How to Store Spare House Keys Safely: Hiding Places and Key Lockboxes

Storing a spare house key safely means using a secure key storage method that balances accessibility for you and trusted individuals with protection against unauthorized access. The best options are a key lockbox (especially a spare key safe lock box designed for outdoor use) or leaving a key with a trusted keyholder. Hiding a key under a doormat or in a fake rock is risky and generally not recommended. For most homeowners, a wall-mounted combination key safe offers the best combination of security and convenience.

What Are the Options for Storing Spare House Keys?

There are three main approaches: using a key lockbox, choosing a trusted keyholder, or creating a hiding spot. Each has trade-offs in security, cost, and convenience.

Key Lockboxes (Key Safes)

A key lockbox, also called a key safe or spare key safe box, is a small metal container that holds one or more keys and is secured with a combination lock, electronic keypad, or smart lock. Models designed for outdoor use are typically mounted to a wall, door, or railing with heavy-duty bolts. A quality spare key safe lock box is made of hardened steel or zinc alloy and resists prying, drilling, and weather. Combination key safes are common and allow you to share an access code with family, guests, or service providers without giving out physical keys. Some advanced models offer temporary codes, audit trails, and smartphone control, but they cost more and require battery changes. Basic mechanical key safes start around $20–$30, while smart lockboxes can exceed $100.

Trusted Keyholder

Giving a spare key to a trusted neighbor, relative, or friend is a simple and cost-free solution. The key is kept off your property, so a burglar cannot find it by searching common hiding spots. However, you depend on that person's availability and reliability. Make sure the keyholder lives reasonably close and is home at times you might need access. Clearly label the key with a code (not your address) and ask them not to attach it to anything identifying. If you have multiple keyholders, keep a written record of who has keys and periodically review whether access is still needed.

Hiding Spots

Hiding a spare key on your property—like under a doormat, in a flowerpot, or inside a fake rock—is the least secure method. Burglars know all the common spots and often check them first. If you have no other option, choose an unusual location that is not visible from the street and not near the door. For example, a key buried in a waterproof container in a specific garden bed is better than under the mat, but still risky. Never hide keys in obvious places like under a rock, inside the mailbox, or on top of a door frame. If you must use a hiding spot, consider using a spare key safe box that is hidden rather than a loose key—some small lockboxes can be concealed behind bushes or inside outdoor furniture.

How to Choose a Key Lockbox for Your Home

When selecting a spare key safe, consider these factors:

• Mounting type: Wall-mounted or shackle-style. Wall-mounted boxes are more permanent and resistant to removal; shackle models can be hung on a doorknob or pipe but are easier to steal if not secured.
• Locking mechanism: Mechanical combination dials are reliable and don't need batteries. Electronic keypads offer easier code changes and may have backlighting. Smart lockboxes with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi allow remote management but are more expensive and require upkeep.
• Material and durability: Look for solid metal construction (steel or zinc alloy), weather-resistant seals, and a shrouded shackle or anti-pry design. Check the product's rating for outdoor use (e.g., IP65 or higher for dust and water resistance).
• Capacity: Most key safes hold 1–5 keys. If you need to store larger items like access cards or car fobs, choose a larger model.
• Budget: Basic but secure key safes can be found for under $30. Mid-range models with better materials and features run $40–$80. High-end smart lockboxes cost $100–$200.

Where to Install a Key Safe

Install the key safe in a discreet but accessible location. Common choices: side of the house near a side door, garage wall, or a sturdy fence post. Avoid placing it near the front door where it is visible from the street. Ensure the mounting surface is solid (brick, concrete, or reinforced wood). Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drilling and anchoring. Use all provided bolts and washers, and apply a dab of thread-locking compound to deter removal.

Setting and Managing Access Codes

Choose a code that is not easily guessed (avoid birthdays, 1234, or your address). If the lockbox has a mechanical dial, change the combination occasionally, especially after someone no longer needs access. For electronic keypads, consider using a temporary code for visitors or service providers and deleting it afterward. Do not write the code near the lockbox or in an obvious place like your phone case.

How to Safely Store Keys Without a Lockbox

If you cannot install a lockbox, a trusted keyholder is the best alternative. Follow these steps to reduce risk:

1. Choose someone you truly trust and who lives or works within a reasonable distance.
2. Give them a key in a sealed envelope with your name and phone number, but not your address.
3. Ask them to store the key in a secure place, like a home safe or a spare keys safety deposit room (a locked cabinet or drawer).
4. Periodically check that they still have the key and are willing to help.
5. If you move or change locks, retrieve the key and update your keyholders.

If you must hide a key on your property, make it harder to find:

• Use a small, weatherproof container (like a magnetic key case) and attach it to a metal surface that is not visible from the street, such as the back of a downspout or under a deck.
• Avoid common hiding spots: under the doormat, under a flowerpot, inside a fake rock, on top of a door frame, or in the mailbox.
• Consider burying a key in a waterproof container in a specific location, but remember that you may forget where it is or have trouble retrieving it in bad weather.
• If you use a lockbox, you can hide it behind a bush or inside a utility box for added disguise, but ensure it remains accessible for authorized users.

Comparing Storage Methods

Maintaining Spare Key Security Over Time

Security is not a one-time task. Review your spare key strategy at least once a year or after any change in household members, service providers, or break-in attempts. If you use a lockbox, inspect it for signs of tampering, replace batteries in electronic models, and update codes as needed. If a key is lost or stolen, rekey or replace your locks promptly. For mechanical lockboxes, ensure the dial turns smoothly and the shackle or bolts are tight. Clean the keyhole and lubricate sparingly with graphite powder to prevent sticking.

What to Do in an Emergency

If you are locked out and have no spare key available, contact a licensed locksmith. Do not try to force entry, as this can cause expensive damage. Some homeowners keep a spare key at a workplace or in a car, but this extends the risk—only do so if those locations are secure. In the long term, consider installing a keyless entry system (smart lock) that reduces the need for physical spare keys altogether.

Key Takeaways

• The safest way to store a spare house key is in a wall-mounted combination key lockbox or with a trusted keyholder.
• Avoid hiding keys in obvious places like under doormats, in flowerpots, or fake rocks.
• Choose a key safe made of durable metal, with a reliable locking mechanism, and install it securely in a discreet location.
• Manage access codes carefully and update them when needed.
• Review your spare key security regularly to adapt to changes.