locked out drama - what would you do?

I get the worry about batteries dying, but honestly, most of these locks give you a warning beep or light weeks before they’re dead. I installed one last year and haven’t had a single issue. If you’re worried about forgetting the code, just pick something meaningful - way easier to remember than where you left your spare key. I used to hide a key in the yard, but after a squirrel ran off with it (not kidding), I trust the keypad more.

I used to hide a key in the yard, but after a squirrel ran off with it (not kidding), I trust the keypad more.

That’s hilarious, but I still wonder about keypad reliability long-term. Have you ever had tenants forget their code or accidentally lock themselves out? I’ve had folks call me at 2am because they couldn’t remember a “meaningful” code under stress. Physical keys might be old school, but at least you can hand one to a neighbor in a pinch.

Locked Out Drama - What Would You Do?

Physical keys might be old school, but at least you can hand one to a neighbor in a pinch.

I totally get the appeal of keys for that reason. Here’s what’s worked for me: I keep a keypad for convenience, but also stash a backup key with a trusted neighbor (not under a rock - learned that lesson). For tenants, I print the code on their move-in sheet and suggest saving it in their phone. Still, someone always forgets. Having both options covers most emergencies, though nothing’s 100% foolproof...

- Totally agree with this:

“Having both options covers most emergencies, though nothing’s 100% foolproof...”

- I’ve tried hiding keys outside before - never again. Squirrels or landscapers always seem to find them before I do.
- Keypads are super convenient, but I do wonder about battery life and hacking. Anyone else get a little paranoid about tech fails?
- Giving a neighbor a backup key feels old-school, but honestly, it’s saved me more than once. Trust is key (pun intended).
- For tenants, maybe a laminated card with the code? Phones get lost or die at the worst times.
- One thing I’m curious about: has anyone tried those smart locks that use fingerprints? Wondering if they’re actually reliable or just another gadget to break.
- At the end of the day, nothing’s perfect. Having a couple of backup plans seems like the only way to go.

“Keypads are super convenient, but I do wonder about battery life and hacking. Anyone else get a little paranoid about tech fails?”

I hear you on the tech paranoia. Had a keypad lock die on me during a thunderstorm - ended up climbing through a window, which was not my most graceful moment. Honestly, I still keep a neighbor’s spare just in case. Fingerprint locks sound cool, but I’d worry about them in winter when your hands are freezing or dirty. Old-school keys might be clunky, but they don’t run out of batteries...