The Reason Why You Should Never Install a Key Lockbox at Your Home

This popular key storage trend seems practical but could cost you dearly.

In recent years, these small metal boxes have started appearing on house façades and in common areas of apartment buildings. Originally intended for professionals, key lockboxes have become popular among homeowners, especially those renting out their properties on Airbnb. However, relying on them is not very secure.

At first glance, the idea seems brilliant. No more need to hide a key under the doormat or entrust it to all your neighbors. The key lockbox allows your guests or family members to enter your home even if you're not there, and they can return the keys without logistical headaches.

However, these boxes can be a double-edged sword. Firstly, they are quite obvious: anyone who sees one will likely guess there's a key inside. To make matters worse, the person leaving the keys might forget to conceal the code, leaving your keys exposed to anyone trying to open the box. For more experienced thieves, breaking into one of these is easy. In fact, there are videos online showing how to force these boxes open in just minutes.

If this risk doesn't concern you because you live in a very safe area, there's another reason that might make you reconsider. For some insurance companies, having a key lockbox can be seen as a breach of your security obligations. In other words, in the event of a robbery, you might not be compensated.

If you have no choice but to install a key lockbox, for example if you are planning on renting your place out on Airbnb and don't want to be there when your guests check in or check out, confirm your insurance policy before making this decision. Better yet, contact your insurer directly to understand the coverage conditions in case of theft.

Finally, if you want easy and convenient access to your property without resorting to a key lockbox, it might be worth investing in smart locks. While they are more expensive, they offer much better protection. With them, you can grant temporary access to visitors without compromising the overall security of your home.