Every time a tenant leaves, there’s a long to-do list to get the property ready for viewing and new tenants. This list includes everything from cleaning the property to making repairs. But it also includes security. Many rental properties do just fine with a quick rekey, and sometimes you may need to change some locks. If you are unsure what the benefits of rekeying vs. changing the locks are, we will attempt to help you get some clarity here.
What are the benefits of rekeying vs. changing the locks on your rental homes?
By default, you should rekey every door on the property when you switch tenants. With a simple default like that, you can rest assured anyone with a copy of the old key will no longer have access to the property and your new tenants have the simplest level of security knowing no one else has a key to their new home. It doesn’t matter if the tenants left after a forced eviction or they were perfectly nice long-term tenants. You don’t know who they may have given a spare key. The only real question is what are the pros and cons of rekeying vs. changing the locks.
Rekeying saves you the hassle of switching out the locks, and it means you only have to invest in nice hardware once. The Real Property Management Clarity Team in Ohio has a really good article about this from the prospective of a property manager. This could bring more clarity to the question of rekeying vs. changing the locks.
When should you replace the locks?
Sometimes hardware itself starts to fail or just wear out. If you own rental properties in upscale neighborhoods, upgrading the locks is a must every few years. This includes manual locks with more complex keys and electronic locks. Replacing the locks when tenants leave is a great way to get new tenants faster. You can also add it to the upgrade list if you reward long-term tenants with their choice of a limited number of upgrades.
If one of your rental properties is undergoing extensive remodeling, it may also be the right time for new locks altogether. Homes that are clearly under construction are easy targets for theft and break-in. New locks, kick plates, and visible signs of monitoring will protect your investment and get the property off to the right start.
Whether you are managing a single family home, an apartment complex or commercial properties, Bulldog Security is your go to for all your security needs. With the knowledge and almost 15 years experience we have the expertise to secure your property the right way and make sure your hardware is optimal for securing your property an protecting you assets.
Rekeying is a great way to protect your rental properties between tenants and it preserves nice-looking, stylish door hardware. But sometimes you need to upgrade the locks to protect your investments. At Bulldog Security and Locksmiths, we do this and more. Contact us here to get started.