How Do You Manage Keys For A Long Term Rental Remotely?

Question

I am about to rent out my first home, and I am trying to think through all of the systems I need to have in place before I get a tenant.

One thing I am trying to figure out is key management.

I am considering installing a smart lock that also has a physical key backup. My thought is that I could manage access remotely, change codes when needed, and give temporary codes to vendors if repairs are needed.

However, I started thinking about what happens when a tenant moves out. Even with a smart lock, if the tenant had a physical key, I assume I would still need to rekey the lock or replace the cylinder. Then I would also need to make sure I get a new copy of the key myself .

My questions are

1. When tenants change how do I get my own copy of the new key from a remote location? (assume I have no one to send it to me)

2. How do I deal with the battery replacement/maintenance?

3. How do you ensure the next tenant gets the new keys?

Greg Scott · Answer

You just cannot manage a property 100% virtually.  You need a presence of some sort on the ground.  I can think of numerous examples.  Here are a few:

- A tenant looses their key and need to be let into their unit

- At move-out, you need to do an inspection of the unit

- At regular intervals, you should do an inspection of living conditions

- At regular intervals, you need to conduct preventative maintenance

- How will you manage emergency repairs?