The primary access control for homes (for most of us) is social and legal, not mechanical. Locks are a statement of intent, and a Schelling line to make it very clear that uninvited entry is a violation (and usually a crime). Simply hiding a key is good enough in most cases, but it’s not tamper-evident, so doesn’t leave evidence if someone finds and misuses it. A lockbox is a fair middle-ground: it’s sometimes defeatable without evidence, and it’s possible for someone to steal or copy the key without knowing who, but mostly it’s sufficient.
I’m a BIG fan of modern networked electronic locks—they take a key, but also have a keypad with app-based settings, so you can give unique temporary codes to visitors, and track which codes unlock the door when. This makes unexpected use really stand out, and gives at least a chance to prevent problems and change the misused code.
They do require batteries—the Schlage ones at our house, cabin, and parents’ house take 4xAA, which last 7-12 months, depending on usage, and the app notifies long in advance of needing replacement.
The primary access control for homes (for most of us) is social and legal, not mechanical. Locks are a statement of intent, and a Schelling line to make it very clear that uninvited entry is a violation (and usually a crime). Simply hiding a key is good enough in most cases, but it’s not tamper-evident, so doesn’t leave evidence if someone finds and misuses it. A lockbox is a fair middle-ground: it’s sometimes defeatable without evidence, and it’s possible for someone to steal or copy the key without knowing who, but mostly it’s sufficient.
I’m a BIG fan of modern networked electronic locks—they take a key, but also have a keypad with app-based settings, so you can give unique temporary codes to visitors, and track which codes unlock the door when. This makes unexpected use really stand out, and gives at least a chance to prevent problems and change the misused code.
They do require batteries—the Schlage ones at our house, cabin, and parents’ house take 4xAA, which last 7-12 months, depending on usage, and the app notifies long in advance of needing replacement.