Tips for Choosing Locks for Your Rental Properties

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Your door’s hardware is an extension of your property. It’s also a major point of your property security. If the lock installed is old, cheap, or of low quality, it means that it’s that easy for a criminal to make his way into a tenant’s unit.

Since you are responsible for your tenant’s security, Bigham & Associates, LLC says it’s wise to choose good quality locks for your doors. This article will teach you how to do just that. If your looking for an honest locksmith company with a great reputation check out Bobcat Locksmith today or call us at 512-954-5025.

Research the Options

Locks are usually graded according to certain standards. Here in the U.S., they are graded according to standards developed by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association and the American National Standards Institute.

Grades range from the basic to the most sophisticated one in terms of the function and integrity of the material.

Types of Locks

There are various types of locks. They include:

  • Security Locks

Your rental property security starts with your fence. Your tenant should be secure enough to detect an intruder even before the intruder makes his way into the house. Good examples of security locks are burglar alarm systems.

  • Finger Print Locks

Fingerprint locks are extremely secure. They feature a classy, ultramodern, and luxurious look. Only those with matching fingerprints can access your rental property.

  • Numbered Keypad Lock

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These provide a more secure method of locking your home because they provide added convenience and accessibility. They allow your tenants to share the key code with their relatives.

  • Dead Locks

Dead-locking door locks have a single deadbolt that is locked and unlocked with a key. They don’t catch spring-like rim locks. They typically come in three varieties: single, double, and lockable thumb turn.

  • Knobs Locks

These are usually installed on exterior doors in addition to deadbolts, where the need to resist physical force is not needed.

  • Padlocks

Padlocks come in various sizes and are one of the most easily recognizable types of locks. Those made out of brass are one of the most popular padlocks on the market today.

How to Choose the Best Lock

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Locks are not everyday purchases. As such, you want to choose one that is of high quality. That one is durable and tamper-resistant.

1.   Consider the lock’s function.

Choosing a lock depends on where you plan to use it. Do you intend to use it for privacy, entry, or passage? Knowing where you are going to use it is the first step in choosing a lock.

The lock’s function helps determine the level of your lock’s security and endurance. An interior door or a hallway, for example, doesn’t require a higher security level than your rental property’s front door.

2.   Consider the lock’s endurance.

Endurance essentially depends on a lock’s grade. Grade 1 locks are the strongest. They are the most secured level locks and are made of better quality materials than Grade 3 or Grade 2 locks. They are usually found on commercial properties but can be used on residential properties as well.

Residential knobs and levers are available in Grades 2 and 3. These are less secure and are suitable for indoor use.

3.   Consider the lock’s aesthetics.

Once you’ve considered the lock’s function and endurance, then consider aesthetics. Choose locks that match the color, finish, and/or style of your rental property. However, while important, aesthetics shouldn’t be the top deciding factor.

4.   Consider the lock’s price.

As a landlord, you probably know that cost has an important role to play in any decision regarding your rental property. Therefore, when looking to purchase door locks, keep this in mind.

The price of a door lock can vary based on several factors. For example, the nature of the lock, the demand for said lock, and the brand. Another factor that determines a lock’s price is the function.

5.   Read the reviews.

Once you have completed all the steps above, check the lock’s reviews. You want to find reviews from people who have used them for the same purposes you intend to use them for.

If the reviews are good, then it’s likely the locks are as good as they claim to be. If they are unsatisfactory, continue looking.

6.   Upgrade every couple of years.

This is something that most landlords oftentimes forget to do. Don’t wait until your locks are completely dysfunctional to change them.

Generally speaking, you should replace your door locks every five years or more even if they are in good condition. If you wait longer, the devices can get greatly outdated and leave your rental property susceptible to attacks.

A door lock is the first line of defense for your rental property. Thus, you want to make an informed decision before buying it. With luck, this article will help you do just that. If you are looking for an Austin locksmith company to perform this then you have found the right place, Bobcat Locksmith can take care of all your Austin rekeys for rental properties including apartments and homes give us a call at 512-954-5025 today.  Check us out at google maps at Bobcat Locksmith- Austin Locksmith