Overthinking lock options for duplex (keypad or keyed)

Overthinking lock options for duplex (keypad or keyed)

Coventry, RI · Member since 2019 · 17 posts · 0 votes
Would like some insight into the lock setup for my first duplex.  It has one common door in the back and each unit has its' own entry door in the front (so 5 total doors needing locks).  The common door in back is closer to the driveway than the front doors and offers relatively easy access, although it would mean walking through the patio.

I have a few things I've been considering (and likely overthinking):
-If I were to install keypad locks on the back common door and each entry door in the back is it unreasonable to not provide keys to tenants and have them only use the back door as the primary entry.  I don't want to have the expense of keypad locks for all 5 doors but if I could just install them on 3 doors and have the front two be deadbolted I think there are some pros to this.
-If I do choose keypad locks I've been looking at either the Schlage Be365 or Kwikset 913 UL, not sure which I'd want to go with.  I'd also prefer to use this option to keep things keyless and not have to give tenants any keys at all.
-Currently I am prepared to swap all locks to the Kwikset SmartKey setup.  I did see that they are only grade 3 and although it seems like a good neighborhood I don't want to take unnecessary risks.  I also figure with this I'll need to give every tenant 2 keys; one to the common door and one that controls their own doors.
-Also, read some advice about only using deadbolts and then closet knobs.  Is this secure and advisable?

Overall my goals are to have the most efficient system I can that minimizes how many keys I need to have and give to any tenants.
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  • Ashley KehrPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Buffalo, NY · Member since 2017 · 208 posts · 186 votes
    7y

    Hi Warren, for my properties we use locks keyed the same for all common doors then each apartment has their own key. So each tenant is getting two keys at move in. If the property isn't already rented then when you do showings you could see what the response is with only having one entry door. I would say to go with whatever is easiest and cheapest for you during turnovers. 

  • Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    7y

    I’d look at common-keyed locks. This allows each tenant to carry only one key and lets them all through the common door(s), but only them into their apartment.

    A local locksmith can do it for you, or I highly recommend Landlord Locks. They provide the lock sets and have a core that is quickly changed out easily by you between tenants. I’m in the process of changing all my units over.

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