The modern lock hasn't changed much since it was invented back in 1848, but the security and convenience needs of your tenants are a far cry from the days of old. With modern technology playing an increasingly major role in keeping tenants safe and secure, perhaps it's time to consider replacing those old and outdated locks with a modern keyless entry system.
Before installing a keyless entry system, however, it's important to understand the benefits as well as the drawbacks surrounding these high-tech locks.
Convenience Features
As a property manager or landlord, lockouts are one of the most common issues you'll likely deal with on a regular basis. Even for a relatively small building or complex, tenant lockouts can take away valuable time and effort that could be devoted towards addressing other concerns.
The beauty of the keyless lock is that it eliminates the "key" part from the equation, giving you and your tenants more options when it comes to entry. These options include issuing a new security code to forgetful tenants and implementing biometric access via thumbprint scanner. And since issuing a new code or access card is usually faster than having a new key made, it's easier to help locked-out residents who've lost or accidentally destroyed their keys.
Keyless entry also offers an advantage for maintenance personnel. If maintenance is needed on a unit where the tenant is either at work or on vacation, your maintenance team can use its own entry credentials to gain access to the unit. This also saves your maintenance team time that would usually be spent searching for the right keys for a particular unit.
Security Improvements
Implementing keyless entry for your property also offers plenty of security advantages. For starters, electronic keyless locks are immune to lock bumping, a tactic commonly used by burglars to break into units without creating any visible signs of forced entry. Without a visible keyhole present, burglars and thieves can't pick or bump their way into a locked unit.
A keyless entry system not only gives you greater control over property access, but it also centralizes that control to a single, convenient location. You can also tailor access credentials for specific areas as well as specific persons. With this system, tenants can have general access throughout the property while guests are limited to specific areas for a limited amount of time.
Keyless entry also makes it easier to secure formerly occupied units after a tenant moves out. It's much easier to change a code or deactivate a key card instead of having your locksmith change the lock in preparation for new tenant.
For tenants with special needs, including elderly tenants who require constant supervision, keyless entry can also be a way of preventing them from wandering outdoors on their own. In cases like these, you can use double-sided keyless locks that require a code for entry as well as exit.
Cost Factors
For many landlords and property managers, the costs associated with purchasing and installing keyless entry systems can prove a major stumbling block. For instance, a typical card access control system can cost up to $2,500 per door. Nevertheless, you may be able to find significantly cheaper solutions that offer a comparable level of security and convenience for you and your tenants.
Taking a gradual approach towards upgrading your locks can help mitigate installation costs to a degree. As an example, you may decide to upgrade doors in common areas with keyless locks and upgrade individual unit doors at a later date. When dealing with a gradual upgrade process, however, maintaining compatibility among existing and newly installed keyless locks can be an issue.
In the end, it's up to you to decide whether a keyless entry system is right for your property or complex. Although some systems can prove costly, the above benefits make these systems worth every penny.
