There’s something comforting about a good old-fashioned key, even if it means stashing a spare in a not-so-clever spot.
Honestly, I get that. There’s a certain reliability to a solid metal key—no batteries to die, no codes to forget. Still, I’ve started hiding spares in those fake rock things... not foolproof, but at least it’s not under the mat. It’s a balancing act between convenience and security, isn’t it? Don’t beat yourself up—everyone’s been there at least once.
Locked Out Drama—What Would You Do?
There’s a certain reliability to a solid metal key—no batteries to die, no codes to forget.
That’s exactly it. I’ve had tenants call me in a panic because their smart lock app glitched or the keypad battery died. Old-school keys might seem outdated, but they don’t care if your phone’s dead. I do worry about those fake rocks, though—once you’ve seen one, you start spotting them everywhere. I’ve started giving a trusted neighbor a spare instead. Not perfect, but at least it’s less obvious than the flowerpot trick.
I hear you on the fake rocks—once you know what to look for, they stick out like a sore thumb. My place is an old Victorian, and I swear the original builders hid keys in the most bizarre spots. Found one behind a loose brick in the garden wall when I was repainting, probably untouched for decades. Made me wonder if people were just more creative (or paranoid?) back then.
I’ve never fully trusted smart locks, either. Maybe it’s nostalgia, but there’s something reassuring about the weight of a real key in your pocket. That said, I do keep a spare with my neighbor, but sometimes I worry—what if they’re not home when disaster strikes? Has anyone ever tried one of those lockboxes with a code, like realtors use? I’m tempted, but it feels a bit too obvious hanging by the door. Curious if anyone’s found a clever hiding spot that isn’t straight out of a cartoon.
Has anyone ever tried one of those lockboxes with a code, like realtors use? I’m tempted, but it feels a bit too obvious hanging by the door.
- Totally get the concern about lockboxes looking obvious. I’ve used them on rentals, but never right by the main door—usually tuck them behind a fence post or under a deck rail. Out of sight, still accessible.
- Hiding keys with neighbors is smart, but yeah, not foolproof. Had a tenant once get locked out at 2am because their “backup” was on vacation.
- Smart locks are convenient but I’ve seen batteries die at the worst times. Physical key backup is non-negotiable for me.
- If you want old-school security, consider a magnetic key holder under some metal trim or even inside an outdoor light fixture (as long as it’s safe). Not cartoon-level sneaky, just practical.
Lockboxes definitely have that “hey, there’s a key in here” vibe if they’re right by the door, but honestly, I’ve seen some clever ways to make them blend in. One client painted theirs to match the trim and tucked it behind a planter—barely noticeable unless you’re looking for it. I get wanting something less obvious, though.
I’m with you on smart locks being a bit risky if you don’t have a backup plan. Batteries always seem to die at the worst possible moment, right? I’ve also seen people stash keys in those fake rocks, but let’s be real... most of them look nothing like actual rocks. If you go that route, maybe try to find one that actually matches your landscaping.
At the end of the day, it’s about what makes you feel secure and fits your style. There’s no perfect solution, but a little creativity goes a long way.
