Got a letter under the door from management saying they're 'upgrading' unit locks to some app-only smart lock when my lease renews. No fob, no physical key, just phone. I’ve been in this Flatbush stabilized unit long enough that I don’t want to move over a lock. Anyone else dealt with this? I don’t love the idea of my front door being tied to my phone or management having a dashboard. I asked if I can keep the old deadbolt and the super said 'you can talk to the office.' This letter says it’s optional but they’re calling it a building upgrade. Do I have any ground to refuse? Would a rent-stabilized lease renewal require me to accept a new entry system?

Wait, this is a thing? I just moved into my first place in Cobble Hill and we have a fob for the entrance but a normal key for the unit. I actually like the fob, but app-only sounds iffy. If your phone dies at 2 a.m. are you just stuck in the hall? Do these have a keypad backup or something? Maybe ask the office for the model? Sorry not helpful but I'm curious because my landlord sends 'smart upgrade' emails too and I usually just ignore them. Following.

FF, in a stabilized unit they generally can't force a new entry system on you just because your lease is renewing, especially if it's 'optional' in writing. I'd keep the keyed cylinder and tell them you decline the upgrade. If they try to say everyone must do it, ask them to point to the lease language. Also ask if the new lock has a physical key override. If it doesn't, that's a nonstarter. Those app locks are great until the app updates, your phone dies, or the management portal has a glitch. Not worth it.

CobbleHill_C, good point about the lease language. I looked up the lock they want to install. It’s app-only with no key slot. The backup is a battery connection if the lock battery dies, but if your phone is lost or their app is down, you're depending on the office. I emailed the super to ask the model and he got weird, said 'everyone else is fine with it.' Which probably means nobody read the letter. I’m going to send management a polite decline and say I’ll keep the existing lock. If they push, I’ll ask my tenant association if there's guidance. Not trying to be a pain, but my front door should not require a charged phone.

FF, I didn't even think about app down or losing your phone. The fob I have works even when my phone is dead, so app-only is worse. Does the old lock have a keyhole? If they install the smart lock over it, can they leave the key cylinder? I'd ask for a key override or nothing. Also, do they log when you come and go? That would bother me. Keep us posted because I'd probably just sign whatever and regret it.

Sam, a lot of these systems do log entry activity, even if the leasing office says they don't check it. If it's a cloud lock, assume there's data. FF, no key slot is a hard no. I've seen installers mess up older doors too, then you're dealing with a misaligned strike plate or a lock that only catches when you pull the door. Tell them you'll keep the current lock, in writing. 'Optional' means optional, not optional until Monday. If they need access for repairs they still can with your current lock on file? Wait, do you have a key copy with management? I'd double check that too.