Technology has advanced at a pace landlords must keep up with to retain or increase tenant satisfaction. One that has been increasingly popular among tenants is the keyless entry system. As modern as it can be, it has its drawbacks, and you should know all of them to make informed decisions when upgrading your investment property.
What is a Keyless Entry System
Before we list the pros and cons of a keyless door lock system, you must first understand what it is and how it works. Keyless entry locks are an alternative to traditional locks where tenants usually use a physical key. More rental properties are adopting the new lock system to attract more tenants, and there are several types that you can look into.
- Keypad Lock: This is the most common type of keyless door lock. Tenants only need to remember the code to their units to unlock doors.
- RFID Lock: RFID keyless entry uses either cards or key fobs to unlock the door. The lock itself will have an RFID reader while the fob or card holds an RFID chip the reader can communicate with.
- Biometric Lock: Arguably one of the safest options, biometric keyless locks rely on the tenant's physical characteristics such as their fingerprints. Residences are significantly more difficult to enter due to the unique qualifications to unlock their doors.
- Bluetooth Lock: As described, the door unlocks through Bluetooth technology, where residents use their smartphones as "keys." Once in proximity, the lock automatically detects the tenant and unlocks the door.
- Wi-Fi Lock: Wi-Fi locks provide remote access control through a dedicated app, provided that the smartphone has an internet connection. This allows tenants to let anyone in even when they're not home.
Benefits of Keyless Entry Systems
Convenient Entry
Tenants won't have to worry about lost keys since certain keyless entry locks only require smartphones, pin codes, or biometrics. While RFID locks still require cards or fobs like traditional keys, they have features like auto-locks that traditional locks don't have.
Accessibility
Keyless systems like Wi-Fi smart locks enable tenants to grant temporary access to guests remotely as opposed to having to lend their keys. Many keyless entry systems are now digital and can be controlled through apps that come with many security features.
Automation
Some models of keyless door locks offer scheduled locks. Tenants can simply use apps or program the smart lock system to automate when the door locks can refuse entry or remain open. This provides greater security for residents who might forget to lock their doors.
Tracking
Keyless door locks can track who enters and exits the building or the unit. Landlords can provide unique codes or RFID cards to determine who is using them and when, which can give tenants peace of mind.
Drawbacks of Keyless Entry Systems
Reliance on Electricity
Unlike traditional locks, keyless entry systems such as RFID scanners or keypad locks require electricity, which means power failure can lock tenants in or out of their units until the power comes back on. Some keyless locks utilize batteries or other backup power sources to work even without electricity.
Costs
Keyless locks can cost a lot more to install. Different brands come with different requirements compared to all traditional locks that only need house keys. Since it comes with many benefits, you should expect to pay more for those advantages.
Maintenance
Some keypad locks run on batteries, and while that means you won't have to worry about power outages, you have to replace the batteries regularly or your tenants won't be able to access their units. Some systems like keypads can also be rendered useless by something as simple as a cracked screen or water damage.
Security Risks
One of the biggest benefits of keyless entry how secure it can be, but it also comes with vulnerabilities made possible by technology. Wi-Fi locks, for instance, can be hacked by bad actors if the password is not secure, opening it to unauthorized remote access.
Choosing the Right Keyless Locks
There are different models and various brands you can choose from, all of which come with unique features. To find the best keyless locks for your rental property, there are factors you need to look into first.
- Features: You don't have to choose between each type since some models offer several unlock methods. Certain products even allow the use of traditional keys, which lets tenants enter when they cannot access the keypad or have no internet connection.
- Backup Power: Some keyless locks are connected directly to your property's electrical system, but it would be better if it also had a battery source for backup power in case of a power failure.
- Reviews: Check the reviews to determine whether they are worth using. Some brands have bad reviews like keypads that malfunction or biometric scanners that take too long to scan. If you can't find reviews, you're better off looking for other options.
- Number of Tenants: If you intend to add one for the main door to your rental property, think about how many tenants you have and what the best keyless lock is for that. For instance, some smart locks only offer a limited number of unique codes or only come with a few RFID cards.
- Security: Think about how secure it is and how vulnerable it might be to hackers. Weight the pros and cons. For example, Wi-Fi locks offer advantages like remote access but can also be hacked if the passwords are too simple.
How a Property Manager Can Help
Other than the day-to-day operations a property manager can handle, companies like Austin Property Management can also oversee installation and conduct maintenance to ensure that your property's keyless entry system is in working order.
We can provide convenience and profitability for you, as well as safety and service for your tenants. Schedule a free consultation and learn whether we're the right fit for your rental business!
