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Landlords forcing smart locks on tenants

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Re: Landlords forcing smart locks on tenants

#81

Post by apexalpha »

mrweasel wrote: post #53

There's no a single IoT device available that I would want to install in my home, let alone a lock. I can understand the need for IoT device in industry, such as remote monitoring of device in the field. For home use I have yet to see a device that make any sense. IoT is at this point complete marketing hype, and very little practical application.

>For home use I have yet to see a device that make any sense.

Slightly off-topic but I have a thermostat that only turns on when my phone (or me) is on the way home and it automatically turns it off when I leave my home.

It saves me _considerable_ amount on my heating bill, especially since I'm not home on a regular schedule and often don't know until hours in advance.

Re: Landlords forcing smart locks on tenants

#82

Post by rdl »

nicolas_t wrote: post #35

Is there any secure smart lock? I would want one because I'm away 3 months a year and it would simplify renting my apartment on airbnb when I'm away (especially with the rent I pay in HK) but I'm also rather worried about the security implications. And from my brief research, a lot of vendors have very little documentations about security. I would obviously only consider one that has a fallback to an actual key.

I'm pretty comfortable with the security of the Kaba evolo (they have a range of levels of "smart", I like the less-smart ones).

The best systems are currently (for non-safes), the combination strong mechanical (Abloy, etc.) plus electronic. Two systems I've seen be non-crap are Abloy Cliq and Videx CyberLock.

Neither of these is residential.

Re: Landlords forcing smart locks on tenants

#83

Post by regularfry »

talltimtom wrote: post #34
fabian2k wrote: post #31

A "smart" lock without a fallback to a physical key. Uses a 4 digit code and locks you out after 5 tries. This is truly terrible even beyond the usual privacy and security concerns a smart lock introduces. And those concerns are far from trivial, this sounds like a privacy nightmare and also gives far too many people potentially access that shouldn't have.

It also locks you out after that neighbor you don’t like intentionally types a wrong code five times, because you where playing loud Music yesterday until 21:00, which isn’t against the rules but he/she doesn’t like it. Extremely smart.

To be fair, a tube of superglue has a similar effect on a dumb lock.

Re: Landlords forcing smart locks on tenants

#84

Post by DKnoll »

Faaak wrote: post #77

First thing I did when I moved into my flat was to change my locks. I bought various cylinders that open with the same key. Thus I can open my garage, my flat, and my other small spaces with the same key. Advantage too: the previous tenant wouldn't be able to access my home if they've kept the key. The landlord too. And if there's an unlikely urgence ? Well, just break the door (it's a cheap cardboard-y one)

That probably violates the terms of your lease unfortunately.

Re: Landlords forcing smart locks on tenants

#85

Post by xfitm3 »

adenhoed wrote: post #73

In The Netherlands you have the right to replace the locks with your own locks, as long as you can re-install the original lock once you move out. How is that arranged in the US?

All of the places I’ve rented did not permit me to change the locks. I did change the cylinder on one place despite the contract and I changed it back before I left. I’m sure I could have been evicted for this but more likely I would just be liable for repairs.

Re: Landlords forcing smart locks on tenants

#86

Post by adenhoed »

cmg wrote: post #80
adenhoed wrote: post #73

In The Netherlands you have the right to replace the locks with your own locks, as long as you can re-install the original lock once you move out. How is that arranged in the US?

Do you need to provide your landlord with a copy of the key to your new lock? In the US, it's standard for a rental agreement and/or state law to specify that the landlord can enter your property with 24 hours notice even if you're not there, or to enter immediately in case of an emergency.

No, if you replace it they don't have a key, and you don't have to give it to them.

Re: Landlords forcing smart locks on tenants

#87

Post by thisismyaccoun7 »

paulie_a wrote: post #14

Why are they going full iot and smarthub with an app? My building uses rfid key fobs and it's great. Temporary ones can be made by calling the front desk.

I believe I live in a complex owned by the same company as the Twitter user, and if so, I can answer that.

The owners aren't installing it themselves but going through https://smartrent.com/. As you can see from their homepage, the benefits of the smart home features are aimed at owners/landlords/property managers primarily, with renters' benefits being secondary. Those landlord benefits come from online automation.

Re: Landlords forcing smart locks on tenants

#88

Post by tpaschalis »

I really can't understand what some people are smoking out there. Is it's a push/lobby from companies? A need to have Orwellian control over the tenants? Misguided 'fellowkids' approach to appear 'hip' and 'embrace tech'..? Or just plain silliness? Hanlon's razor is failing me.

Re: Landlords forcing smart locks on tenants

#89

Post by telesilla »

apexalpha wrote: post #81
mrweasel wrote: post #53

There's no a single IoT device available that I would want to install in my home, let alone a lock. I can understand the need for IoT device in industry, such as remote monitoring of device in the field. For home use I have yet to see a device that make any sense. IoT is at this point complete marketing hype, and very little practical application.

>For home use I have yet to see a device that make any sense. Slightly off-topic but I have a thermostat that only turns on when my phone (or me) is on the way home and it automatically turns it off when I leave my home. It saves me _considerable_ amount on my heating bill, especially since I'm not home on a regular schedule and often don't know until hours in advance.

I'm also a proponent of smart thermostats. It's a godsend to be able to have the heating turned up automatically before waking, and as I'm getting home. I have no regrets whatsoever although of course, I'm concerned about my presence data being available to the company running the tech. But I would never put in a smart lock - I see no benefit whatsoever.

Re: Landlords forcing smart locks on tenants

#90

Post by noobiemcfoob »

Faaak wrote: post #77

First thing I did when I moved into my flat was to change my locks. I bought various cylinders that open with the same key. Thus I can open my garage, my flat, and my other small spaces with the same key. Advantage too: the previous tenant wouldn't be able to access my home if they've kept the key. The landlord too. And if there's an unlikely urgence ? Well, just break the door (it's a cheap cardboard-y one)

Most leases will explicitly require the landlord have unfettered access to the property. Usually, the only caveat being that the tenant will be given some amount of notice. My leases say 24 hours.

/If I ever came to one of my properties and my key didn't work, you better bet you'd be evicted.

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