- A lockout policy protects you when you’re locked out of your home
- Leasing offices deal with these situations all the time
- Start by calling your landlord to find out how to handle this unfortunate situation
Oh no! The worst just happened. There are few more uncomfortable things than coming home after a long day at work just to realize you’ve lost your keys. This is where a lockout policy comes into play.
A lockout policy is an agreement between the landlord and tenants that outlines what steps should be taken if you get locked out. This policy will vary from apartment complex to apartment complex, depending on your landlord.
What to do as a renter when you lose your keys
Knowing your apartment’s lockout policy is very important to know as a renter. Having a lockout policy established with your landlord ensures you’ll get the help you need if you get locked out. Here are some things to know when it comes to lockout policies.
Start by calling the leasing office
If you find yourself in this annoying situation, then the best first step is to call your leasing office. Leasing offices usually always have spare keys to apartments, so they’ll be able to help you out. If you rent from an individual, then give them a call and see if they can help you out or if they know of a locksmith company that can.
Plan on paying a fee
It’s important to keep in mind that often, the first time you use this policy, it’s free of charge. However, landlords will charge for every time after that. You could also be waiting for quite a while depending on when your landlord or the locksmith can get to you.
Consider alternatives to keys
If you’re someone who knows they lose things, then consider key alternatives. Try out a keypad lock instead, or you can go with the classic of hiding an extra key. This way you won’t be dependent on a lockout policy.
Understanding your lockout policy as a renter is important so you know what to do if you lose your keys and how much it will cost you.
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