Man, I’ve seen that happen a few times—those smart locks can get weird in the cold. Did yours just freeze up, or was it a battery thing? I always wonder if it’s worth adding a little shelter over the door to help with weatherproofing. Still, nothing beats having that backup key... low-tech for the win sometimes.
I get the appeal of a backup key, but honestly, I try to avoid them for rentals. Too easy for someone to lose or copy, and then you’re dealing with rekeying costs. Instead, I’ve had better luck with smart locks that have both keypad and app access—plus a battery indicator that sends alerts. For weatherproofing, I’d say a small awning helps, but going for commercial-grade hardware rated for extreme temps is probably more reliable long-term. The tech’s not perfect, but when it works, it’s actually less hassle than tracking spare keys.
Yeah, I totally get where you’re coming from—those backup keys can be more trouble than they’re worth. I’ve had tenants lose them and it’s a pain.
“The tech’s not perfect, but when it works, it’s actually less hassle than tracking spare keys.”
Couldn’t agree more. Once I switched to smart locks on my last flip, the late-night lockout calls dropped way off. Had a battery die once in winter though... learned quick to check those alerts. Commercial hardware is definitely the way to go if you’re in a place with wild weather swings.
Yeah, those battery alerts are a lifesaver—learned that one the hard way myself. Nothing like fumbling with a frozen lock at midnight. I still keep a spare key buried in the yard, just in case tech decides to take a nap.
I still keep a spare key buried in the yard, just in case tech decides to take a nap.
Honestly, I get the appeal of the old-school backup, but burying a key outside always makes me nervous. Maybe it’s just years of dealing with tenants and seeing how creative people can get when they’re locked out. I’ve had folks dig up half the flowerbed looking for a “hidden” spare.
What’s worked better for me is giving a trusted neighbor or nearby friend a copy, or even using one of those lockboxes with a combo code (the kind realtors use). They’re not foolproof, but at least you don’t have to go digging in the mud at midnight. Plus, if you ever need to let someone in while you’re away—cleaners, contractors, whatever—it’s way less hassle.
Tech is great until it isn’t, but I’d rather hedge my bets with something that doesn’t involve shovels or hoping nobody saw where I stashed the key. Just my two cents—everyone’s got their own comfort level with this stuff.