I Have Been Thinking About Electronic Locks On Rentals...
I have been thinking about avoiding the whole traditional lock and key concept. I was thinking about cards instead of keys, that you program with a laptop. And maybe, on the main door, having the keycard lock have a combination pad on it. At the place I work, we have them and I get to see them used up close.
You could just deactivate old tenants' cards, prevent them from giving out copies to their wierd relatives, issue a temporary access code to them in the case of a lockout- or to a contractor.
I think the smarthome website has them.
Any thoughts?
Interesting concept, but I have a feeling it's not the cheapest option out there. Still, if there are a large number of units, it might be worthwhile. Two things to consider:
1. Some electronic key cards are very easily demagnitized (wiped clean) through regular use or by simply being kept close to mobile phones, vcr's, etc. How will you address this situation when your tenants start calling. It's not the same thing as being locked out or misplacing your key.
2. Many people are not comfortable with new technology. Electronic key cards may seem very simple to you, me, and most other people working in white collar jobs. But some blue collar workers, retirees, and even children may need to be instructed not only how to operate the elctronic lock, but also how to handle and take care of your key card.
I'm not trying to dismiss your idea. In fact I think it's one that's definitely worth discussing. But these are the questions I've been thinking about. Hopefully others will be able to shed some light on their experiences with such key systems.
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My thoughts have been to go with the biometric fingerprint locks. They are more expensive of course BUT I have a horrible penchant for losing keys and so do my residents. With the biometric locks, I can't lose the master key unless someone cuts my finger off (tempting fate right there). Also if the tenants have kids, they don't have to worry about the kids losing keys and getting locked out. Finally the thing keeps track of all entries (time date who entered) so that if the resident accuses you of entering and swiping something you have a better defense against that. Plus you don't have to rotate locks or rekey them either. here is a web site that sells them http://www.buyasafe.com/customer/product.php?productid=16354&cat=261&page=1 8-)
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Joe
What happens if a tenant's kid puts their chocolate covered finget on the biometric lock?
Yeah I was going to go with a retina scan and a biometric 9 point fingerprint match but then I remember this was a RENTAL.
In all seriousness it sounds like a pretty good idea for the electronic lock, I would just be concerned what the cost of that is versus a mechanical lock and the cost of replacing the electronic lock if it breaks, etc.
Ryan J. Schnabel
we had one once on an office building. As I recall it cost about $5,000 then to install and set up. and that was for a system that only managed the entry doors, not what would be analogus to the front doors of the apartments. I assume the price has come down. It was something of a maintence headache since our janitor understood locks but not the computer part so anytime something broke we had to go outside to get it fixed.
sounds very expensive
I think it is a great idea.
It recently put electronically timed thermometers in all of my rentals to control the heat. That saved me alot this winter.
I really like that idea
Lori
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