Landlord Can Replace Metal Key System with Keycards

Landlord asked the DHCR for permission to replace the existing standard locking system for the front building entrance with a keyless electronic lock system. The DRA ruled for landlord, on condition that landlord provide unlimited free keycards to all tenants and lawful occupants, plus up to four additional free keycards. Landlord and one tenant both appealed. Landlord objected to providing so many keycards, arguing that this requirement was expensive and negated the increased security sought by using a keycard system.  But the DHCR pointed out that tenants can't make copies of keycards in the same way they could have metal keys reproduced. Reproduction and provision of the keycards would be entirely under landlord's control. And the DRA didn't require landlord to provide unlimited free keycards. Landlord could charge up to $25 for lost or stolen keycards. Tenant claimed that the new locking system would disrupt mail service and deliveries since people wouldn't be able to enter the building. But these people didn't have metal keys to the building either.

41-72 Judge Street: DHCR Adm. Rev. Docket Nos.: YC130029RO, YC130027RT (3/6/13) [4-pg. doc.]