Changing locks after a tenant leaves out is a must for many factors, including property security, safeguarding new tenants’ privacy and safety, sustaining an effective and trustworthy property management process, and decreasing the property owner’s liability. This gives a safe and secure living environment for both the property owner and the new tenants, as well as a new set of keys and a feeling of trust. Re-keying your rental property also decreases the risk of accountability, leading to a more safe and responsible property management process.
Property Security
Landlords should prioritize security whether or not your property is presently inhabited. There is always a chance that former tenants still have duplicates of the keys after they vacate the premises. By re-keying the property, you eradicate this threat and guarantee that only those with authority have entry. Even temporarily vacant properties can become prey for criminal mischief and burglary. To keep your property secure and prevent criminal conduct, you must be able to regulate who and when has access to it. You can facilitate this process by re-keying your property’s exterior doors as soon as a tenant moves out.
Renter Safety
Unreturned keys become an even more significant problem for your future tenants. Renters seek a feeling of security in their rental properties. However, if previous renters still have a key to the building, this sense of security could be a dangerous illusion. If a previous occupant or someone to whom they gave a key breaches into your home, you may be held liable for any damage or injury that occurs. You will also lose credibility, which can lead to canceled leases and costly turnover. Re-keying the locks is a must to ensure renter safety.
Increased Appeal
While the cost of re-keying the locks between renters may deter you, you can use it as a selling point 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; thus, 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 quickly recoup the cost of having the locks re-keyed.
Hire a Professional
Depending on your level of mechanical expertise, you might be able to re-key the locks on your rental property on your own. While it is not complex, a basic understanding is necessary. Also, re-keying the locks is less pricey than replacing the entire lock, knob, or deadbolt.
However, to ensure that the task is completed properly, you might consider hiring a professional to come in and perform it for you. A professional locksmith can carry out the operation more quickly and with higher confidence that the re-key was done correctly. The essential aspect is that it is done correctly and that you have a whole fresh set of keys to give to your new tenant.
Alternatives to Re-Keying
Today’s landlords are searching for additional means to safeguard their property and renters. Instead of re-keying the locks each time a renter moves out, some landlords find it more cost-effective to put in an electronic keypad or smart key solution. Adding a keyless entry system that relies on a password as opposed to a physical key, for illustration, could eliminate the need for re-keying your house wholly. There are even more modern keyless entry systems that must be opened using a smartphone app. Although such options are initially expensive, you can easily replace the password or smart key tool on your own. A keyless entry system could result in significant savings over time.
For property owners, a renter’s departure can be a chaotic time. Why not let the professionals at Real Property Management Providence manage it for you? Our local property managers are excellent at handling every part of the move-out process and can also help you locate a new renter! For additional information, contact us online or call us at 401-272-3300.
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