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Most landlords don't realize that tenant safety decreases and landlord liability increases when a master key system is used for rental properties. The truth is that convenience and key storage should not dictate that one key be used for multiple properties.- The loss of the master key or the termination of a trusted employee or contractor can be an expensive crisis depending on the number of locks that necessitate re-keying.
- Master keying makes the lock more susceptible to manipulation since multiple combinations of key cuts will open the lock. This means that those with little understanding of locks maybe able to open the lock with just a paperclip and a small screw driver.
- Landlords don't realize that anyone with a key to one lock in a master keyed system can easily make a master key to the entire system in about 5 minutes without taking apart any lock. All that is needed is about seven key blanks and a small metal file. (The NY Times published an article showing the world this in January of 2003.)
There is a solution for accessing properties without worrying about key control
David Tilney has lived in Naples FL with his wife Mary since 2002. He and his wife manage rental houses in Colorado Springs CO without employees. David also teaches landlords across the country how to enjoy managing their property while avoiding potential pitfalls along the way.
Generally owners of pre-1978 houses don't test properties for lead-based paint. They don't want to know if lead exists since testing results must then be given to everyone who wants to rent or buy. I take a different approach. Testing shows both where lead exists on the property and where it does not. Painting, repairing and renovating areas that do not contain lead-based paint do not require hiring certified lead-paint contractors to do the work. Lead paint was expensive and was generally used only on the exterior of properties because it held up better in the elements.
This summer we had 7 properties tested for lead-based paint by a certified lead-paint risk assessor using an XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer) machine. These properties were built between 1951 and 1973. All houses were found to be "lead safe" and only the mailbox post at one location was found to have lead paint. We have since written to all owners of houses we sandwich lease suggesting that they have their houses inspected. All but one owner have asked us to test to test their properties so I will update the results in a future post.
Click Here To See My Previous Lead-Paint Post
David Tilney has lived in Naples FL with his wife Mary since 2002. He and his wife manage rental houses in Colorado Springs CO without employees. David also teaches landlords across the country how to enjoy managing their property while avoiding potential pitfalls along the way.
