The more rental units you own, the more keys and locks you need to ensure are safe and secure. A rental property can have several important entrances including the main entrance, back entrance, and individual unit entrances. Ensuring that the keys to all doors and units are secure is essential to the security of your rental property, your business, and your tenants. Below are several tips that can help you safeguard your rental properties keys and protect your rental property.
Keep track of main keys and duplicates. Have a locked storage area for all duplicate keys that only you or your managers have access to. For all main keys, make sure you sign them out with new tenants and have moving tenants return them.
Make sure you and your tenants do not label keys with identifiable information including address name and apartment building number. This will make it harder for individuals who may find lost keys to break into a building or apartment.
Provide keys to your tenants that cannot be copied. If residents need extra keys, you can charge them a fee (unless local law prohibits it).
Think about changing the locks anytime a tenant leaves your property (in some states this may be required).
For all shared entrances where several or all tenants have access to (e.g. lobby door), consider adding cameras as a deterrent for anyone entering the premises who may not belong.
Add other security measures to your rental building including cameras, motion sensors and alarms as a deterrent in case someone does find a lost key and plans on using it to commit a crime.
Keeping track of rental unit keys is just one essential aspect of managing a rental property. It can be tough to stay organized and efficient especially when you are managing several rental units. RISSOFT property management software can help you easily track every day tasks with their property management features making your life easier and giving you more time to focus on your business.
This post is provided by RISSOFT Residential and Commercial Property Management Software, specializing in innovative and cutting-edge property management software for all 50 states. Request a demo or contact us today to receive more information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post in not intended to be construed as legal advice, nor should it be considered a substitute for obtaining individual legal counsel or consulting your local, state, federal or provincial tenancy laws.