There are many preventive measures you can take to keep your property safe from intruders, including installing a high-tech alarm system, strategically positioning lights around the property to deter criminal activity, and making sure all windows close properly and lock securely.
Keyless entry systems are also rapidly gaining popularity as smart home technology develops. But, are these keyless entry systems appropriate for your home or investment property?
Read on to learn the advantages and disadvantages homeowners and/or landlords should consider before starting what can be an expensive technological upgrade.
What exactly does a keyless entry system do?
Residents can lock or unlock a home using a keyless entry system rather than a mechanical key and lock. So, if you’ve ever lost your keys, you can understand the appeal of a keyless entry system. Additionally, depending on the product chosen, these systems allow entry using a keypad, touchscreen, or fingerprint reader.
Benefits of Putting in a Keyless Entry System for Your Rental Property
These widely accessible products not only provide property owners with more benefits but also more peace of mind. Having said that, it’s crucial to carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks before installing a keyless entry system in your property. So let’s go over some of the advantages below:
1. No physical key is needed
Keyless entry systems are popular because they are practical; who wouldn’t love a lighter keychain? Additionally, keyless entry systems remove the need to dig around in your pocket, briefcase, or purse for the house key.
2. Lower chance of getting locked out
Keyless entry ensures that tenants will never be locked out of the house because they misplaced or left their keys somewhere.
Instead, people just enter the code to get inside the building. Even better, some of the most sophisticated fingerprint-activated keyless entry systems are available.
Furthermore, most systems have a key cylinder override or some other type of backup system for emergencies or malfunctions. As a result, it guarantees that tenants won’t be locked out if the batteries run out of power or the power is cut.
3. No need to hide spare keys
Homeowners have long had a habit of hiding a spare key somewhere. But this creates a serious security risk, particularly for rental properties. People who want to break into your house are aware that many homeowners keep an extra key outside, where they can usually find it and enter the house. Therefore, landlords can better protect their tenants and their personal property by giving them a keyless entry system.
4. Can track entries into the property
Keyless entry systems offer the advantage of being able to monitor who enters and leaves a property at any given time. Tenants can be notified by email or text when a door opens or closes if a rental home has an automated security system.
This is excellent for travelers who worry about a break-in. Additionally, depending on who will be entering the property and for what purpose, landlords can give different codes to different tenants or vendors. Additionally, if a code has been compromised, it’s possible to quickly deactivate it to prevent unwanted entry.
5. Additional amenity for future tenants
Renters are no different from other people in wanting to feel safe and secure in their homes. Therefore, as a landlord, providing any extra security features is advantageous to potential tenants. These extra touches demonstrate to tenants that owners are concerned about their safety in the cutthroat real estate market. It also demonstrates the desire of landlords to offer conveniences for tenants.
6. You won’t need to change locks
Locks are typically changed as part of the turnover procedure after a tenant vacates. Instead of replacing a keyless entry system, landlords only need to perform a quick code reset. The property owner not only saves money, but also time by using a keyless entry system.
Drawbacks of keyless entry systems
7. Accessories are still needed
Even though residents might not have to deal with keys any longer, accessories are still necessary. Some systems have a remote that you can use to lock the door as you leave or unlock it as you pull up.
However, this presents the same issue as a lost key: if the remote is located, someone could use it to potentially gain entry to the house. So, instead of giving the tenants a remote,stick with the keypad alone.
8. Keyless entry systems are more expensive
Landlords may shell out more than $50 for a conventional key and deadbolt lock. A keyless entry system upgrade, however, might cost you a few hundred dollars. Nevertheless, costs increase based on the sophistication of the system and whether it is integrated with other home security monitoring. Additionally, there might be a monthly fee or other costs associated with certain actions.
9. Some maintenance is needed
One of the biggest problems landlords have with keyless entry systems is having to change codes frequently. Therefore, using the same code, imagine how the keypad might appear after extended use. As a result of wear and tear on the buttons, the chances of someone discovering the code can grow.
If several codes are given to different people, landlords must also keep a master list. You don’t want the codes to be given to just anyone, after all. As a result, it’s a good idea to monitor who enters and exits the house at any given time. Of course, doing this takes time and organization.
10. It’s hackable
Just like when you use an ATM to access your bank account, your lock’s code is a password. Predators with advanced technological skills can guess or even hack this code.
Along with that, a passerby might be able to see the code you entered by looking over your shoulder and later use it to gain access. Make your password difficult to guess if you decide to use a keyless lock. In the modern digital era, “1234” is simply inadequate.
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