I have only been able to find a few posts on the use of keyless locks. I am thinking of a changeover to keyless, but wondering whether to go digital or mechanical. I have the Schlage digital on my house and I LOVE them. They save so much time and hassle. I once had an emergency while out of town and was able to give the code to a family member over the phone and alleviate the problem. It then took about 30 seconds to change the code upon return.

The one other unit I have them on has also been nice, as I don't need to give the tenant a key, and don't need to change the locks between tenants (just a quick code change).

However, these locks are very expensive, and there are pros and cons to the mechanical vs. electronic. The electronic are nice because you can program multiple codes, you can program temporary codes, and they are backlit so you can see the buttons at night. The draw backs are that they require batteries, they are not as heavy duty, and there is always risk of the electronics failing and locking you out. The mechanical locks are only able to have one code, but they do not take batteries and typically never fail. I have also seen both models available with a self-locking feature, which I think is nice because it ensures the door is locked.

I use a mechanical lockbox (similar to a realtor Supra combination lock) on the outside of the property for a master and extra keys and it has also been very convenient. I had a tenant break off a key, and was able to give them the code to get the extra key without going out to the property.

So, given the differences, would you go with mechanical or electronic? The 'good' mechanical are actually as expensive or more as the electronic (there must be a HUGE markup on them). The big thing keeping me debating is the back light. I was going to install LED motion lights anyway, so I am hoping that would provide enough light to not need the backlit models. The locksmith I spoke to said the electronic ones are not a good long term solution because of the possibility of them going out (and expense of then replacing it again), and I really like the dependability/reliability of the mechanical. Is anyone else using these? If so, do you recommend mechanical or electronic (and why)? If not, what way would you go?

I use smart key locks. I can rekey in less than a minute. I see no point in spending big bucks for combo locks for rentals

It is a high cost, but it seems so much more convenient than keys. And I can let in vendors without coordinating keys.

How do the smart key locks work--do you buy extra lock-specific key blanks and program it to the lock, or are you just rotating a pool of keys that are set to work with the lock?

Originally posted by @Mike Palmer :
I have only been able to find a few posts on the use of keyless locks. I am thinking of a changeover to keyless, but wondering whether to go digital or mechanical. I have the Schlage digital on my house and I LOVE them. They save so much time and hassle. I once had an emergency while out of town and was able to give the code to a family member over the phone and alleviate the problem. It then took about 30 seconds to change the code upon return.

The one other unit I have them on has also been nice, as I don't need to give the tenant a key, and don't need to change the locks between tenants (just a quick code change).

However, these locks are very expensive, and there are pros and cons to the mechanical vs. electronic. The electronic are nice because you can program multiple codes, you can program temporary codes, and they are backlit so you can see the buttons at night. The draw backs are that they require batteries, they are not as heavy duty, and there is always risk of the electronics failing and locking you out. The mechanical locks are only able to have one code, but they do not take batteries and typically never fail. I have also seen both models available with a self-locking feature, which I think is nice because it ensures the door is locked.

I use a mechanical lockbox (similar to a realtor Supra combination lock) on the outside of the property for a master and extra keys and it has also been very convenient. I had a tenant break off a key, and was able to give them the code to get the extra key without going out to the property.

So, given the differences, would you go with mechanical or electronic? The 'good' mechanical are actually as expensive or more as the electronic (there must be a HUGE markup on them). The big thing keeping me debating is the back light. I was going to install LED motion lights anyway, so I am hoping that would provide enough light to not need the backlit models. The locksmith I spoke to said the electronic ones are not a good long term solution because of the possibility of them going out (and expense of then replacing it again), and I really like the dependability/reliability of the mechanical. Is anyone else using these? If so, do you recommend mechanical or electronic (and why)? If not, what way would you go?

How do you know what the markup is?

I don't, but that was not the point. I bought supra combo lock boxes for about $20. They threw on a handle, backing plate, latch and striker plate and they are going for $150?

I use the Schlage digital locks. We were using the lock boxes with the 4 dial codes, however we had problems with people not resetting the code to 0000 and anyone could access the key if the dials were not moved. We had one key stolen while on vacation and had to call a locksmith and rekey. The Schlage digital locks are working GREAT. I would get the ones without a switch to turn off the auto lock. The auto lock in 5 seconds is a good feature. They are expensive, however Amazon has them at a reduced price sometimes.

I had been thinking about these too. They are coming out with the kind that uses a key as well and installs over the deadbolt. I had been considering using them on a multifamily main door and basement. It would be nice to have this for the workmen who need to get in. You would not need to be there for the furnace guy (although I would likely still go). For the basement the tenants would only need to get in if they tripped a breaker. Right now that basement door is unlocked and I have some concern about visitors accidently goes that way. For actual apartments I think I would still use a key.

I also like that they automatically lock. I have this one tenant who insists on leaving the main door open. She is moving out but she so ticks me off on this point even though you post a sign and tell her to close it. This lock combined with an automatic closer would hopefully make sure the door is closed and locked routinely.

Originally posted by @Randy King :
I use the Schlage digital locks.

They are expensive, however Amazon has them at a reduced price sometimes.

I have the Schlage digitals on my own house and I do like them. My locksmith said they will not last like the mechanical locks though. I don't think I have ever heard of a mechanical lock failing (outside of abuse), but I hear about digital lock failures all the time. It is a hefty expense initially, so I definitely can't afford to be replacing them every few years. I like all the advantages of the digital except the longevity/durability...

I think it'd depend on your need for frequent or remote rekeying or opening, versus tougher security - so it might depend on where your rentals are located.

Consumer Reports had this to say about the digitals:

We found keypad-operated door locks convenient. Such models can be rekeyed for temporary access to guests and contractors and then rekeyed again, when access is no longer needed, without having to change the lock or call a locksmith. Yet all of those locks succumbed too easily to our prying/wrenching test.

We use them when renting SFHs. We have the prospect drive by and then call for the code if they want to see the inside. I replace it with a regular knob and change the battery with each use. The feedback on Amazon when I purchased them was to make sure you replaced the battery regularly.