Gransnet forums

House and home

Page 1 of 1
Flip | Customise

Remote Front Door Locking

(9 Posts)
Add comment | Report
Mark273 Wed 19-Feb-25 20:41:52

Hi. My mother is 80 and lives in a first/second floor apartment. Despite being active, it takes time & effort to answer the front door on the ground floor. She loves where she lives so is loathed to move because of it. She'll could use a 'Ring' door bell to see who is there, but we're struggling to find a solution for her to easily open the front door remotely should friends or family arrive. She'll happily replace the front door / locks. Are there organisations / solutions that do this? I did try to see similar questions but couldnt. Appreciate any guidance / views.

Some additional info, mobile app is ok (especially for additional family members) but a 'fob' is probably preferred (in a similar way a garage door may work). Could even replacing conventional keys (presumably backed up with a standard key mechanism should there be remote issues). Feels like there MUST be a solution out there but struggling to find answers.

Thanks, Mark

Add comment | Report
Redrobin51 Wed 19-Feb-25 20:59:19

If you Google "remote door unlocking" there are quite a few systems out there. Some can be operated from a smartphone and others a key pad. Good luck with it.x

Add comment | Report
welbeck Wed 19-Feb-25 21:13:04

What about a key safe?
What sort of premises is it?
Is it a conversion or purpose built block?

Add comment | Report
welbeck Wed 19-Feb-25 21:15:59

Or real old school but only if she has an opening window above the front door.
Let down a bag or basket on a long cord with key inside.

Add comment | Report
Barleyfields Wed 19-Feb-25 21:20:18

You say she lives in an apartment. Presumably the front door is a communal one. This is something you need to discuss with the landlord or management company. I would think that a resident being able to unlock the front door remotely could be a security issue.

Add comment | Report
OldFrill Wed 19-Feb-25 23:25:43

A door entry system? That's what most apartments have. The caller buzzes, the occupant answers the handset in the apartment (some have video) and then presses a button to allow entry. I'm assuming it's not a shared front door. Similarly you can get a smart system which links to a mobile phone etc.

Add comment | Report
NotSpaghetti Wed 19-Feb-25 23:37:43

Is it a shared front door?
I think this is the real issue.

Add comment | Report
NotSpaghetti Wed 19-Feb-25 23:44:22

...I don't mean the real issue, I mean it's easier if it's not a shared entry.

Add comment | Report
M0nica Thu 20-Feb-25 07:25:31

Talk to Age UK

Page 1 of 1
Flip | Customise