A friend just installed a new Schlage locking system on the main door of his condo. He chose the stainless steel finish hoping to ward off rust. It’s really quite unique and an internet-based product.
The lock handle is located below a separate key pad, which also has a key hole. The key pad is battery operated, and even though Schlage suggests changing the 4 AA batteries once a year, my friend will change them every 6 months. The key pad works without electricity. The key pad is linked to a small unit that is plugged into an electric outlet that also ties into your Wi-Fi.
Aside from not worrying about having a key with you, it has some other great features. For example, the system allows you to assign 30 different codes to the key pad: one for the owner, one for the maids and managment company, and then separate codes for renters. My friend gives his renters a code that is the last 4 digits of their phone numbers. Once the renter leaves, the code is deleted. The system can be controlled from anywhere, as long as you have internet and have downloaded the app, using the appropriate user name and password. We tried unlocking the door for the condo in Playa del Carmen, from Akumal. Worked like a charm.
No worries about lost keys and everyone in a rental party can open the door. The management company was not thrilled however, because there is a history page of the door being locked and unlocked. It will certainly let my friend know when the maids go in to clean, and for how long, during non-rental periods of time.
The system is a little over $300.00 usd, and seems to be working flawlessly. I’m considering one for my home in the States. If any readers are using the Schlage system, let us know your experience with it.
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