🔑 Keys & Access Log
Comprehensive Key Management & Access Control Record
⚖️ Legal Requirement: Many states require lock changes between tenants or within specified timeframes upon request. Proper key documentation protects against liability and proves compliance with state security laws.
🏠 Property Information
👤 Primary Tenant Information
👥 Authorized Key Holders
Document Everyone: Track ALL persons authorized to possess keys including co-tenants, family members, and emergency contacts.
🗝️ Complete Key & Access Device Inventory
⚠️ Track Every Key: Accurate inventory is essential for security and liability protection. Count ALL keys including management copies, spares, and those issued to tenants.
📱 Electronic Access Codes & Smart Locks
Security Best Practice: Change ALL electronic codes between tenants. Never share master codes. Use temporary codes for contractors.
🔒 Lockbox / Key Safe
📤 Key Issuance – Move In
Initial Key Issuance
➕ Additional Key Issuance During Tenancy
Additional Issuance #1
Additional Issuance #2
📥 Key Return – Move Out
Move-Out Key Return
🔐 Lock Change & Re-Key History
Lock Change #1
Lock Change #2
🔧 Contractor & Temporary Access Log
⚠️ Retrieve Access Immediately: Document and retrieve temporary access promptly after work completion.
Temp Access #1
Temp Access #2
Temp Access #3
⚠️ Lost/Stolen Key Incidents
Incident Report
💰 Key Deposit & Fee Summary
Financial Summary
🏢 Landlord / Property Manager
✍️ Signatures
By signing: Tenant acknowledges receipt of keys, agrees to return all at move-out, accepts financial responsibility for lost/unreturned items, and agrees not to duplicate without permission.
Tenant
Landlord
Complete Guide to Key Management for Landlords
Proper key and access management is critical for property security and landlord liability protection. A comprehensive keys and access log documents compliance with state laws, tracks chain of custody, and provides essential records for disputes.
State-by-State Lock Requirements
| State | Lock Requirements | State | Lock Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No specific statute | Montana | Maintain security devices |
| Alaska | Working locks required | Nebraska | No specific statute |
| Arizona | Working locks; re-key recommended | Nevada | Maintain locks |
| Arkansas | No specific statute | New Hampshire | Working locks |
| California | Deadbolts required | New Jersey | Maintain locks |
| Colorado | Best practice to re-key | New Mexico | Maintain security |
| Connecticut | Adequate locks | New York | NYC specific rules |
| Delaware | Maintain security | North Carolina | Working locks |
| Florida | Working locks | North Dakota | No specific statute |
| Georgia | No specific statute | Ohio | Maintain locks |
| Hawaii | Deadbolts on exterior | Oklahoma | Working locks |
| Idaho | No specific statute | Oregon | Deadbolts required |
| Illinois | Chicago: Re-key 48 hrs | Pennsylvania | Working locks |
| Indiana | Working locks | Rhode Island | Adequate security |
| Iowa | Maintain locks | South Carolina | No specific statute |
| Kansas | No specific statute | South Dakota | No specific statute |
| Kentucky | No specific statute | Tennessee | Working locks |
| Louisiana | No specific statute | Texas | Re-key within 7 days of request |
| Maine | Adequate security | Utah | Maintain locks |
| Maryland | Deadbolts required | Vermont | Working locks |
| Massachusetts | Deadbolts on main entry | Virginia | Maintain locks |
| Michigan | Maintain locks | Washington | Seattle: Change between tenants |
| Minnesota | Maintain in repair | West Virginia | No specific statute |
| Mississippi | No specific statute | Wisconsin | Maintain locks |
| Missouri | No specific statute | Wyoming | No specific statute |
💡 Best Practice: ALWAYS re-key locks between tenants regardless of state law. The cost ($50-150) is minimal compared to potential liability.
Key Management Best Practices
At Move-In
- Change/re-key ALL locks before new tenant moves in
- Change ALL electronic codes (gate, garage, alarm, smart locks)
- Document every key issued with written acknowledgment
- Test all keys before issuance
- Collect key deposit if permitted
- Provide written key policy
During Tenancy
- Track ALL additional keys issued
- Document every contractor access
- Handle lost keys immediately
- Keep spare keys secure and never labeled with address
- Use temporary smart lock codes for contractors
At Move-Out
- Collect ALL keys and devices at inspection
- Document everything returned with signature
- Deduct for unreturned items with proper itemization
- Re-key immediately, even if all keys returned
- Change ALL access codes before next tenant
Lost Key Protocol
- Assess security risk (key lost with identifying info?)
- Determine if re-keying necessary
- Document incident in writing
- File police report if stolen
- Re-key promptly if security concern
- Charge appropriate fees
⚖️ Legal Disclaimer
This form is for informational purposes only. Key management and lock requirements vary by state, city, and county. Local ordinances may impose additional requirements. Always verify current laws and consult with a local attorney for specific questions.
