Free tools for Property Managers. If your rental property has self-locking door knobs, your tenants WILL get locked out. After getting locked out, the first person they call is you, the landlord. I get it, we’ve all locked ourselves out at one time or another. Please don’t think that your tenants are going to be the stellar exception. When they accidentally lock themselves out, they will expect you to come rushing over with a key. What do you mean “Self-Locking”? I mean, any door knob or latch that automatically locks behind you, causing immense frustration that ripples through the fabric of time and space. These are also known as a “keyed privacy locks”, and they are quite common. The intent is to allow the door to lock behind you without having to use your keys. They are supposed to save you time. However, I think they cause more trouble than they are worth. You are available and don’t mind the inconvenience of driving over to your rental property to unlock the door, and;
They never do it again. Tenants hire a locksmith who damages your door hardware beyond repair, or; They break a window to get in, and; They expect you to pay for it because it was “your lock” that locked them out, and; They continue to use the self-locking mechanism and it happens again, and again, and again. Years ago, my tenant locked himself out of their rental while I was in Phuket on my honeymoon. He knew I wasn’t available, so he just called a locksmith. When the locksmith arrived, my tenant was told that there was no way to pick the lock, and in order to get in, they would have to bore (drill) out the core – thus essentially destroying the expensive mortis lock. Luckily for me, my tenant decided to take a different approach. He climbed an exterior gas pipe to a second floor window (which he apparently always kept unlocked). Then, cut through the mesh screen and climbed in through the window. I’m glad he didn’t damage my lock, but he did injure his arm and destroyed a window screen.
The moral of the story is that self-locking door knobs will only lead to bad situations for you and your tenants. Swap out all your keyed privacy door knob locks with deadbolts. Configure the door hardware so that it is impossible for the door to lock behind someone without keys. My favorite solution is to install a entry door handleset on every exterior door. These handle and deadbolt combos require a key to be used to lock the door from the outside – making them “lock-out” proof. You can save some money by installing a closet knob as the main handle and keeping your existing deadbolt. If you want to go the extra-mile, invest in Kwikset’s Smartkey locks for all the exterior doors. These locks make re-keying a property quick, easy, and inexpensive. They come in handy when a tenant loses a key or you are forced to re-key a unit between tenancies (like in Texas). Read More: Re-key the Locks Between Tenants with Kwikset SmartKey photo credit: Armchair Caver via cc
Join 100,000+ Amazing Rental Managers Topics: Landlord Tips, Property ManagementLocking doorknobs - can default settings be changed? May 19, 2010 SubscribeKwikset, the leader in residential security, manufactures and markets a complete line of door locks and door hardware, including door knobs, door levers, deadbolts, handlesets, pocket door hardware and electronic keyless entry locks for residential and light commercial applications. Kwikset’s SmartCode™ locks with Home Connect™ technology are the industry’s leading wireless, access control lock solution for the smart home. At Kwikset, we think people shouldn't have to settle when it comes to home security. For over 60 years, we've believed that innovation is our greatest asset. Technology can deliver both quality and convenience. And the strongest insights come from understanding the people who use our products and how they use them. Everything we've learned has led us to one simple premise – the best security is smart security.
“We love Kwikset door locks and all the variety and different styles they offer. The customer support for dealers is outstanding - offering trainings, product demonstrations and product and technical support.” Tanya Lawrence - DataSmart/Duncan Security Contact Us for Additional InformationHome / Doors / Since 1946, Baldwin Hardware has delivered modern luxury to discriminating homeowners, architects and designers. From being the first to forge solid brass door hardware, to setting the precedence for Lifetime Finishes™, Baldwin is synonymous with innovation and unsurpassed quality. Emtek offers a wide array of door hardware, ranging from simple pulls, to knobs, to locksets, and more. For door knobs, you can choose from several classic knob designs in brass, crystal or porcelain. Offered in a variety of finishes and styles, all Emtek locksets and levers are supplied complete with latch and strike plate. Emtek entrysets are solid forged brass and generously proportioned to make a dramatic visual statement.
The handlesets are available in brass, steel and bronze. Kwikset manufactures and markets a complete line of door locks and door hardware including door knobs, door levers, deadbolts, handle sets, pocket door hardware and electronic keyless entry locks for residential and light commercial applications. From remote security systems to stylish door knobs, Schlage is one of the leaders in home security and hardware products. With innovative new solutions like wireless and mobile security, Schlage is helping build the homes of the future—and delivering the security products people need. Subscribe to Our NewsletterThis form doesn't exist. Head back to the manage forms page and select a different form. A Kwikset electronic lock with optional operation using conventional key. This electronic deadbolt uses a Weiser keypad, and is a hybrid combining the best features of both Kwikset and Weiser brand locks. Kwikset is an American lock and lockset manufacturer owned by Spectrum Brands Hardware and Home Improvement Group (HHI), a Division of Spectrum Brands.
Kwikset was founded in 1946 by Adolf Schoepe and Karl Rhinehart. The name was derived from the company's first locks, which pioneered the then-revolutionary tubular lock design, which were relatively fast to install. Kwikset key blanks (KW1 or Axxess #66) are available at almost every location where keys can be made. Kwikset currently has manufacturing facilities in Denison, Texas, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Mexicali, Mexico. Kwikset also has a facility in China. Kwikset previously had manufacturing facilities in Anaheim, California; Bristow, Oklahoma, and Waynesboro, Georgia, but starting in 1996, these facilities were closed in a consolidation of operations to the Mexicali facility. Kwikset's Corporate headquarters is in Lake Forest, California. In 1992 Kwikset introduced its higher-quality, high-security Titan product line. About 2005 the line was rebranded as the "Signature Series". In 1957 the American Hardware Corporation (AHC) purchased Kwikset. AHC in 1964 merged with Emhart Manufacturing Corporation, which was purchased by Black & Decker in 1989.