I get what you mean about the lockbox maybe drawing attention, but honestly, I think most people just walk right past them unless they’re actively looking for one. I’ve got mine tucked behind a drainpipe, and it kind of blends in. Have you thought about one of those smart locks with keypad entry? They’re pricier, but no keys to hide at all. I used to worry about batteries dying, but mine gives plenty of warning before it’s totally out. Just another option if you want to ditch the whole “where do I hide the key” dilemma.
I get the appeal of smart locks, especially when you said:
Have you thought about one of those smart locks with keypad entry? They’re pricier, but no keys to hide at all.
That’s a solid point. No more crawling around in the bushes looking for the fake rock or trying to remember which flowerpot is hiding the backup key. I’ve installed a bunch of those keypads for clients, and honestly, most folks are surprised how reliable they’ve gotten—especially compared to the early models that would eat batteries like candy.
But I’ll play devil’s advocate for a second. The one thing that still bugs me about smart locks is they’re another thing in your house you have to “update” or troubleshoot if something goes weird. I had a client last year who got locked out because her WiFi went down during a firmware update... she was less than thrilled. Granted, most of the newer ones have backup key slots or even a 9V battery jump-start option, but it’s still another layer of tech to think about.
I’m probably old school, but there’s something reassuring about a good ol’ mechanical lockbox tucked away out of sight. You can drop it behind a gutter or paint it to match the siding—most people don’t notice unless they’re really looking (and if someone’s doing that, you probably have bigger problems). Still, if you’re someone who loses keys more often than socks in the laundry, ditching physical keys altogether does sound pretty tempting.
At the end of the day, it’s kind of a tradeoff: convenience versus one more gadget to manage. If you’re comfortable with tech and changing batteries once in a blue moon, go for it. If not, maybe stick with the tried-and-true methods... just don’t use the doormat trick. Everyone knows that one by now.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve seen those lockboxes get pried open or just straight-up stolen, especially if someone’s determined. Hiding them only works if nobody’s watching you stash the key, you know? With smart locks, yeah, there’s tech to deal with, but at least you’re not leaving a physical clue for someone to find. I guess it comes down to how much you trust your neighborhood and how much hassle you’re willing to put up with. Personally, I’d rather swap a battery than risk someone finding my backup key.
I hear you about the lockboxes—had one go missing from a rental property once, and it was a headache. Still, I’ve had smart locks glitch out too, especially in bad weather. Ever had a tenant call you at midnight because the app wouldn’t connect? Curious if anyone’s found a backup method that actually feels secure and isn’t a total pain.
Ever had a tenant call you at midnight because the app wouldn’t connect?
Man, that’s the worst—had it happen with a WiFi drop during a storm, and there I was trying to troubleshoot over the phone half asleep. I started leaving an old-school key in a coded outdoor hide-a-key as backup. Not perfect, but at least it’s something when tech fails. I get the worry about security, but honestly, it’s way less hassle than getting a locksmith out at 1am.
