front door apt locks and security

Get a Multi-lock because keys cannot be duplicated without the code. Also, several years ago I found something called "Keysafe" = basically a blue plastic box for building to hold your keys. The trick is that once it is sealed, it can only be opened by breaking it, so, if you periodically check the keys you have left with your super, you will know if he has used them, and he will have to explain WHY he used them. That should be some incentive for him to go to someone else's apartment.

Use the bolt, or the security chain (or modern hotel-style latch) while you are in the apartment.

multilock keys can be copied from the key without provision of the code--many locksmiths will copy multilock keys without requiring that you produce the card provided when you buy the cylinder--similar to keys that are stamped "do not duplicate"--many or most locksmiths disregard

i like the keysafe concept--will investigate

your sure it's "Keysafe"--i googled and found to be a wallmount lockbox for keys and small valuables

distictly like the concept of a small, sealed container for one set of doorkeys--key cant be used unless seal is broken--broken seal evidences that keys were used

FOUND IT!

!http://www.selectlocks.com/site/1266378/product/29-00102

nice--handy for many things incl emergency keys--will order a few

I have been working as a Resident Manager for nearly 10 years, I have yet to hear of a super or any kind of building staff entering anyones apartment at will. There better be a REAL SERIOUS EMERGENCY to enter a residents apartment without notifying the resident or getting P.T.E = Permission To Enter. Also, I have residents who do not leave keys with the building, they may leave their keys with a neighbor, or a relative or friend who lives in the area. Only in rental where i worked for a few years did we have keys for all off the apartments, which is completely different from resident owned.

NYresident - so, you keep a record of where all the owners' spare keys are? So when there's a fire in the apartment, and the owners are away, the fire department waits for you to hunt down the spare set of keys before they break down the door? Or you wait while the apartment floods and the downstairs neighbors have massive damage while YOU hunt down the keys?

And, as to the other point, several years ago a friend with an apartment in a very good UES condominium found out that one of the doormen was renting the apartment of an out-of-town owner to European visitors (sort of his own hotel). Owners came into town unexpectedly, and had quite a surprise!!

Yes we do keep a record and a log! each time a key is signed out and then signed back in the residents' get an e-mail notifying them. Obviously you did not read correctly what I said! What I said was "there better be a REAL SERIOUS EMERGENCY to enter a residents apartment without notifying the resident or getting P.T.E = Permission To Enter". In case of a fire which I have been through a few the FDNY will break the door open if needed. Water, flooding the apartment below I think does count a an EMERGENCY! Also, a doorman renting a residents apartment is without a doubt is absolutely egregious!

maybe this is the part he read (seems he read correctly) that prompted his question:

"Also, I have residents who do not leave keys with the building, they may leave their keys with a neighbor, or a relative or friend who lives in the area."

might be kinda tough visiting friends "in the area" when there's a flood or a fire or something in progress--or maybe you just break doors down in these apts til you find the one that's the source of the flood--good business for door installers, at least

do the friends across town and relatives, who look after spare keys, help with your log?

whatever

Thank you everyone. I will be installing the multi-lock and I just ordered the "keysafe boxes"

Use a code based lock. It can be set up with different codes for different people. It maintains a log. Codes can be time restricted, i.e. your cleaning person can not enter at 2 am.

pls suggest a model and/or vendor if you are aware--like the concept of a lock that allows multiple combinations for different people who may access, and an audit of who accessed when--time restrictions less important

Strange.

My super has my door key, but not my deadbolt key. I have used this approach for years with nary a problem.

If I know the super will need to enter while I am not at home, I simply leave the deadbolt unlocked.

Don't know why you would need any fancy lock systems. But c'est la vie.

GG, the problem is if the Super needs to get in the apt in case of an emergency he will not have the
key to the deadbolt. You will have locked it not anticipating an emergency. I guess this works if you only use the deadbolt when you are home.