Keys, Locks and Lockouts

Simple habits that help

From the guide’s own habits. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.

• Count and test every key, fob, mailbox key and remote on move in day, and write them on your move in report.
• Keep one spare with a trusted friend or neighbor nearby, not hidden outside the home.
• Make it a habit to check for your keys before the door closes behind you.
• Lock doors and windows when you leave and at night, even for a quick errand.
• Share right away, in writing, if a key is lost, a lock sticks, or a door doesn’t latch.
• Keep garage remotes and spare keys out of sight in your car, and lock the car.
• Return every key, fob and remote at move out, and ask for a written note that they were received.

All done. Your keys are counted and your lockout plan is ready.

A few things to avoid

• Please don’t hide a key under a mat, in a planter, on a ledge or in the mailbox.
• Please don’t change or add locks without written permission from the owner.
• Please don’t put your address or unit number on your key ring.
• Please don’t climb through windows or force a door. It is easy to get hurt or cause damage.

Take a quick photo of every key, fob and remote laid out on the counter on move in day. At move out, you’ll know exactly what to return.

If you’re locked out

1. Take a breath and stay safe. If you are in danger, or a child, pet or medical need is inside, call 911.
2. Check the easy options first: another unlocked door, a roommate, or the person holding your spare.
3. Reach out to the owner or property manager. Many have a spare key or a lockout plan.
4. If you call a locksmith, choose one with a local address and good reviews, and ask for the total cost before they come.
5. When the locksmith arrives, expect to show ID with your address, and ask to see their identification. Ask for an itemized receipt.
6. Afterward, share what happened in writing, and replace a lost key or rekey the lock if the key may be in the wrong hands.

Save the owner’s or manager’s after hours number and a trusted locksmith’s number in your phone today. A lockout is much calmer with a plan already in your pocket.

Before anyone moves in

From the guide’s list for managing keys and locks. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.

• Rekey or change the locks between residents, so only the new household has working keys.
• Test every lock, deadbolt, window latch and sliding door lock, and fix anything that sticks.
• Reset garage remotes and keypad or smart lock codes so old codes no longer work.
• Label and count every key, fob and remote, and list them on the move in report.
• Explain in writing how to reach you for a lockout and what any lockout or replacement charge would be.

All done. Only the new household has working keys.

When keys go missing

• Respond quickly and calmly to lockouts and lost key reports. Safety comes first.
• Confirm identity before opening a door or handing over a key, every time.
• Rekey promptly when a key is lost or stolen, or when a resident asks with a safety concern.
• Keep a written log of every key issued, returned, copied or replaced.
• Store spare keys securely, coded rather than labeled with addresses.
• Give notice before entering, as the lease and local rules require, except in a true emergency.

Rekeying is often simpler and less costly than replacing a whole lock. A fresh set of keys for every new household is one of the kindest safety habits there is.

A few more helpful habits

• Smart locks and keypads. Change codes when anyone moves out or a guest no longer needs access, and use codes that aren’t easy to guess, like birthdays or 1234.
• Keep keys anonymous. Never put an address, unit number or name on a key ring. If keys are lost, they can’t lead anyone to your door.
• The trusted spare. Leave one spare key with a trusted friend or neighbor who lives nearby. It is the fastest, least costly lockout plan there is.

Guides that go well with this one

• Changing Locks Between Residents
• Smart Locks and Cameras
• Home Security Basics
• Move-In and Move-Out Inspections
• Moving Day Checklist

Helpful resources

National Crime Prevention Council: Home and Neighborhood Safety and California Department of Consumer Affairs: Consumer Tips for Hiring a Locksmith. Rules about locks differ from place to place, so a quick look at the rules where your home is goes a long way.