They fit into the palm of your hand yet have the power to unlock something cozy. As a renter, receiving your apartment keys on moving day is a pretty great feeling to experience. It's the moment when a new space transforms into a place you can truly call home.
The keys to your new home not only open the front door but also grant access to community amenities, like the mail room. Get familiar with the keys to your apartment pronto – and try really hard not to lose them. Ready to learn all about your apartment keys? Let’s get to it.
Types of Apartment Keys
There are a variety of apartment keys and lock systems that communities can install on their property. When you rent an apartment, you may need key access to enter other areas around the community, such as the swimming pool, weight room, and elevators. Let’s begin our key discussion by identifying the types of apartment keys you may receive for your new home:
1. Key Fob
You may find communities issuing key fobs to their residents instead of traditional metal ones. Apartment key fobs are convenient and small, fitting well on a key ring. Each key fob has a built-in identification code that’s unique to each renter. Only authorized persons (tenants in this case) will have entry once the key fob has been successfully read by the key reader.
- Typical uses: front doors, amenity access, parking garage, gate access, mail room, and elevators.
2. Keyless Entry
Apartments with a keyless entry system allow residents to lock and unlock their home from a mobile phone or keypad. Not only does this add convenience, but it also enhances security by eliminating the need for physical keys that can be lost or copied.
- Typical uses: front doors, mail room, and amenity access.
3. Key Card
Key cards are wallet-sized plastic access cards that allow you to tap and go into residential areas. A key card contains a unique magnetic code that unlocks the lock mechanism. Renters will usually keep these keys in their wallet, purse, or in their car.
- Typical uses: building or lobby entry, gate access, parking garage, mail room, and amenity access.
4. Metal Key
The metal key is the longstanding key type, still commonly used in apartments. The key’s shaft is designed with distinctive cuts and grooves that only open a lock with a matching mechanism design.
- Typical uses: front doors and mailboxes.
What Is a Smart Key?
You may hear the words 'smart key' as you tour communities. Think of a smart key as a digital upgrade for your front door. Instead of fumbling for a metal key at the bottom of your bag, a smart key lets you unlock your apartment using technology you likely already carry, like your smartphone or a special fob. This system uses wireless signals—often Bluetooth or Wi-Fi—to communicate with the lock when you are nearby. For renters, this means you can often open your door with a simple tap on an app or by entering a personal code on a keypad. It offers a level of convenience and security that traditional keys just can't match, giving you one less thing to worry about losing when you leave the house.
What to Do If Your Keys Are Ever Lost, Stolen, or Damaged
If you discover that your apartment keys are lost, stolen, or damaged, you don’t need to panic. First, notify your landlord immediately. The landlord should be able to grab you a spare in the meantime and work to get your lock changed and keys updated.
Keys that are engraved with “Do Not Copy” should not be copied. If you make a copy of your new set that has these words, it could be a violation of your lease agreement. Maybe you lost a mailbox key? Instead of prying open the mailbox door (don’t, it’s illegal!), talk with your landlord about getting a replacement. If they can’t get you a new one, you’ll have to go to your local post office for a new mailbox key.
If you had a key lost, stolen, or damaged, you might have to pay to replace it per your lease. The price of a replacement key can vary by community, costing a renter on average between $100 and $400. Look over your lease agreement for the actual amount you might owe for a replacement apartment key.
Metal keys may have a cost associated with them if the landlord has to call a locksmith. Otherwise, maintenance can probably change the lock. If you need to be let into your apartment after leasing office business hours, make sure you’re fully aware of the community’s lockout policy. You could be charged a fee for someone coming out to let you in when the leasing office is closed, on top of the amount you could be required to fork over for a new lock and keys.
Landlords Can Have Keys to Apartments
Landlords may have a master key for the property, which could include access into individual apartments. They can use the key as outlined in the lease agreement. Situations where they might need access inside your place include emergencies, inspections, and fulfilling maintenance requests with proper notice given.
Key Guidelines for Every Renter
When you finally get your keys, the community rules surrounding your apartment keys are outlined in your lease agreement. Here are some important things to remember:
The Dos:
- Check your lease to find out if you’re allowed to make a copy of your key. Having a spare will help if you ever lose the original. Remember, if the key is stamped, “Do Not Copy,” don’t copy it.
- Return all of the keys. Return every one of your apartment keys to the property manager or landlord on move-out day. These include everything from your apartment key fob to your gate access key card and your mailbox key.
The Don’ts:
- Don’t give copies of your key to everyone. Select just one or two trusted family members or friends to hold onto your spare keys. Make sure it’s someone who lives fairly close by, so there's a short drive to let you in.
- Don’t hide your key in broad daylight. While it's easy to place your spare key under the door mat or inside one of those hide-a-key rocks, it’s not the soundest decision. Anyone who discovers it has instant access to your home.
- Don’t turn keys in early. If you still have a few days until you have to return the keys to the landlord, hang onto to the keys until then. You may suddenly remember at 2am that you hid your late grandmother's diamond in an air vent and have to go back to retrieve it!
- Don’t turn keys in late. You could lose a portion of your security deposit if you turn in your keys late. You want as much money back as possible, so turn in those keys on time!
If you follow the guidelines above, you’ll be in a better position to not be penalized for issues related to keys at move out. Getting handed the keys to your apartment is exciting, with so many potential amenities to unlock. All the best on your apartment search!
