In every facet of life we are looking for ways to make our life easier and your role as a landlord or property manager should be no different. One way you can more efficiently deal with your properties is to make sure you have a lockbox at each one equipped with all keys to enter the property. Here is why this is a good idea….

1. Vendors can use it to complete repairs

Trying to coordinate schedules with other busy adults always creates issues and the real estate industry is no different. Let’s say you have a minor plumbing leak that one of your tenants brings to your attention. This is something that obviously needs to be addressed ASAP and the longer you wait to address it the worse the issue could get. If your tenant will not be there to let the plumber in, you can just give the plumber the lockbox code which will have the keys in it for them to enter the apartment. Make sure to give your tenant notice that if no one is home the vendor will be entering to complete the repair they called in. You addressed your tenants issue quickly, you have allowed the plumber to go there when it worked for him, and you didn’t have to go to the property. Everyone is happy.

2. Tenants can use if they get locked out

Tenants will always get locked out of there apartment when it is least convenient for you. That I can promise. Install a lockbox and if it doesn’t work for you to run right over and let them in they can use the keys in the lockbox to gain access. Work smarter, not harder. Oh yeah, if for some reason you do end up having to go let a tenant in because of a key issue make sure you have something in your lease that charges them appropriately. Your time is valuable.

3. It makes it easier to show apartments

Whether you fill your own vacancies or you have a agent do it for you, having a lockbox will make that process a lot easier and organized. Agent needs keys to take pictures? No problem. Keys are in the lockbox, they can go when they want. Have another agent showing your rental? Now you don’t have to trudge over there to let the, in. For you, it keeps you from having to carry around keys and worry about where they are all the time. Anyone who has owned rental property for any length of time knows how much of an issue “key management” is. I know this sounds ridiculous, but trust me it is a real thing.

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