we have a no lockout policy. meaning if a resident get locked out after hours, they have to call a locksmith who then drills through the lock, we then charge the resident $125 to replace the locks.
We don't do lockouts. However, since I live on property if they call the after hour emergency line normally whoever is on call will call me, ifI'm home/awake I don't mind letting them in. A small act of kindness can go a long way.
Our maintenance staff handles these calls. He keeps a current rent roll and verifies id before unlocking. 1 time in a 12 month period no fee everytime after that is minimum $25 fee. If they are not on the lease there is no entey allowed and cops are called.
Much too risky for the staff to deal with in todays world!
Call a locksmith and then charge for the new lock! Simple and nobody on your staff has to deal with a drunk or disgruntled ex roommate or spouse!
We don’t do lock outs either. They have to call a locksmith and I don’t Waiver on the policy for anyone. If you let just one person in it will become a fair housing issue.
6 years 8 months ago#18968by Jackie Tsioros Arnold
I read your Tweet reply with your system. Would you mind sharing the brand name and type of lock box you are using? Something I could control 3 miles away from home instead of coming to the property would be fabulous!
Also, Do you charge for repeated lockouts? I have one tenant who honestly should keep her doors unlocked because she constantly locks herself out.
We attend to lock outs when it's during office hours. After hours, I will come and let them in for free the first time. However, they are warned that a second after hours lockout will cost them. SO far I haven't had any, but I know eventually there will be one. That's when I'll have to calculate a cost.
I like the answers I have been reading. Great suggestions and ideas.
Caitlin, all of our apartments are within access-controlled buildings where a locksmith can't even get access to the apartment door. So, our managers handle lockout calls after verifying photo ID and comparing it to active Lessees in the management software. We charge a $50.00 fee that the property collects, which is then disbursed as extra pay for the manager in the next pay period. We average about 2 lockouts per 100 tenants in a 12 month period.