A sturdy exterior door is the first line of defense for any property. A high-quality door lock on that door ensures that there is always something preventing someone from breaking into the property. However, locks offer more than ordinary security to property managers. They offer many new ways of assigning or prohibiting access. So, it is a good idea for landlords to do some research when selecting locks for their properties. If you work in the realm of property management in Dallas, Texas, then here are some things to consider when selecting locks.

Price
Property locks come in varying models and security levels. As with many other home improvement products, when it comes to door locks, you get what you pay for, so don’t automatically grab what’s cheapest.

Rekeying
Property managers occasionally face situations that require them to rekey the property locks quite often. At times, tenants may misplace the key or may want an additional pair to share with roommates. In such scenarios, it will be necessary to rekey the lock to help the tenants. When the keys are lost after a tenant moves, it will be prudent to rekey the lock before the next occupant arrives. This will only be possible if you have locks that you can rekey quickly.

Aesthetic appeal
It might not be something you think about at first, but it’s important to use locks that look nice on the doors. Aesthetic appeal is important in the real estate industry and having a nice-looking lock on the door will help the property make a good first impression on prospective tenants. Try to choose a lock that matches the finish, style, and color of your property. However, remember that the most important thing is still security, so don’t get too caught up in the aesthetics of the lock over other crucial features.

Durability
Property locks are graded according to the amount of pressure and abuse that they can withstand. They are graded according to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) system. The system grades locks, ranging from grade one (top grade) to three (lowest grade). It uses features such as toughness, latch length, and durability to classify locks as follows:

• Grade one: These are usually known as heavy-duty locks. They are costly and provide the highest security levels. They can withstand numerous opening and closing cycles as well as several forceful strikes. These are best for commercial properties.
• Grade two: These locks are ideal for use in apartments, homes, or areas with low to medium traffic. Not as heavy-duty as grade one, but still better than a common lock, and exceeds minimum requirements for most residential properties.
• Grade three: These locks are fairly basic and recommended to be used in secondary entries rather than main entries, such as a front door.

New Technology
The latest generation of locks offer a variety of features tailored specifically towards landlords, property managers, and investors. Some of these locks are built with a master/control key system that can reduce your lock changing time to seconds per door and no tools required. Other locks offer the convenience of keyless entry and back-lit keypads. Other options include Alexa voice control compatible, fingerprint locks, Bluetooth, and smartphone apps that not only control the locking mechanism but can keep track of who is coming and going from the property.

Here are a few popular options to consider:

Eufy Smart Lock Touch ($250)
Kwikset Aura 942 BLE ($150)
Kwikset Smartcode 916 ($199)
Yale Assure Lock SL ($250)
Kwikset Premis 919 ($199)

If you need help with property management in the Dallas area, we are here to help! Our Specialized Property Management and eliminate the headaches of property management and help you maximize your profits!

Contact us online or call today for a quote! 214-233-7572