Emergency Entrance to Condos

Started by CarolK5 • 2 replies • 1264 views

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CarolK5 (Washington)
Posts: 1

Posted:

Our 100 unit condo complex does not have a master key system because the developer let people change their own locks. We have reported emergency numbers to the property managers but they are off site evenings and weekends. Otherwise people have given neighbors keys but not everyone has done that. My question is: Is there liability if there is no way to enter a unit if there is an emergency? I have suggested putting lock boxes in each building and having it be optional if people would put a key in there but other board members are not in favor of this system, and I am concerned about liability if we don't have a better system.

DennisT (Ohio)
Posts: 109

Posted:

Liability on whose part? If your documents say that the association has a right of emergency access then it is what it is. We gave people the option to escrow a key at the office where it was kept in a lock box. The clubhouse and office had electronic locks on them (keyfobs) and all access was logged. When the lock box was installed we had an electrician wire another reader to the lockbox so you had to use your fob to open it. Only a couple key people (no pun intended) had fobs with access.

If you didn't want to escrow a key then you didn't have to but it was clearly communicated that in the event of an emergency one of two things will happen (at your expense) depending on the urgency - 1) a locksmith will be called, 2) the fire department will kick in your door.

When it was put in those terms I think close to 95% opted to hand over a key. I think the fact lock box had controlled, logged access was a big selling point. I doubt participation would have been as high if it was just a metal box mounted in the association garage.

BrianV1 (California)
Posts: 12

Posted:

I'd think that maintaining keys all to the units would be MORE of a liability.

You can always call a locksmith or kick a door if needed. At worst, the HOA might need to pay for a new door or a locksmith bill.

On the other hand, if you start collecting keys, you're responsible for their safekeeping. If someone leaves their keyfob laying around, or the keybox gets broken into/stolen, or one of your "key people" turns out to be a thief, the HOA could be responsible for several condos worth of stolen items. Plus, any time there's a break-in, you may be asked to prove that your key people were uninvolved.

Not worth the headaches, if you ask me.

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