Been in this place in Sunset Park three years, rent stabilized. New management took over in March. Lease ends in September and I just got an email saying they want to put a lockbox on the apartment door starting next week so agents can show it. They said they'll still give 24 hours notice but the box would stay on the door 'for convenience.' We have a dog who loses it when people mess with the door, and we're both still working from home a couple days a week. Are we required to allow the box itself? I get that they can show with notice, but a lockbox on the door means anyone with the code can be at the door. Is this worth pushing back on or am I just being old-school?

Oh wow, I'm new to all this and had no idea they could even ask for that. Is a lockbox on the door the same as the ones real estate agents use outside? Do they just hang it on the handle? That seems so unsafe if you have a dog. Can you ask them to use the super's key instead and just schedule showings? I hope someone here knows because I'm going to be in this situation soon.

You can definitely push back on the lockbox part. They have the right to enter for showings with reasonable notice, but they don't have a right to attach a lockbox to your door if it makes the apartment less secure or disturbs your use. In my last place, I told them no lockbox and they had the super bring agents up. They grumbled but did it. Just say you'll accommodate showings by appointment with the super or management, and keep a chain on the door when you're home.

Oh I hate lockboxes on occupied units!!! The thing people don't realize is that those combination lockboxes are meant for vacant listings or for a keyholder who is standing there, not for all-day access on an occupied door. You have no control over who writes the code down. Also if someone enters without notice with the lockbox key, how are you supposed to prove it wasn't you? Have you tried checking if your building's house rules say anything about door-mounted devices? Some co-ops and even rentals have a 'no alterations to door' clause. Plus a lockbox on a door always scuffs the finish. Ask them for a daily sign-out key instead, seriously.

Ran into this a couple years ago in Red Hook. First thing I did was send a polite email saying no lockbox, but I'll be cooperative on showings. The key was not saying 'no showings'—just no unattended lockbox. They tried to push back saying all their agents need access. I said fine, we'll set two days a week with two-hour windows and the super can walk them. That was enough. You don't have to accept the box. Also, if your dog is reactive, you can require that showings happen when someone is home, because they can't just walk around a dog that might bite.

I'm with the folks above. A lockbox on an occupied unit is more about the landlord's convenience than your rights. One thing I'd add: check your lease language. Some leases say you can't alter the door, but this is them altering it. If you have a video doorbell or a peephole camera, good. Don't be afraid to say 'the lockbox is a no, but I'll confirm appointments within 24 hours.' In my building they tried this and one tenant just took the lockbox off and handed it back. Management did nothing because they knew they'd lose in court. Keep all communications in writing.

Thanks everyone. Do you think it's better to email or call? I'm taking notes because I might have to do this soon. Also, if they say 'we'll put it on the door, you can't refuse,' what's the best short reply? Do I just quote the lease back at them? I don't want to be a problem tenant but I also don't want people in my apartment when I'm not home.

Appreciate the responses. We emailed saying we're fine with showings but not the lockbox. Offered Tuesdays and Thursdays with the super. Waiting to hear back. The dog angle helps. I also looked in the lease—it says landlord can enter for showings with notice, but nothing about attaching hardware to the door. If they try to say it's standard practice, I'll just repeat the offer. Honestly, the whole thing bugs me because we've never missed rent and we're not even leaving unless the renewal is absurd.

I had a similar thing at my last place and the agent still left the lockbox on the door after we said no. We came home to it hanging there. I called the managing office and they said 'oh, the agent must have forgotten.' It was gone the next day, but I felt so paranoid. Maybe take a photo if one shows up. It’s such a weird thing to argue about when you’re just trying to live your life.

OceanHill_O, the two-day window is absolutely the right move!!! I've seen agents agree to that and then still try to squeeze a third day. Stand firm. Also if you have any smart home stuff, you can set up an alert when the door opens, just in case someone tries to enter outside the window. The trick is to be boring and consistent: No lockbox, showings Tuesday and Thursday, super must attend. Don't explain more than you have to. They rely on tenants not knowing they can say no.

OceanHill_O, good. If they try the 'it's just standard' line, remind them they can use a key from the super. The lockbox isn't about access; it's about not paying staff to be there. You're not the one making it inconvenient. And if your dog is anything like mine, the super walking in without you there is a whole situation anyway. Keep us posted.