Locksmith forced it open and replaced the lock, but in LA there is no requirement for locksmiths to check for legal right to occupancy before replacing a lock.

I'm a fan of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008...Easy to rekey between tenants and there's a second cylinder for landlord's key.

Unfortunately, we spoke to a locksmith back when we started, and electronic locks will not work on this patio door. 

I can tell from home if the thermostat is at 30C and a window open ;-) On the units w/ electronic locks, there is no more driving to the property when someone locks themselves out {we actually had a tenant lock themselves out when they had no key ... they left their phone in their room}; no more meeting with service personnel to provide them with a key; no concern about rekeying locks between tenants.

., they can pay for a locksmith to open their door).Gail

So make sure you have new door locks or bring a handyman/locksmith who can change it out for you.If stuff is left in the property, you have to sit on it for 30 days or put it into storage.

The sheriff can be rough on doors, if you don't have a key already for the place and even if you do, it's a good idea to have a locksmith or contractor there to re-key the unit. it's not a bad idea to have your contractor with you so you can get a bid right away to fix everything.

A locksmith can set up up too with a master key system.

According to the Bergen County Sheriff, I need:"a licensed and bonded Moving Company, a certified Locksmith and a Storage Facility (within Bergen County) which the defendants property** will be stored at the plaintiff’s expense for thirty (30) day period."

My personal rental has a hard key and I always have a locksmith change the lock.