Key Management - Kwikset smartKey system opinions?

Question

I Just purchased 4 unit with keyring of 30 keys. Looking at better options because I plan on having many more rentals and want a scalable system:

1. $ Effective labeling of keys. Cheap option for now.

2. $$$ rekey kit and replace almost all locks. This seems $$$ for all new locks.

3. $$$ Smartkey system from Kwikset looks great. Anyone using it? Despite $$$, it appears to make management so much easier.

4. $$$ Get locksmith to rekey - $$$ and the current POS locks aren't worth it. I think each apt has at least 4 different brands, so the keys wouldn't match anyway.

5. $$ DIY rekey - Doesn't each brand have its own rekey kit? I think each apt has at least 4 different brands, so the keys wouldn't match anyway.

6. FREE - Live with it

I am going to label them effectively for now. Anyone use the Kwikset smartKey? Any recommendations on best way to manage?

Chad Hale · Answer

kwikset smart keys work well enough.  Easy and quick to change keys at tenant turnover.  No need to pay a lock smith every time.  Everyone changes the keys at tenant turn-over, right?

If someone wants to break into a home, they are going to do it regardless of the lock type.  Locks are a deterrant for lazy low hanging fruit types of criminals.

Marc Winter · Answer

Keys and key systems are ALWAYS problematic.  We change locks at every turnover.  If in good condition, we save and re-use the old locks/keys on different properties.

The 'landlord' Kwikset locks would be the way to go in a perfect world; unfortunately, this is not that world.  So easy for tenants to change the handset/deadbolt themselves--they keep the expensive locks and landlord is back at square one.

For buildings with common entry, spend a bit more and use a smart pushbutton lockset.  Easy to change combo when tenant moves and provide new code to remaining tenants.

Other than that, if there are 2 doors on each apartment each with a handset and  deadbolt, the Kwikset or Defiant locks come in 4-packs, and they are all keyed the same:  1 key for all locks on that apartment.

Johann Jells · Answer

I have been installing Smartkeys. Not infallible when rekeying, but damn convenient. I have an extra around if there's a problem, then fixing them is pretty easy once you know how. Another criticism is they're relatively easy to force, but your average lock is easy to bump. Most burglars are not lockpickers, they force the door or window anyway.

I imagine most of those 30 keys are no longer in use. You need 1 key per unit, and one for the building doors. 5 keys. A lot of my units have 2 doors, each with handle and deadbolt. It's easy to key them all alike, and then change it on turnover with the Smartkey.

Jill F. · Answer

We have 33 units; we are switching everything to Kwikset 816 key control lock deadbolts and passage handles, this arrangement provides a master key for the landlord, the convenience of easy re-keying between tenants, and it helps prevent lock-outs. We do smart keys without the control key on common building entrances and we use keypad locks from garage to house doors (to avoid lockouts). We have 13 more units to go.

Dan H. · Answer

We also use landlord locks.  Some thoughts:

- we have 6 sets of tenant keys, 1 set of keys for LL only areas and 1 kset of keys for empty units.  The empty unit cylinders are different color cylinder.  Total 8 key sets to manage.

- LL Locks offer common entry for laundries or common access.  All tenant keys can open these.

- LL Locks offer same key padlocks. These are used on garages, fences, etc.  our lease prohibits different locks

- cylinder change takes 30 seconds

- Unfortunately handset and deadbolts have different cylinders.  So if providing both keyed handset and keyed entry, it requires twice as many cylinders.

- quality is fine.  Not great.  My units are b and c areas and they are good enough.  My home is A area and it has LL locks except front door.

The big advantage I see for quickset smart key is no need to have and pay for all the swap cylinders.  But I think LL Locks provides more flexibility and good support.

Good luck

Rob D. · Answer

I would t waste the money on Kwickset keys. They can change the keys with a simple tool and a different key. Yes I know they aren’t supposed to but that doesn’t mean crap as you’re drilling a lock out at midnight in the snow.

Unless you’re willing to spend big money to buy Medeco locks I would simply install cheap locksets that you can get online. I replace my lock sets when I get new tenants. In one case I simply rekey as it’s cheaper than buying the expensive front door lock system.

If you buy new good lock sets simply have them re- keyed when a tenant moves out. It’s just part of doing business. You deduct the cost on your taxes

Elijah VanDenBerg · Answer

Now, I don't know all the details, but my best guess is that of those 30 keys, only 5-6 of them may actually be used frequently. I'd just go with Option 1 and label the important keys that you will be using throughout the year. The 25 or so other keys could be stored away until that random occasion comes when you need one of them.

Key Management - Kwikset smartKey system opinions?

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