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Finally switched to keyless entry and here's what I noticed

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Posts: 15
(@margaretr92)
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Interesting take on mechanical push-buttons. Curious though, have you considered the potential downsides of not having remote unlocking capability, especially from a property management perspective? I mean, as someone who's had to deal with tenants locking themselves out at the most inconvenient times (like, say, midnight during a snowstorm...), remote unlocking has saved me more than a few headaches.

Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of zero battery waste and simplicity—definitely points for eco-consciousness. But I do wonder if the convenience trade-off is worth it for everyone. For instance, what about situations where you need to grant temporary access to contractors or cleaners? With mechanical locks, wouldn't you have to physically go there every time to change codes or give someone entry?

Also, I'm curious about how well these mechanical push-button locks hold up against heavy use or tenant abuse over time. Have you noticed any sticking buttons or wear and tear issues after a couple of years? Because from my experience, even solid mechanical stuff isn't immune to eventual issues—especially in rental properties.

Honestly, I think the best solution might be some sort of hybrid approach... maybe a primary mechanical lock paired with a backup smart option for emergencies or remote access when needed. That way you'd still cut down significantly on battery waste but wouldn't completely lose the convenience factor. Has anyone here experimented with something like that? Could be an interesting compromise.


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Posts: 15
(@photo929150)
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"Honestly, I think the best solution might be some sort of hybrid approach... maybe a primary mechanical lock paired with a backup smart option for emergencies or remote access when needed."

Yeah, that's exactly what I've been doing in my flips lately. Mechanical locks are great for reliability, but tenants losing codes or needing emergency access is inevitable. Pairing them with a basic smart lock as backup has saved me from midnight drives more than once. Best of both worlds without sacrificing simplicity or convenience.


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alexgarcia963
Posts: 18
(@alexgarcia963)
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Totally agree, mechanical locks are solid, but I've had tenants lock themselves out at the worst times. Adding a smart backup has been a lifesaver—especially when I'm traveling or tied up elsewhere. Definitely worth the extra upfront cost for peace of mind.


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gadgeteer89
Posts: 8
(@gadgeteer89)
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"Adding a smart backup has been a lifesaver—especially when I'm traveling or tied up elsewhere."

Interesting point... but ever had issues with the smart lock battery dying unexpectedly? I've been tempted, but the thought of tenants calling at midnight over tech glitches makes me hesitate.


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Posts: 16
(@psychology977)
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Been using smart locks for a couple years now—battery life's actually pretty solid if you stick to decent brands. Just set a reminder to swap batteries every 6 months or so, and you're golden. Beats midnight lockout calls any day...


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