Tenants getting Locked out and call me for keys

[Anna Sam]

Hi

I have had a few times where my tenants get locked out and call me to ask for keys. so I was just wondering what type of lock out policy to add to my lease. Please let me know how you handle this and share your thoughts/suggestions on this.

Thanks

[Marcia Maynard]

It happens so infrequently for us and we live within 10 minutes of all of our properties, so we just go and unlock the door for them. We do this cheerfully, but let them know not to make it a habit. We also take the opportunity to check in with them about anything else to do with the property. It is an opportunity to build good will and our tenants don't abuse it. We also give our tenants enough keys at move in so they can secure a spare for times like these. We remind them to do that.

We've all locked ourselves out at one time or another. I've never known a tenant to call a locksmith, but I have heard of tenants breaking a window or door to get in. I'd much rather make a house call than deal with such an aftermath. If a tenant locked themselves out frequently, I would consider adding a nominal lockout fee or changing to the deadbolt only system.