Switching to key fob reader for pool access

Started by JerryV • 4 replies • 2126 views

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JerryV (Florida)
Posts: 45

Posted:

We are self-managed HOA of 180 homes and we've always had problems with unauthorized persons using the pool. We've tried key locks and code locks, but it seems the few renters we have always gave out the code to everyone (one person actually posted the code on FB!) So now we are going with a key fob access system. We are planning to issue one fob per home at no cost. To discourage anyone from giving the fob to someone else, we will charge a replacement fee. Our board cannot agree on what to charge for replacements of lost or stolen fobs. Some say just charge our cost ($6), but I feel that if the fee is high enough it will discourage people from "loaning out" or even selling the fobs to outsiders. I'm thinking around $35 is high enough, while some say $50 or more! Would like to hear from anyone who has done this and what they charge for replacement key fobs. Thanks in advance for your responses and insight!

ChrisP5 (Missouri)
Posts: 165

Posted:

We installed a similar access control system for many of the reasons you describe. It doesn't stop the problem of people letting someone in the gate when they claim they forgot their key but it has greatly reduced our issues at the pool. We charge a $50 replacement fee for cards that are lost and deactivate the lost card so it can't be used by friends, old tenants, etc.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

We have fob access to our pool & Jacuzzi & other recreational amenities + entrances to out lobbies & our elevators (high rise HOA).

There are 211 condos here & the fobs probably keep unauthorized people out--I Don't know all residents so can't tell if someone I've never seen before is a guest, or someone new, or unauthorized. In any case the pool only is crowded on the 4th of July weekend. 3-4 times a year, there might a birthday party with perhaps 15 grown-ups & kids. But that about it.

We have no limit on how many fobs we assign per unit but only the first two are free. The others cost $25 as do replacements for those that are lost.

Fobs are deactivated for all areas once someone moves out. Our CC&Rs permit us to withdraw recreational privileges--after notice & hearing-- from those who are delinquent on their dues or have repeat violations of our rules. In those cases we can deactivate the fobs for individual amenities

KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239

Posted:

Jerry,

We faced your same issue earlier this decade with hard keys and then keycodes. The fob/keycard system cut the problems (trespassing) so drastically that our known community members are no longer inconvenienced with an overcrowded pool.

Go for it.

Oh.....our first keycard is free. The second may optionally be obtained for $5. A third - and subsequent - requests are $25 per keycard. The big rule for us is that ONLY TWO keycards/fobs may be active on one account and one particular time. A person buying a third card will lose access to one of the other two keycards.

JerryV (Florida)
Posts: 45

Posted:

Thanks for the responses from those that have dealt with the same issues we are facing. I'm going to suggest to our board that we go with a $35 replacement fee for lost/stolen fobs.
Thanks again!

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