The Spare Key Gets Old: Keep the Access List Current as Helpers Come and Go

Most homes collect keys over the years: a neighbor's spare, a lockbox near the back step, a code given to a repair crew. When a helper starts or stops, that collection changes, and the record of it usually lags behind.

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Write the list down

Make one page that names every person and device that can get into the house. Include keys, lockbox codes, garage remotes, keypad codes, and any smart lock app with a shared login. Mark who holds each one, who gave it to them, and what it opens. This list is the thing you maintain. Without it, you cannot tell whether a missing key is a small inconvenience or a real security question.

Tie each change to an event

Access should change whenever someone starts, stops, or changes role. Set a simple rule: when a helper begins, note exactly what she received. When she ends, collect or change what she had within the same week. A helper who leaves on good terms may still have a key in her bag. That is normal, and it is also the first thing to handle when the arrangement ends.

Change the code, not just the habit

Keypad codes and lockbox combinations should change on a schedule you set, and right away whenever someone leaves on less than good terms. A lockbox near the door is convenient for the people who need it, but anyone who has watched someone use it can learn the code. Consider moving it to a less visible spot, or choosing a keypad you can reset yourself without a service visit.

Check the locks themselves

Once or twice a year, test every lock she relies on. Does the bolt throw fully? Does the door latch without forcing? Can someone leave quickly from the inside without a key? Is the house locked when everyone has gone? Replace worn cylinders and strike plates before they fail. Keep a short note of who holds a spare key and whether that neighbor still lives close enough to be useful when it counts.