The Ultimate Truth About Apartment Keys in 2021

Posted on 3rd, Jun 2021

Keys are the perfect example of small yet powerful things to open something huge like a building or something as little as it could be, like a safe. But if you lose them, these tiny yet powerful things may put you in a tricky situation. Lost Keys are every homeowner’s or renter’s nightmare. As a renter or a house owner (while taking possession), the moment when apartment keys are being handed over fills you with an ecstatic feeling.

Call us 0415 680 062 if you need any help with your keys apartment

Those Apartment Keys not only open the front door to your new house but also give you accessibility to some sweet amenities and beautiful memories. Let us tell you more about apartment keys, along with some guidelines for new renters. 

Types of Apartment Keys

Metal Keys

The original keys, which are still majorly used in apartment buildings. These Type of Apartment Keys have distinctive cuts that can only open a lock with the same mechanism design.

Used for: Front door and mailboxes

Key Fob

Many communities have switched to using Key fobs instead of the traditional metal ones. Apartment Key Fobs are convenient, small, and fit well on each ring. Each key fob has a built-in identification code that is unique. Only authorized people can get an entry once the critical reader has successfully read the key fob.

Used for: Front doors, parking garage, gate access, amenity access, mailroom, and elevators.

Key Card

Small, wallet-sized plastic cards that give the tap-n-go access to a residential area. A Key Card has a unique magnetic code that unlocks the locking mechanism.

Used for: Building or lobby entry, parking garage, mailroom, gate access, and amenity access. Majorly used in the hospitality business (hotels) as well.

Keyless Entry

The Keyless Entry System is a new-age unlock mechanism that allows the owner to access their door via phone or a keypad. Such smart locking devices are usually found in more modernized apartment communities.

Used for: front doors, mailrooms, and community access.

What to Do When Your Apartment Keys Are Lost or Damaged?

When such a situation arises, the first thing to do is NOT TO PANIC at all. If you discover that your house keys are lost, stolen, damaged, or beyond your recognition, the first thing to do is inform your landlord immediately. They should provide you a spare in the meantime and work towards getting the lock changed and keys updated.

Keys with ‘do not replicate’ engraved in them should not be copied in any given situation. If you do so, it comes under the violation of your lease agreement. 

In some cases, you might have to replace your key when lost, damaged, or stolen, as per your lease. The cost may vary from $100 to $400. You must go through your lease agreement to know the actual cost of your key replacement.

Smart Apartment Keys – Advantages

Installing a Small Lock System in your apartment gives you a sense of modernization and improved safety. You will never have to worry about losing or damaging your key. More advantages of having an intelligent key are:

1. These keys come with custom codes, so no two renters have the same one.
2. Keys can be quickly deactivated if any unexpected issue comes up.
3. Very convenient and quickly programmable.

Key Guidelines for Every Renter

Once the Apartment Keys are handed over to you, there are specific community rules that you must take care of. So, here are those do’s and don’ts to consider:

Do’s

–        Keep a copy handy: You must keep a copy of your Apartment Key if you ever lose the original. But before doing that, check your lease to make sure you’re allowed to do that or ask the landlord.

–        Return all the keys on move-out day: Ensure you hand over every key to the landlord on that day. These include everything from your apartment key fob to your gate access to your mailbox.

Don’ts

–        Hide your spare keys in a safe space: While it is convenient to keep extra keys under your doormat or in one of those key-rocks, it might not be the wisest decision.

–        Hand over your extra keys to just anyone: Only give your keys to one of your family members or close friends, who live relatively close by and can come quickly to let you in.

–        Forget to hand in your keys on time. Not before, not late. Hand it over to the landlord only when you’ve taken all your assets out of the apartment.

Contact NJ Locksmiths for More Information

Our locksmiths Sydney are present 24×7 to help you out during an emergency like a Lockout; or when you need information regarding Smart Locks or new-age security systems.

Just reach out to us on 0415 680 062