Secure Your Rental Property and Save on Turnover Costs with a Smartkey Lock and PVC Pipes

Vacancies can be stressful, especially with the risk of squatters gaining access to your property. Unfortunately, squatters’ rights can complicate the eviction process, often taking months and incurring significant costs. As a property management company, we’re here to help protect your investments with simple and effective security upgrades: Kwikset SmartKey Locks and PVC pipes for sliding doors.

Why Choose Kwikset SmartKey Locks?

SmartKey locks are an innovative, cost-effective solution for maintaining security between tenant turnovers. Here’s why they’re worth considering for your properties:

1. Quick and Affordable Rekeying

Kwikset SmartKey locks allow you to rekey a property without hiring a locksmith. This can be a game-changer for high-turnover properties, saving both time and money. For example, our preferred contractors offer SmartKey lock installation for approximately $390 for four doors. After this initial installation, each rekeying service costs only $75, a significant savings over the $300 minimum charge typical for locksmith visits every time you have to do this.

2. Enhanced Security for Added Peace of Mind

SmartKey locks are designed with advanced technology that protects against break-in tactics such as lock bumping and picking. This means that only the current resident has access, adding a critical layer of security for your property and helping to deter unauthorized entry during vacancies.

3. Streamlined Key Management

With SmartKey locks, you can rekey multiple locks to a single key, reducing the hassle of managing numerous keys. For landlords, this simplifies access across multiple units and ensures smooth transitions between residents.

Why PVC Pipes are a Superior Alternative for Sliding Door Security

PVC pipes are a low-cost, practical solution for sliding doors, providing a more robust barrier than traditional thumb locks. Here’s how they stack up:

1. Enhanced Security

A PVC pipe cut to fit the length of the sliding door track creates a secure, physical barrier that prevents the door from being opened, even if the thumb lock is bypassed. Unlike thumb locks, which can be tampered with, PVC pipes offer a reliable layer of security for both you and your residents.

2. Cost-Effective and Easy to Install

PVC pipes are inexpensive and require minimal installation effort — simply place them in the door track. Our preferred contractors can install PVC pipes on all sliding doors and windows for just $61.79, making it a budget-friendly way to enhance security across multiple units.

3. Durable and Low Maintenance

Thumb locks can wear out or become difficult to operate over time. PVC pipes, however, are durable and easy to replace if necessary. With no moving parts, there’s minimal risk of malfunction, providing a long-lasting security measure.

Are the Benefits Worth the Cost?

At Management One, we believe the investment in SmartKey Locks and PVC pipes is well worth the peace of mind and long-term savings. Recent experiences highlight the importance of these security upgrades:

Case Study #1

A property on Spruce St. in Riverside, which opted out of both PVC pipes and SmartKey locks, was left in disarray by squatters, delaying the new tenant’s move-in. Every day a rental property is vacant, an owner averages a $100 loss per day.

Case Study #2

A property on Lewisia in Moreno Valley experienced two incidents where squatters gained access through an unsecured sliding door. Because this property had Smartkey locks, our inspector could quickly rekey, locking out the squatters and saving the landlord locksmith expenses.

Case Study #3

A property on Delano in Riverside without PVC pipes or a Smartkey lock was broken into through a window. Squatters caused over $500 in locksmith fees and $300 in cleaning costs to restore the property.

The Long-Term Benefits

By incorporating Kwikset SmartKey locks and PVC pipes, you’re enhancing property security, reducing turnover costs, and saving time during vacancies. This small investment brings lasting benefits, helping to protect your property and maintain its value.

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