Do I have to re-key locks after my tenants move out? San Antonio property managers hear this question often from rental property investment beginners.
The short answer: “Yes!” In Texas, landlords must change or re-key locks between tenants. In fact, the Texas Property Code states that “a security device operated by a key, card, or combination shall be re-keyed by the landlord at the landlord's expense not later than the seventh day after each tenant turnover date”.
Read on for more reasons why re-keying the locks makes good business sense. We also look into different locks that could make your tenant move-out checklist a little easier!
Aside from the legal reasons, the best property management San Antonio offers can tell you that there are several other benefits to changing the locks.
Requiring tenants to have renter’s insurance is another critical way of protecting landlords from unnecessary financial liability.
Locks on the exterior doors of your rental property are essential for protecting your tenants from unwanted visits. Secure locks in good condition keep residents and their belongings safe.
However, residential property managers know that re-keying locks can be a costly exercise, especially if you have high tenant turnover. Is it really necessary to do it each and every time? Even if our state law didn't require it, we advise that it's a good idea to change the locks after each tenant. If the locks weren’t changed before they moved in, new tenants may come after you for stolen goods, property damage, and so on.
Here are a few more instances when it might be necessary to change the locks on your San Antonio rental property.
The bottom line is that even though it can feel like a hassle and unnecessary expense, re-keying locks when needed is one of the best ways to avoid liabilities when operating rental properties.
So, which is better: changing locks vs re-keying? Depending on your security budget and the level of efficiency you would like, there are different options at different price points.
This option entails removing the entire lock mechanism and replacing it with a new one. You usually only do this if the lock is very worn or if there is something faulty with the mechanism. It is a pricey option if you do it with every tenant change.
If you have a bit of DIY experience and know how to change a door lock, this is something that you could do yourself. However, it is probably best to entrust the task to a locksmith.
A more cost-effective alternative to changing the locks completely is to re-key the locks.
How do you re-key a lock? Remove the lock from the door. Open the lock to reveal the pins inside. Exchange the pins for new ones to reconfigure the lock for a different key.
While this is a more affordable method, it likely still requires a locksmith’s services. For a rental property with several doors, this can be a time-consuming endeavor. In addition, you must take great care in keeping track of which keys match specific doors.
Avoid the hassle of changing the hardware of locks and keeping track of different keys. Install electronic locks instead!
While the idea of using a number pad and code to enter a property might seem a bit futuristic, it certainly is convenient. Instead of replacing locks with every tenant changeover, you can simply recalibrate the entry code. The downside of this option is the costly installation. However, you will save money in the long run as you won’t have to call out a locksmith whenever you must change the locks between renters.
Smart locks have Wi-Fi capabilities that enable remote unlocking by an app on your smartphone or another device. These computerized locks are incredibly convenient.
Property owners and tenants can unlock the doors remotely. This means that there are no concerns about lost keys.
In addition, maintenance staff can gain access to the premises without the tenants or landlord being present. As a property owner, you no longer have the expense of calling out a locksmith every time the locks need to be re-keyed. A downside to this technology is that password crackers and hackers may be able to hack access codes and gain entry.
For business-savvy San Antonio landlords, changing the locks between tenants is a worthwhile investment. New locks make your life easier, your tenants feel more secure, and your property becomes more valuable. No matter which type of lock you prefer, it is essential to have an efficient system to track keys or entry codes for the different properties in your portfolio.
Working with a property manager means you never have to worry about retrieving keys from exiting tenants and re-keying locks! We make it part of our tenant move-out checklist to change the locks after tenants move out. We also have a system to track keys or codes for tenants and owners. Reach out to MHN Properties to simplify the tenant turnover process!
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