I’ve always wondered about the neighbor key swap thing too—like, what if they forget which key is yours? Or they go on vacation and you’re stuck outside. I went with a cheap combo lockbox too, hidden behind my grill. Not exactly high-tech, but at least I know where it is and don’t have to rely on anyone else. Ever worry about someone finding it though? I keep thinking I should move it around every now and then...
I get the appeal of a lockbox—less hassle than tracking down a neighbor, especially if you’re like me and your neighbors are rarely home. But I’m always a bit wary about hiding anything outside, even “hidden.” I’ve read stories where folks with older houses (like mine) have had lockboxes spotted by contractors or even just curious passersby. If you’re worried, maybe try rotating the code every few months instead of moving it? Or stash it somewhere less obvious than behind the grill... that spot’s kind of a classic.
Or stash it somewhere less obvious than behind the grill... that spot’s kind of a classic.
Funny you mention that—I've lost count of how many lockboxes I’ve found behind grills, planters, or even fake rocks while working on older homes. Once, a client had one zip-tied under a gutter downspout, and nobody ever noticed it (including me, until he pointed it out). I get the concern about visibility, especially with older houses where there are fewer hiding spots. Have you ever thought about integrating a lockbox into something like a vent cover or an old electrical box? I’ve seen folks get pretty creative. Wonder if that’d feel more secure or just overkill...
I’ve actually seen the vent cover trick work pretty well. It’s subtle, and unless someone’s specifically looking for it, they’d never guess. The old electrical box idea is clever too—especially if you use one that looks a little weathered or out of commission.
Have you ever thought about integrating a lockbox into something like a vent cover or an old electrical box?
I wouldn’t call it overkill if it gives you peace of mind. In my rentals, I try to keep things simple but discreet—sometimes I’ll just mount a lockbox on the back fence post or inside a shed. The main thing is making sure it’s not in plain sight but still accessible in a pinch.
Honestly, the fake rock thing cracks me up… those are usually the first spots people check now. As long as you’re not making it obvious and you trust whoever needs access, a little creativity goes a long way.
I’ve used the vent cover idea myself, and you’re right—it blends in so well that even folks familiar with the house don’t notice it. The trick is matching the style and age of the cover to the rest of the exterior. On older homes, a shiny new vent stands out like a sore thumb. I’ve even gone as far as distressing a replacement to match the weathered look of the original fixtures.
As for electrical boxes, I’ve found vintage ones at salvage yards that look convincingly out of commission. Placing a lockbox inside one is a clever move, though I do worry about moisture if it’s not properly sealed. That’s something to consider—old boxes can let in a surprising amount of water.
I agree about the fake rocks... those always struck me as more of a novelty than real security. In my experience, subtlety trumps complexity every time. If it looks like it’s been there for decades, most people overlook it. I suppose the only downside is remembering exactly where you hid the spare after a few years—ask me how I know.
