If you manage an apartment complex, your staff and tenants’ security is high on your list of priorities. Tenants come and go, and keeping track of keys is a next to impossible task. Changing locks used by a previous tenant becomes necessary to ensure the new tenant is protected from intruders. While we can all agree that changing locks is essential, it’s also important to remember that maintaining locks on communal areas used by your renters and staff should also be a priority and never be neglected. Keeping tabs on these areas and changing and maintaining locks regularly will protect your tenants, staff and preserve the apartment complex from potential lawsuits. First Lock & Security Technologies offers helpful insight into when to rekey, change and maintain locks commonly found in apartment complexes.
Individual Apartment Front Entry Door Locks
It is common sense that rekeying locks on apartments should be completed before the new tenant moves in. But many complexes neglect to rekey the locks for residents that have been in the same unit for several years. When you stop and think it about, it makes sense to rekey locks as you have no idea how many keys may have been given out by the renter that were never returned. The experts at First Lock & Security Technologies recommend rekeying locks every couple of years to keep long term residents safe and secure.
Rear Entry Door Locks
Along with the front door locks, the rear entry locks must also be kept secure. Many apartments can be accessed through the front and back door using the same key, but this is not always the case, and some units require two separate keys. Previous tenants may not return these keys, and property managers must consider that an earlier tenant could use the key to gain access to the apartment long after vacating it and new renters have moved in. The same applies to long term residents; locks should be rekeyed at the same time as the front door key.
Sliding Glass Door Locks
Sliding glass doors are most often attached to a balcony and are sometimes overlooked by property managers who neglect to rekey or maintain the lock when the tenant vacates the apartment. Over time, these locks can wear down and malfunction. Not only can this present a security issue, but it could also leave a tenant locked out of their apartment and trapped on the balcony if the lock malfunctions or breaks.
Apartment Laundry Room Locks
Areas within the apartment complex shared by residents should be kept locked to prevent outsiders from using them. If there has been a security breach, the locks should be rekeyed or replaced immediately and new keys issued to the current tenants. Even if this is not the case, it would be prudent to rekey these locks as an extra layer of security periodically.
Commercial Swimming Pool Gate Locks
Locks located on the pool gate should be maintained to make sure they are in proper working order to protect residents, especially younger children, and to keep uninvited guests out. Rekey or replace the lock when needed and make sure the latches and hinges work correctly. Checking these items regularly will keep your residents safe from harm.
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To learn more about professional commercial locksmith services, including rekeying and replacing locks, contact the knowledgeable experts at First Lock & Security Technologies today.
