Key & lock advice on systems

[Blair F.]

Hello, I currently have one duplex that I manage. I have put in place a lot of systems to make managing this rental and future ones easy. However one of my biggest issues is keys. I had SmartKey locks installed in door knob and deadbolts of front and back door. However I am having a lot of trouble re-keying them. I thought I could switch between a set or two of keys and re-key every time. Does anyone have any suggestion on systems or products for making rental keys easier? I would consider key pad locks on future rentals that may be short-term rentals, however that seems a little extreme for my 100 year old one bedroom long term rental.

[Joe Scaparra]

I use the smart key locks for all my duplexes and I love them.  Re-key takes 3 mins or less.  It is real simple.  Turn the key horizontal.  Push the master key tool in the slot you will hear a click.  Then pull the TOOL out and then slide the key out.  Put your replacement key in.  Turn the key in the lock several times back and forth several times before removing the key and it should work fine.  You can order from Walmart a re-programing tool if you mess up the lock.  There are some good youtube videos about the smart key I recommend viewing.  If your lock ever messes up the company will send you a new lock or take it back to Home Depot they can reprogram it for you in most cases.  I just bought the reprogramming tool as the locks every now and then can jam.  .

https://www.walmart.com/ip/SmartKey-Reset-Cradle/1...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyxalJw-a9U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciM1nVXCiD4