In the current high-paced rental market particularly in the city of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, an increasing number of landlords are adopting smart technology to ensure their properties are safer and easier to manage. A keyless entry system is one such upgrade that is popular.

As a landlord or property owner in the UAE, you can find out in this guide what keyless systems are, the pros and cons of keyless entry systems in rental properties, and what are the best ones to use in your property.

What is a Keyless Entry System?

A keyless entry enables individuals to unlock the door without a conventional key. Rather, they enter using a number code, fingerprint, or mobile app. Others even have tiny remotes or cards (such as hotel room keys).

These locks are available in smart homes and new buildings in the UAE. Tenants prefer them since they are contemporary and convenient. They are preferred by landlords as they can make the property safer and minimize the number of issues with keys.

Popular Keyless Entry Systems

Keyless systems are of a few types:

• Keypad Locks: You use the number to open the door.
• Fingerprint Locks: These locks unlock by your fingerprint.
• Smartphone Locks: You operate them via an application on your phone.
• Card or Tag Entry: Similar to hotel room key cards or small tags.

Both types have their advantages and it is best to use the one that best suits your property and the kind of tenants you are dealing with.

Advantages of Keyless Entry Systems to Landlords in UAE

So, how can keyless entry systems help landlords simplify their lives and provide additional comfort and safety to tenants throughout the UAE? Let us examine this issue in more detail.

1. Improved Safety and Security

The key locks are old fashioned and can be picked, copied, or broken. Keyless locks lack keyholes, which makes them less likely to be broken in. Others are also automatic, meaning that the door is always closed and locked unless a person has the right code or fingerprint.

2. No More Lockouts

The losing of keys by tenants is a frequent problem. In the case of keyless entry, a key is not lost. In case one forgets the code, it is easy to reset it. Other systems allow landlords to unlock the door remotely via an app, which can be quite handy in case tenants are locked out on the outside at night, or in case cleaners or repair people need to get in.

3. No Reason to Hide Spare Keys

Most individuals conceal keys in mats or pots, which is insecure. Miscreants usually visit these locations to see whether they have something to steal. Keyless systems eliminate this risk. There will be no need for tenants to hide spare keys, and landlords will not be afraid of who might find them.

4. Makes Your House More Desirable to Tenants

The new generation of tenants in the UAE, particularly, the young population prefers living in smart homes. Keyless entry is hi-tech and secure, which may speed up your property renting and even allow you to demand higher rent. The keyless entry feature is also a display of how concerned you are about the safety and convenience of your tenant.

5. Family, Guests and Worker Accessibility

Have to admit a cleaner or a repair person? No problem. Keyless systems allow you to provide temporary codes to those who require temporary access. These codes may be destroyed when they are used. This is particularly handy in short-stay apartments or vacation flats or furnished apartments.

6. No unnecessary fuss

In case of the exit of a tenant, you are likely to have to change the locks in order to ensure the new tenant is safe. In the case of keyless systems, you simply reprogram the code, there is no requirement to purchase a new lock or duplicate keys. This will be cost-effective to you in the long run, particularly in high turnover properties.

Disadvantages of Keyless Entry Systems

Keyless systems are useful, yet they have some minor issues, as well. These are some of the things to consider before installing one:

1. Initial Payments are Expensive

An average locking system would be about AED 100-150, whereas a good keyless system can be AED 600 to AED 1500. That is a large difference. This can be expensive when you want to install them on numerous properties.

Nevertheless, you can save money in the long term since you will not have to replace locks or lose keys.

2. Cards and Remotes can also be Lost

There are systems that have small remotes or cards. One can still lose these, just as keys.

Hint: Look for a system which only requires a code or fingerprint- nothing to be lost or carried around.

3. The need of maintenance is necessary

Keypad buttons can eventually become worn out- particularly when tenants do not frequently alter the code. This may facilitate the guessing of the code.

The system is also battery powered and requires a battery change after every few months. There are systems that even require a software upgrade.

As a landlord you will have to:

• Monitor codes.
• Replace batteries.
• Upgrade the system when necessary.

The Things to Consider in a Good Keyless Entry System

When selecting a keyless system to your UAE rent, these are some of the things to look at:

1. Entry type

Select the one that suits your tenant type and style of property.

• Keypad: Universal; user friendly.
• Fingerprint: Provides great security.
• Mobile App: Suitable to tech-savvy tenants.

2. Backup Options

Although there are not many power concerns in UAE, batteries may die. Seek locks that have:

• Battery warning signals
• Emergency power supply (USB or 9V)
• Manual key (as an alternative, in case of necessity)

3. Smart Features

Certain locks have the capability of connecting to Wi-Fi and allowing you:

• Phone lock/unlock
• View when somebody comes in or out
• Add and remove guest codes

This is effective in intelligent apartments or villas where you already have other intelligent systems installed.

Top Keyless Locks in UAE

These are three magnificent keyless locks to use in rental houses:

1. Schlage Connect Smart Lock

This is an excellent smart lock that landlords will love to purchase because of its high security plus smart home capability.

• Has touchscreen keypad
• Alexa- and smart home-compatible works
• Has the capacity of storing 30 codes
• Has in-built alarm to add security
• Suitable to villas and luxury apartments

2. Kwikset SmartCode 909

You should consider this lock in case you want a rather affordable product with good security and convenience of use.

• Budget-friendly
• Has auto-lock and backlit keypad
• Code 8 stores
• Quick installation
• Awesome in mid-range apartments

3. Samsung Digital Door Lock

This is a wonderful Samsung lock that fits the apartments and villas in UAE that are more modern and prefer a sleek, modern look with advanced features.

• Contemporary design (prevalent in Dubai)
• Fingerprint, code, and card
• Backup battery option available
• No Wi-Fi yet high safety
• Ideal with luxurious houses and serviced apartments

Final Thoughts

In the current rental market, tenants are desiring convenience, security, and intelligent features. Keyless entry system provides all three. Although it is more expensive initially, it will save you a lot in the long run, as well as ensure that your tenants are satisfied and you can sleep soundly, which is why it is a wise investment to many landlords in the UAE.

A keyless system is an excellent move forward to upgrade your rental or make property management in Dubai more comfortable. Having trouble with your rental or the right lock to use? Speak to a local property management professional at Roots Heritage Realty who is familiar with the market in UAE and will advise you to the most appropriate solution.