Updated about 6 years ago on . Most recent reply
Switching to keyless entry deadbolts
As we continue to grow and manage our own rentals, I am thinking, that over the long run, I will save money and headaches by just switching out a traditional deadbolt lock, to one of those keyless locks. I have a few 5 unit buildings and two large complexes with 25 and 30 units. I cannot tell you how many times some of these knuckleheads also lose their keys. They are a little more expensive, where a deadbolt is around 15 bucks, to one of these keyless locks which is around 100 bucks. However, I do save on the headaches of a lost key, no re-keying and if/when I sell the buildings, I do not have to send over a janitorial key ring with dozens of keys.
I've also added ecobee thermostats and video doorbells to my nicer units, which tenants seem to appreciate and enjoy. They seem to like the convenience of these additions; not to mention the energy savings with the thermostat. I am pulling an additional $75.00 a month per unit by having and offering "smart apartments". Granted, these are A and B neighborhoods, not C or D.
What do you guys think?