Master Keying

Juggling dozens of keys to individual access points can sap efficiency in busy properties and delay response times in an emergency. Frustration grows when each door demands a separate key, and management headaches multiply. 

Here’s how you benefit from master keying:

• One master key grants access to all locks for property managers, while change keys (sometimes called tenant keys) restrict entry to only the designated occupier. 
• Reduced key sets simplify access management and key check-out/check-in procedures for property management teams. 
• Door Locks Direct provides this service in-house - avoiding the need for extra work or a locksmith - and maintains a secure record of your key hierarchy for easy future ordering and to prevent change key duplication. 

Consider implementing one master key for locks to balance control, security, convenience, and reliability across all types of properties and functions.

What Are Master Keys

A large keyring brimming with individual keys often spells chaos for property and facility management teams. A master key hierarchy sorts keys into tiers. Change keys (sometimes called tenant keys) open only designated doors, while a top-level master key for locks grants broad access. This hierarchical key structure relies on key cutting and cylinder pinning accuracy, mapping each lock’s cylinder pin combination to work with both the master key and the change key. 

The master keying process ties locks into compatible groups, enabling a single key to grant access to numerous locks. Property managers, contractors, and homeowners use multi-level entry control to streamline building access. Complexes maintain tenant privacy and security yet allow maintenance and property management staff seamless authorized entry. Customized key systems balance convenience and security across varied needs. 

Our master keys are marked “Do Not Duplicate,” which prevents them from being copied by a licensed shop, adding additional security.

Please note Kwikset SmartKey products cannot be master keyed; however, Kwikset pin & tumbler products can be master keyed, and Kwikset Key Control Deadbolts and Kwikset Key Control Interconnects provide SmartKey functionality with a separate cylinder to accept a master key.

Who Needs Master Keys

Stacked key rings add delays to busy mornings, and no one wants to juggle dozens of keys. Shared residences, multi-tenant complexes, office buildings, schools and campuses, healthcare facilities, and government facilities depend on master keying for efficiency. A single master key for locks opens multiple cylinders, while individual change keys restrict entry to only designated areas. 

Homeowners rarely need such a hierarchy, but property managers, maintenance teams, contractors, and custodians benefit from coordinated entry control. Fewer emergency locksmith calls follow lost or reassigned keys, leading to a notable cost reduction. Maintenance crews appreciate swift reassignments after staffing changes, and general contractors can enter workspaces without handling an unwieldy key bundle.

Property Managers

A single misplaced key can disrupt an entire rental cycle. Master keying streamlines daily processes to accelerate tenant turnover. Building-wide safety comes with controlled entry for maintenance and emergencies. Instead of swapping every cylinder, property managers perform swift reassignments during evictions or lock changes. Operations stay on schedule while protecting every unit from unauthorized access.

Investing in a new multi-family complex? Many of our customers’ first action is to replace all of the locks with a master key system to enhance security for existing tenants while allowing authorized access for the new property managers.

Some customers even choose to order extra locks on their initial order with unique change key codes and keyed to their master key code; this way, their maintenance team can simply swap out the locks upon tenant turnover. The cost of the extra locks is likely less expensive than the cost of a locksmith to perform the re-keying process.

Commercial Building Managers

Access control complexity rises in large facilities with multiple departments. One master key for locks allows differentiated access zones for maintenance crews, janitorial services, and security personnel using a single system. Integration with centralized security systems provides data trails without extra hardware. Staff reassignments require a simple change key reassignment or rekeying, avoiding cylinder or hardware swaps and minimizing major operational disruptions regardless of the task at hand.

Schools and Campuses

Teachers, custodians, maintenance, and administrators can all have different levels of access to perform their important designated duties.

Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities

Facilities management, security personnel, nursing staff, and patients/residents can each have their appropriate access.

Important Considerations for Managing a Master Key System

• Choose a trustworthy company to help you design a secure keying hierarchy.
• Maintain detailed records to prevent change key duplication, and to know which locks/units/rooms/offices correspond to which keys.
• Control key duplication by using “Do Not Duplicate” keys for Master Keys.
• Implement check-out and check-in procedures, and keep detailed records to prevent misplacement or unauthorized access.
• Re-key or replace locks if keys are lost or security compromised.
• Securely store master keys, spare change keys, and records in a key cabinet.

Gain Security and Efficiency with Door Locks Direct Master Keys

Locked-out crises fade when you control access to your property. Our master keying service delivers quality door hardware, easy ordering, quick turnaround, and friendly expert guidance to build custom code hierarchies. Future expansions or tenant turnover happen without extra headache and cost. As a property manager or facility manager, you gain unified control for lasting peace of mind. Contact Door Locks Direct for affordable master keying solutions today!