Lock solutions (dumb or smart) for a brownstone

We own a 4 family brownstone and I regularly end up staring at our box of keys, realizing that I failed. Old keys, new keys, round keys, square keys, labeled keys, unlabeled keys that don’t open anything anymore, and the unlabeled key that I need but I can’t identify, all mixed together.

Can someone recommend a solution that is
– safe (its still Brooklyn afterall)
– low maintenance (very low battery turnover if at all)
– reliable (I don’t want to have to run cross town if it fails and a tenant wants to open their door)

I’m open to dumb lock solutions, as they are safer and low maintenance. Is it possible to get a solution where
– one master key that opens all doors
– and one key for each tenant that opens their doors and the front doors

I’m also open to smart lock solutions, as they provide more flexible access control.

Thank you

beneec

in General Discussion 5 years and 11 months ago

7

Please log in, in order to post replies!

7 replies

Newest Oldest

beneec | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4958 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4946 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "182778"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "beneec"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bxv69AEHu0F1JgujszzcRoNz5kVNfU1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "beneec"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(16) "beneec@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:48:23"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "beneec"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(182778)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thanks Steve / Rick.

Rick | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4957 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4956 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "1470"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(4) "Rick"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BAu.JvH2s1Xx4WSWCj1RPGTP7/OK53/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(4) "rick"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "r.ladd.bklyn@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(46) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/rick/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:11:46"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(4) "Rick"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(1470)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

You can make it simple by having all main entrance doors on one key and each apartment has a key to open their apartment. Tenants would only need two keys . Lock box marked and duplicates stored inside the building. I would not go with a push button code entry because it’s so easy for tenants to tell their friends the code. For example, someone has a party in the back yard or upstairs when it’s not convenient to answer the door often. Before you know it lots of people will have the code and can enter the house at any time.

stevecym | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4946 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4953 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "21525"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "stevecym"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "stevecym"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "stevecymbalsky@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(30) "/forums/users/thetinkerswagon/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:05:31"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(20) "xLyD4JX1CSeJzFu7zs4j"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "stevecym"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(21525)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

yale makes electric push button locks as well.

stevecym | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4958 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4959 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "21525"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "stevecym"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "stevecym"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "stevecymbalsky@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(30) "/forums/users/thetinkerswagon/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:05:31"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(20) "xLyD4JX1CSeJzFu7zs4j"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "stevecym"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(21525)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

do it like the pros. if you stick with traditional keys, get a key safe. i would set them on a master and keep that master for myself (if you plan on loaning a master to a contractor, get a medeco with a restricted blank so it can not be duplicated without the card). number the keys with a reference number and keep an index someplace else, in a file. hide the key safe. just about every shop i have worked in had the key safe behind the door into the shop and it was never locked and there were never any problems because no one knew it was there.

we have installed a few schlage push button and what is nice is, you have the key option and you will give everyone a key but most of the time they will use the buttons. you have the choice to code things the way you might remember them without a list. i am guessing you can have the key mastered on them as well.

i have to discuss these things with customers when i work on doors and i would be leery of anything that does not have a mechanical or traditional key backup if tenants are involved. keep the two am head aches to a minimum.

stay away from kwikset. it is the bottom of the bottom. Emtek is a pretty solid product. if i do this on my own house, i will be using the schlage.

beneec | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4957 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4960 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "182778"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "beneec"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bxv69AEHu0F1JgujszzcRoNz5kVNfU1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "beneec"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(16) "beneec@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:48:23"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "beneec"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(182778)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I get the point about being better organized.

However, we have owned the building for some time and had a few sets of tenants. All reliable and great people. We also have a handyman we work with, a few occasional contractors , etc. They are reliable and great people as well. But its a lot of people, who had keys to the house at one point.

We also own another building with apartments. Now we moved to the burbs, so I will be managing the buildings remotely. We have wifi thermostats, may get a security camera, etc. Lot of things are becoming smart these days,. locks included.

I was looking at Medeco Xt, which seems great with the flexibility it provides, but not sure how complicated is it to set up and maintain. Also, I do not seem to be able to find a place that sells it.

The typical Schlage / Kwikset / Emtek keypad lock is clearly not a good solution for us because of the need of batteries.

I can accept mechanical locks as a solution, but thought I would ask the question anyways

Thank you

yudashasom | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4959 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4946 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "194528"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(10) "yudashasom"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BKrcOOJj2qysH3kdOE3mMqxeyqPZ1m0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(10) "yudashasom"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "yudashasom@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:07:32"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(29) "Dasha Sominski Dasha Sominski"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(194528)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Forget fancy locks for a rental unit.

Just keep it simple. Make a tag for each apartment, and one for the common locks, basement etc.

If you want to get fancy you can label each individual key or get an engraving pen.

Make arrangements with the tenants, test all the keys and locks and eliminate old keys. Stay organized going forward and it will be easy.

kevrob | 5 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4960 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4958 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "191903"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "kevrob"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BZ8EufCpWGVUVZ08/keQNKfoKQqPmH1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "kevrob"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "kevrob1984203@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-02-22 17:18:41"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(61) "Your first name Your last name Your first name Your last name"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(191903)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

The best smart lock solutions have both a smart and dumb component, meaning you will always have a key to access. But tenants will get lazy and stop using their physical keys. It will happen.

Multi-lock has systems that run on a single master key and can also key to individual locks. And those keys are much harder to copy which gives you increased control.

In a 4-family I would guess you’re looking at 10-12 locks tops for the whole building unless you’ve got two per entry door. I’m curious why your key box has fallen into such a chaos?