STRESS-FREE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

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Back to: Landlord Success: Proven Strategies & Practical Advice for Stress – Free Property Management

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Before the tenants arrive for Move In Day, make sure your new keys work. After each tenant, it's wise to change the locks for safety and security. You'll need to test the keys and make sure both your back up sets as well as the two new sets for the tenant are working.

Have two sets of keys for the tenant, each on their own keyring. Let them know that you change the locks after each tenant moves out.

If the security deposit has not been fully paid, don't handover the keys until it is.

Key Management Tips

CHANGING THE LOCKS:  Always change the locks between tenants and when you purchase a new property.

  • There are numerous products out there that allow the owner to change the locks themselves.
  • Check out the Weiser Smart Key System.
  • They cost just a bit more than regular locks, but save you money in the long run not having to pay a lock smith to change the keys each time.
  • When you change the locks, keep the old locks with the key taped to it in a Ziploc bag (with all parts and screws); just in case you need to do a quick change. This way you have a spare deadbolt set or two readily available.
  • If you do want to have a professional re-key the locks it is less expensive to take the locks out of the door and take them to the locksmith than to pay for a service call to have the Locksmith come to the property.
  • Anytime you re-key a lock use the master to re-key. Do not use a copy.
  • Purchase the same lock color (i.e.: silver) for consistency.
  • When you purchase the Weiser Smart Lock dead bolts or handsets, always check the package at the store to make sure it has not been opened. Check how the contents are packaged in the box and compare to the others on the shelf. Make sure the parts have not been removed and re-packaged. 
    • During the re-keying process, if you do not know what you are doing it is possible to render the lock unusable. Some people just put everything back in the box and return for a refund, and the package ends up on the shelf.  When you start your install process, take out the key and try to open the deadbolt before you start the install. There is nothing worse than getting it installed and having to uninstall and then return it.  If you have a long drive ahead of you, test it in the parking lot.