New Tenant Key Sets - Landlord Forum thread

New Tenant Key Sets by NY-LL on August 9, 2012 @11:00

Most property owners (landlords) may distribute two (2) sets of keys to new tenant occupants.
When requested, do property owners (landlords) ever distribute more key sets to accommodate the tenants’ needs or schedules? Or do you allow the tenants to make their own key sets per their own needs based upon the number of occupants?

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Re: New Tenant Key Sets by Jake on August 9, 2012 @11:23	[ Reply ]

I am not sure how a tenant's schedule requires multiple keys. But some landlords are providing only one key per resident from a lock that can not be duplicated. The key only fits the bolt and there is not lock on the knob. This prevents a tenant from locking himself out.

Re: New Tenant Key Sets

Re: New Tenant Key Sets by Micah on August 9, 2012 @11:32	[ Reply ]

I don't give out extra sets, but I don't have a way to prevent them from making their own (I don't have the non-duplicatible keys). I just switch out the locks when the tenants vacate.

Re: New Tenant Key Sets

Re: New Tenant Key Sets by Jimbo (CA) on August 9, 2012 @14:26	[ Reply ]

I give out 2 keys (all locks are keyed same on property). If they need more they will make more. All keys can be copied by determined folks - even fancy ones with warnings on the. I don't care if they make 200 copies on their own dime. When the tenancy ends I will will rekey the locks. I'm using kwikset smartkey so it will take me 10 minutes to do a whole SFH with 7 locks. For those who don't like smartkey they can use their method to rekey, but new lock patterns for a new tenant is pretty important. I then give 2 of the new keys to the next tenants. As others have stated, getting any more intimate with their keying needs or schedules is probably crossing a line that isn't worth it. Key copies cost a buck or two, but giving 2 is all that should be expected. The initial investment in a housefull of smartkey locks cost me over $200 but it is paying me back with time saved. If during the vacancy between tenants I need to give my handyman a key I can do that and change it again. I've done that and told him to just throw away the key when he's done and the house is locked up - it's not useful to him anymore anyway after I rekey and not worth my time to pick it up from him.

Re: New Tenant Key Sets

Re: New Tenant Key Sets by OK-LL on August 9, 2012 @17:39	[ Reply ]

I give tenants 1 original key and they are welcome to make as many copies as they need, at their expense. I try to retrieve the original key at move-out and I change the locks between tenants (original key w/lock can then be moved to another property).

Re: New Tenant Key Sets

Re: New Tenant Key Sets by Eric (MN) on August 9, 2012 @18:05	[ Reply ]

I use Schlage Plymouth locksets in all 24 of my units. I have a key cutter, so I make all of my keys "Do Not Duplicate" keys. I give out as many as they need on day one, but expect them all back. Lost/replaced keys are $5 eac.

Re: New Tenant Key Sets

Re: New Tenant Key Sets by Anonymous on August 9, 2012 @22:37	[ Reply ]

Gosh you big spenders. :) I give one key, they can make all the copies they want. At the end of occupancy the locks either go in the trash or into the spare lock box, with a note what unit they came from and we eventually rotate the lock to another property usually in another state so there's no issues of unauthorized entry. I recommend they make a key for each occupant and one to keep at a trusted friend or family members house so that when they lock themselves out they don't have to call a locksmith. I don't say anything about calling me. Lock yourself out and you are on your own. Break my window and you will get a big bill. Once I started making that really clear I haven't had a problem in probably 18 months.