Changing locks subsequent to the tenant’s departure is of utmost importance for several reasons. This includes property security, protecting the privacy and safety of new tenants, showing that the property management process is reliable and professional, and reducing liability for the property owner. This ensures a safe and secure living environment for both the property owner and the new tenants, along with the issuance of a fresh set of keys and the establishment of confidence. Re-keying your rental property can decrease the potential for liability, leading to a more secure and responsible approach to property management.
Property Security
Landlords should prioritize security regardless of the occupancy status of their property. Upon the departure of tenants, it is possible that they may retain duplicates of the keys. Through the process of re-keying the property, the potential risk of unauthorized access is mitigated, thereby ensuring that solely authorized individuals are granted access. Even temporarily vacant properties are prone to criminal mischief and burglary. In order to keep your property secure and deter criminal behavior, you must be able to control who has access to it and when. You can make this easier by re-keying your property’s exterior doors as soon as a tenant moves out.
Renter Safety
Unreturned keys pose a significant problem for your future tenants. Renters desire a sense of security in their rental properties. Nonetheless, if previous renters still have a key to the residence, the sense of safety may be a dangerous illusion. If a previous occupant or an individual who has been granted access to the property gains unauthorized entry, you may be held liable for any damage or injury that occurs. In addition, the loss of trust from renters may result in canceled leases and costly turnover. Re-keying the locks is imperative to ensure renter safety.
Increased Appeal
Although the cost of re-keying the locks between renters may appear discouraging, it can be leveraged as a unique selling proposition for your property. If the prospective renter is concerned about security, you can reduce their concerns by ensuring that their locks have been re-keyed; hence, they may choose your property over similar rentals in the area. If you can increase demand for your property in this way, you can charge a slightly higher rent and promptly recoup the cost of having the locks re-keyed.
Hire a Professional
Depending on one’s mechanical proficiency, it may be feasible to personally re-key the locks on your rental property. While it is not difficult, it necessitates a certain level of expertise. In addition, re-keying the locks is a more cost-effective solution in comparison with the complete replacement of the lock, knob, or deadbolt.
Nevertheless, in order to ensure the accuracy of the task, you might consider hiring a professional to undertake it on your behalf. A professional locksmith will be able to accomplish the operation quicker and with greater assurance that the re-key was done correctly. The most important thing is that it is done correctly and that you have a whole fresh set of keys to hand over to your new tenant.
Alternatives to Re-Keying
Today’s landlords are exploring alternative methods to safeguard their property and renters. Certain landlords opt for electronic keypads or smart key solutions as a more cost-effective alternative to re-keying the locks each time a renter moves out. The implementation of a keyless entry system that employs a code-based mechanism in lieu of a traditional physical key, for example, could eliminate the need for re-keying your house entirely. There are even more modern keyless entry systems that must be unlocked via a smartphone app. Although the initial cost may be higher, opting for such alternatives enables one to promptly replace the primary code or smart key device independently. A keyless entry system could result in significant savings over time.
The process of renter move-out can be a challenging and demanding period for property owners. It may be advantageous to consider outsourcing the task to the experts at Real Property Management Meridian. The property managers in our locality possess the necessary expertise to efficiently manage all aspects of the move-out process while also being capable of finding you a great new renter! For further information, contact us online or call us at 817-678-8787.
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