As a property owner in Dearborn, minimizing maintenance costs is likely a top priority. While there are numerous ways to save money, one area you shouldn’t overlook is re-keying your rental property’s locks. Regardless of how smoothly your previous tenant’s departure was, it’s crucial to have the locks re-keyed between renters. This practice is essential for property security, tenant safety, and enhancing the appeal of your rental to prospective tenants.
Property Security
Security is paramount for property managers in Dearborn, even during vacancy periods. Vacant properties, even temporarily, can become targets for criminal activities like burglary. If your previous tenants duplicated their keys and shared them with unauthorized individuals, it compromises the security of your property. Re-keying the exterior doors after each tenant turnover allows you to maintain control over access and prevent unauthorized entry, thus safeguarding your property against criminal activities.
Tenant Safety
Unreturned keys pose a significant risk to the safety of future tenants. Tenants deserve to feel secure in their rental homes, but if previous occupants still possess keys to the property, it undermines that sense of security. In the event of a break-in by a former tenant or someone with access to their key, you could be held liable for any resulting damage or injuries. Moreover, it erodes tenant trust and may lead to lease cancellations and costly turnover. Re-keying the locks is essential to ensuring tenant safety and fostering a secure living environment.
Increased Appeal
While the cost of re-keying locks may give you pause, it can serve as a selling point for your property. Assuring prospective tenants that the locks have been re-keyed can alleviate security concerns, making your rental more attractive compared to others in the area. By enhancing demand for your property, you may justify charging higher rent rates, offsetting the expense of re-keying the locks.
DIY or Hire a Professional?
Re-keying locks can be a DIY project if you’re handy, but it requires a certain skill level. While it’s a more affordable option than lock replacement, hiring a professional locksmith ensures the job is done efficiently and accurately. Whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional, the priority is ensuring the task is completed correctly and providing new keys for the incoming tenant.
Alternatives to Re-Keying
Some landlords explore alternative solutions to enhance property and tenant safety. Electronic keyless entry systems, for example, offer a cost-effective alternative to frequent re-keying. By installing a keypad or smart key product, landlords can eliminate the need for physical keys altogether. While these systems may require a higher initial investment, they offer the flexibility to change access codes easily, potentially resulting in long-term cost savings.
Renter move-out can be a really busy time for property owners. Why not let the professionals at Real Property Management Metro Detroit do it for you? Our Dearborn property managers are proficient at properly dealing with everything the move-out process necessitates and can find you an excellent new renter! To learn more, contact us online or call us at 248-808-6550.
Originally Published on July 2, 2021
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