I get where you’re coming from with the lockbox idea, but I’ve actually had a couple of those jam up on me—one time in the rain, which was just... not fun. I’m not totally sold on tech either, since batteries die and sometimes codes get forgotten (especially with guests or kids).
Here’s what I’ve started doing: I give a spare key to a neighbor I trust, and then as a backup, I keep another one in my car’s glove box (not ideal for everyone, but it works for me since my car’s always locked and parked close by). It’s not foolproof, but it feels less risky than hiding keys outside or relying only on gadgets.
I guess every method has its weak spots. Maybe it’s about layering—like, don’t just pick one backup plan. Curious if anyone else has found a low-tech solution that doesn’t involve hiding stuff outside?
Locked Out Drama—What Would You Do?
Honestly, I’m with you on the lockbox thing—they look sturdy until you’re standing in the rain, cursing at a frozen dial. I’ve tried the “hide a key in a fake rock” trick, but let’s be real, those things fool no one. Giving a spare to a neighbor is probably the most practical move. I’ve also stashed a key in my wallet before, but that only works if you never lose your wallet... which I do, way too often. At this point, I just try not to leave without my keys—easier said than done.
I hear you on the lockbox—had a client once who swore by those until theirs jammed during a snowstorm. Ended up having to drill it out, which was a mess. Honestly, I always recommend upgrading to a keypad deadbolt. No keys, no drama, just a code you can change if you need to. Feels way more secure than hiding keys under rocks or in wallets that never seem to stay put.
Had a similar situation with a lockbox freezing up during a cold snap—tenant tried to thaw it with a lighter and ended up cracking the plastic. I switched to keypads for all my rentals after that. Less hassle, and you can reset the code between tenants. Only downside is batteries dying if someone forgets to change them, but that's still better than dealing with jammed boxes or lost keys. Definitely worth the upgrade in my experience.
Less hassle, and you can reset the code between tenants.
I get the appeal of keypads—resetting codes is super convenient. But I’ve always wondered about the environmental impact of all those batteries, especially if you’ve got multiple units. Have you found any models that use rechargeable batteries or maybe even solar panels? I’ve stuck with mechanical combo locks for now. No batteries, and they seem to hold up in the cold, though I admit they’re not as slick as digital. Just curious if you’ve run into any eco-friendly options that actually work well?
