bill Gulley · Answer

Key control is something that needs attention, not because of lost keys or changing locks out but thefts or worse, claims of losses. If you have tenants who know that several people are walking around with a master key they can make claims, call the police and go through the hoops to caues yo grief to the point of making a payment to make them goaway (I never did, but know of cases)

My keys were in a small safe in my office. If a maintenance type needed in they first came to the office, signed out the key, name, company and time out, when it was returned, time in.

Might have been old school, but it's the system used in the military. A master key is not something to lose!

At one building, there was a large key fob on the master key that was given out.

Another thing about keys, (Off topic) installment contracts that do not convey title are not sales until the close. A key to many of those properties were kept as well.

Now I'm reminded of those gas station restrooms that you had to get the key for. One place had a tire tool that was bent, (the X types) painted red and had a chain spot welded to it and the key was spot welded to the chain! That's a place I went to as a kid to use their car lift. They did not want to lose that key! LOL

Annelise A. · Answer

We use those coded e-locks... Where you can change the combo in the morning for someone coming in the afternoon via phone/web then change it back when they're done. That's the only way IMO to give o ut "keys".

Account Closed · Answer

I agree with Mitch.  You also want to make sure that tenants get proper notices when you or a property manager access a tenant's space.

Each state may have their own notice requirements.

Mitch Kronowit · Answer

The only ones I give a key to are the tenants, myself, and the property manager if I'm using one.

When the property is vacant, I usually have a lockbox on the door and only give out the code to those I hire to work on the property or to the utility people, namely the gas company. Once rented, the locks get changed, re-keyed.

Who all do you let have a key?

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