How do you manage all the different keys?

Question

Hi, my name is Josh and I'm a property manager in Los Angeles. I'm expanding quite quickly and have a bunch of different keysets for the properties I manage now. A question to my fellow property managers, how do you manage all the different key sets for all the properties?

Drew Sygit · Answer

@Josh Otero some ideas:

1) Key ALL the locks on each SFR to one key, including garage.- We used to buy locks at Home Depot and just swap handsets, but now use a locksmith for same cost.

2) Get rid of handset locks (use passage knobs) and only use deadbolts.
- Two locks on a door really don't provide any additional security.
- Cheaper as only have to rekey/replace deadbolts.
- Tenants can't lock keys in their home.

3) Our locksmith created a Master Key system with 10 key option.
- One master key opens every door
- We go 3 levels under our master, so we can submaster 2-4 unit houses and apartment buildings
- Don't need a costly and difficult to secure & track keybox.

Angela Harding · Answer

We never use a master key. It creates huge liability issues. We have a key box at our office with a spare key in them. If we have multi unit apartments we put a key box in the unit so they are on site for emergencies. We do not label our keys with the property address. WE appoint each house a number and track it in our management software. You never want to put the house address on the keys because someone could loose it and if found by a stranger, well I don't even need to explain that. Another way that works is some companies put a lock box on each property at the charge of the owner and they keep a spare key inside on the property. In Toledo, we do not do that because people can take lockboxes and break them open. That is why we never use door hanger lockboxes for any property.

Good luck!

Walter Bowser · Answer

We use a key box with tags and track them with a corresponding number.

Abdul Malik · Answer

@Josh Otero

Having a key box and key labels.  I believe you can also track the key numbers with the properties in your property management software.

Adam Bartomeo · Answer

All you need is a key box and key labels. We have several hundred keys that we have to inventory and manage. My office manager tracks them on a spread sheet but personally I don't think that is necessary if you have good key box inventory.

How do you manage all the different keys?

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