The key situation at our new property is a mess

I recently took over management of a property with a VERY high turn over rate. We are on a master key system. The key situation is a mess because they were never kept organized like they should have been. Additionally, it is difficult to find locksmiths in Flint MI that service master key systems. I am weighing my options in tracking down a locksmith and having about 20 new locks/keys (we are 81/93 occupied) made off our master system and continuing as it was done or I’m considering switching to a smart lock deadbolt where I change the keys myself (we could use an update in hardware anyway). Any advice on pros and cons of either are appreciated

Master locks are not a good idea. Much better to use smart locks on all units. When the unit is vacant key to a vendor key and then rekey at MI.

Thanks. That’s what I was thinking. I have heard that the smart locks are easier to break in to but I don’t understand why they would be

That is what we do as well. It truly makes all of our lives so much easier. The entire staff knows how to switch over so the day its vacant we change it.

Ana Bennett what you want is an offline smart lock. This means it can be opened via a fob or bluetooth on a mobile phone if you allow that option. There is no connecting to the internet so chances of a security breach are slim to non. Schlage make the work horse and most popular lock in this category. Either a BE467 or a Fe410 depending on state laws. Dormakaba and Salto also make a similar lock. No changing of locks. If you need to make a new fob it is just done via your desktop. Hooe this helps

That would be amazing but this is a struggling class D property in Flint MI so our budget is minimal

Smart key locks and use a vendor key you cut for vacant turns then rekey to resident keys at day of move in.

You should be able to pull a pin out of the locks to make it so the master key won’t work.

My opinion...I’d get rid of the master keys altogether. It’s a huge liability.

Those smart locks are hella expensive though.

The locksmiths aren’t cheap either!

We use smartkey on our scattered site portfolio works great and at a lower cost that pinned locks

Kwikset had to make compromises on security in order to provide the convenience of the smartlock system. They are more vulnerable to bump key attacks and easier to pick.
No lock is without vulnerabilities. Some have more than others. A competent locksmith can help mitigate those vulnerabilities, but understand that locks are only there to keep honest people honest.
You can't have a conversation about the security of your locks without also addressing door frames, properly securing strike plates, security latches and proper installation, etc.
I personally prefer Kwikset Titan locks, but I'm pretty sure Kwikset did away with them in favor of the Smartkey system.
As a maintenance guy I would say Smartkey. As someone with knowledge of locks above that level I would say get original Kwikset locks and learn to rekey them. It takes 2 minutes to rekey a lock and you can buy a box of random key pairs that you can rekey the locks to. You can toss the old key pairs into the box of keys and have an unlimited supply of keys to use. Keep keys to units in a randomized lock box behind a locked door in the main office.
It's not modern and it's not pretty but it works well.

Lucky for me I have like 500 sets of unmarked keys already

Change to a smart lock. The problem with a master system is if that master key ever goes missing every single home is in a comprisable state.

Ana Bennett I had one property years ago where we had that situation. And our higher ups rather than learning decided to rekey all 220 units to a new master lock.

My owner knows very little about property management but he thinks he knows everything. I’m trying to gently teach him that there are better ways. Locksmiths are so expensive!!

I recently took over a community that was similar- all mastered. As people moved out we went to the smart key system as well. Switch your vacant a to a vendor key then make specific keys for move ins. Keep a locked key box with a coded key system and I also have a sign in and out sheet for my employees. Any keys leave the box they sign out then sign in when they return them.

Boom. This is exactly what I told my husband I wanted to do!

Ana Bennett as much as you trust employees people often forget to return keys to the box, and without a master system, loosing a key is a real pain! Just from experience ???? so express the importance of the sign out sheet and keep an eye on it

I have made it so that I am the only one with access to the keys with the exception of maintenance having the damn masters

Casey Lynn oh my goodness YES it is!! Embarrassing to say the least when you cannot do the work orders due to key missing

Too much liability with a master key. I’d recommend smart locks and moving to a KeyTrac type system if fiscally feasible

Smart locks are great

we use kwickset smart locks. on moveout we change to a "vendor" key. we change to an individual key in move in. too much liability with a maint guy who loses his keys

under $20 per deadbolt

I LOVE smart locks. It is so much easier. No leasing agents calling maintenance on a Saturday morning for a quick move In, quick change to vendor key on turns, etc.

Handy Trac

Smart lock is the easy to go, we did away with a master system in the late 90's.

If you’re looking for a company to work on your master key system contact The Lock Shop in Saginaw. I’m pretty sure that they can help you and I know that they do site visits also.

I love my smart locks...deadbolts only...changed lockouts to 0...don't have to worry about changing employees taking a copy of the master...my fenders don't like not having a master key...but they got use to signing a key out and in...I must add I have a small property

Smart lock is the way to go. Get rid of those masters

Kwikset smartkey locks!

Get off master keys as soon as possible. They are a huge liability for your owner.
There are several companies like Keytrak or Handitrak that you should utilize.

I agree change to smart key

Smart locks are the way to go!

Love Handy Trac!!!

Kwikset smartkey locks... 100%
(We also have the ones with the double cylinder with a master that is also Smartkey, but many industry people don’t like those... we do)

I live how easy smart locks are to change, but if you came the same deadbolt too many times, the cylinders tend to jam up.

Agreed Ana! I took over a C- property and initially we had to pay for locksmiths, which meant a large invoice and often waiting for hours to a day or two. Finally my locksmith taught me how to do the Smartlocks all by myself and it's SO easy! Yes, there's a cost upfront of the deadbolts themselves but we use closet knobs for the other one so residents never lock themselves out and they're less expensive. For us, one unit turn saves us more than what we would've paid for a locksmith so the payback time is often 12 months or less. PLUS paying for a locksmith goes directly on the owner's bottom line - a deduction from NOI. However, upgrading the locks and door hardware to Smart locks is a CapEx which doesn't hit the bottom line, is deductible in year one for the owner on taxes, and pays for itself within 12 months. Good luck Ana!

PS the costs of smart locks has been decreasing and we found the best prices by either buying in bulk 10-12 at at time or buying on amazon.

WE are changing all doors to kwik set smart key deadbolts, seems to be the least expensive option. Had anyone ordered them in bulk? I am having a difficult time finding "a case".?

first how many maintenance staff, how large is the property i would designate one person in charge of the keys this way only one person is accountable i would also order kwikset deadbolts and door knobs this way they can be keyed the same not sure what type of key system you have there onsite in flint lol i just moved here to Texas from Southfield and Detroit Mi area and they love this key system i have set up here at this property...I do hope this helps you . email me at anytime Sincerly ...Markanthony, Maintenance supervisor.