If you own and rent out a holiday home, security is always going to be a big concern. You are giving keys to strangers with little stopping them from getting copies and coming back when they please. This is not a good scenario for any holiday homeowner. From theft to squatters, to having a complete stranger change the locks on their home, anything could happen. So, what can you do to protect your holiday home?
MIAMI, May 19, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- What Lock Should You Use?
When choosing a lock for your holiday home you first need to take your home's needs into account. How often will the keys go from person to person? How many guests do you have at any one time? Does your holiday home still receive guests in the winter or do you close the place up? How safe is the area where your holiday home is based?
Do a safety assessment of your holiday home to help you decide on the amount of security your lock will need.
You can, of course, use a regular lock and key for your holiday home. It does have many benefits. You can:
- Have the neighbor hold the key till the guests arrive.
- Leave the key somewhere for the guests to find.
- Have a lockbox attached to your home so you only need to give your guests a code so they can get the key and let themselves in.
- Meet and get to know your guests as you provide them with the key.
The Problem with Keys:
The obvious problem with a Key is that anyone can copy it. However, there are a couple of ways to get around this.
- Option 1. Have your key engraved:
By engraving the key with DNC or Do Not Copy, most locksmiths will refuse to copy the key. However, there is no legal requirement to stop them from doing so. A good actor could convince a locksmith to copy it anyway. We just bought the house, or we engraved that years ago, but now we need a copy.
Your discerning locksmith will always ask for evidence that they have the right to copy a key if there is doubt. But there is always the chance the key may find its hands in a locksmith who has already had a long day and simply doesn't want the argument.
- Option 2. Get a High-Grade Lock and Key:
High-security locks and keys from companies like Medeco and Mul-T-Lock offer high-security locks and keys. These locks aim to be bump resistant, pick resistant, and drilling resistant. More importantly for this case, a locksmith will require authorization or proof of ownership before copying the keys.
- Option 3. Go Keyless:
To go keyless, you would need a keyless entry or smart lock.
These locks mean that your guests will be able to enter the home either by using a key card, typing in a number, or by you letting them in remotely. The locks work on Wifi and Bluetooth giving you a lot more room for movement in your key providing options.
One of the great features of a good smart lock is the ability to use codes in place of keys. You can provide a code for a holidaymaker, activate the code on the day the holidaymaker is due to arrive, and de-activate the code the day they leave. This way you won't have any worries about them gaining entry after they have checked out.
Key cards provide similar options as you can activate and deactivate them from your phone with a touch of a button. This means that even if a guest takes a card home with them, it will no longer open your property.
- Other Benefits of Smart Locks:
Having a smart lock on your door doesn't only help with taking care of your guests' arrival and departure. Consider, also, these other useful features.
- CCTV that can be told to activate if someone is messing with your door or lock.
- Alarm systems that will alert everyone in the vicinity to an attack on the home and, hopefully, scare away the potential intruder.
- Motion sensors, that can connect to the alarm system and CCTV, can also alert your phone to activity and show you live footage.
- Intercom system so you can speak with anyone at your door. Useful if your guests need to have any questions.
- An emergency button that automatically calls the authorities.
The bottom line is a Smart lock can make everyone feel safer. You and your guests. Like any lock, it is not completely foolproof. A power cut may cause an issue, or the lock may develop a fault. That is why it is always recommended to know your local locksmiths.
- Your Local Miami Locksmiths:
Quickly locksmiths provide the best assistance and advice to Miami 24 hours a day 7 days a week. It is our aim to help you keep your property secure all year round. Our team is well versed in a variety of locks from standard locks right through to keyless entry locks and smart systems.
If you have a holiday home and need assistance in maintaining a high standard of security or finding the perfect lock that will work for both you and your guests, contact Quickly Locksmith at (305) 984-9922 or through our contact us page.
Media Contact
David Davidof, Quickly Locksmith Miami, 1 3059849922, [email protected]
SOURCE Quickly Locksmith Miami
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