Been there way too many times—once I locked myself out during a tenant showing, keys inside, phone dead. Had to borrow a neighbor’s phone and call my locksmith (again). Now I stash a combo lockbox behind a bush at every property. Not the fanciest solution, but it’s saved me more than once. I still keep a backup physical key with a trusted friend, just in case tech fails or batteries die. Mixing old school and new school really is the way to go... learned that the hard way.
I hear you on the lockbox—those things are lifesavers, even if they’re not exactly Fort Knox. I’ve had tenants accidentally lock themselves out too, so I started hiding a spare in a magnetic box under the AC unit. Not perfect, but it’s worked so far. Ever tried one of those smart locks with app access? I’m tempted, but worried about tech glitches or hacking... Worth it, or just another headache?
Locked Out Drama—What Would You Do?
Ever tried one of those smart locks with app access? I’m tempted, but worried about tech glitches or hacking... Worth it, or just another headache?
Here’s my two cents after a few too many “locked out again” texts: I took the plunge on a smart lock last year (Schlage, if you’re curious). Setup was about as fun as assembling IKEA furniture without instructions, but once it was running, life got easier. No more spare keys under garden gnomes or frantic calls from tenants at midnight.
But yeah, there are quirks. The app glitched once and wouldn’t unlock until I rebooted my phone. Not ideal if you’re standing in the rain. And I did have to change the batteries more often than expected—nothing like getting a “low battery” alert right before a showing.
On the hacking front, I figure if someone’s that determined, they’ll get in whether it’s a key or an app. At least with the smart lock, I can see who’s coming and going (or trying to).
Bottom line: It’s not perfect, but for me it beats hiding keys in creative places and hoping no one finds them. Just keep a backup plan for when tech decides to take a nap...
Smart locks are handy, but they’re not magic. Here’s what I’ve seen work (and not):
- Install a keypad model with a physical key backup. If the app or batteries fail, you’re not stuck.
- Don’t trust just the app—tech always finds a way to glitch at the worst time.
- Battery changes sneak up on you. Mark your calendar or set reminders.
- Hacking risk? Sure, but honestly, most break-ins I’ve seen are brute force, not Mission Impossible stuff.
If you go smart, keep a real key somewhere safe—not under the mat. That’s just asking for trouble...
Can totally relate to the “tech fails at the worst time” thing. I once locked myself out because my phone died and the backup key was... inside. Rookie move. Agree, hiding a key under the mat is basically an open invitation, though. I stick mine in a fake rock—still cheesy, but at least it’s not obvious.
