Spare Keys: Who Should Have One—and Where Should You Never Hide It?

A Practical Guide to Keeping Your Home Convenient and Secure

Every homeowner has faced the same question at some point:

"Should I make a spare key?"

The answer is almost always yes.

A properly managed spare key can save you from a stressful lockout, help family members access your home when needed, and make everyday life more convenient.

The real question isn't whether you should have a spare key.

It's who should have it—and where should you keep it?

Unfortunately, many homeowners unintentionally create security risks by hiding spare keys in predictable locations or making too many copies without keeping track of them.

At Kevin's Mobile Locksmith, we've helped homeowners throughout Welland, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Port Colborne, Fort Erie, Thorold, Fonthill, Lincoln, Grimsby, and communities across the Niagara Region recover from lockouts, rekey homes after lost keys, and improve home security through smarter key management.

Here's what every homeowner should know.

Why Every Home Should Have at Least One Spare Key

No one plans to get locked out.

Yet it happens every day.

Keys are:

• Forgotten inside.

• Dropped.

• Lost.

• Broken.

• Accidentally taken by another family member.

Having a spare key available can prevent a stressful situation from becoming an emergency.

The goal isn't simply convenience—it's preparation.

The Best Person to Hold Your Spare Key

One of the safest places for a spare key isn't a hiding place at all.

It's with someone you trust.

Examples include:

• A close family member

• A trusted neighbour

• A reliable friend

• An adult child who lives nearby

Choose someone who is:

• Dependable

• Easy to reach

• Respectful of your privacy

This approach is generally much more secure than hiding a key outside your home.

Where You Should Never Hide a Spare Key

Television and movies have popularized many hiding spots.

Unfortunately, burglars know them too.

Avoid leaving spare keys:

• Under welcome mats

• Beneath flower pots

• Inside fake rocks

• Above door frames

• In the mailbox

• Under outdoor furniture

• Inside unlocked sheds

These locations are among the first places someone looking for easy access may check.

Consider a Secure Lock Box

If leaving a key with someone isn't practical, a lock box may be a better alternative.

Quality lock boxes:

• Mount securely

• Require a combination

• Protect the key from weather

• Offer more security than common hiding places

They're especially useful for:

• Vacation homes

• Seniors

• Rental properties

• Emergency family access

A locksmith can recommend products that best suit your property.

Duplicate Keys Should Be High Quality

Not all duplicate keys are created equal.

Poorly cut keys may:

• Stick

• Wear faster

• Damage locks

• Fail unexpectedly

Having duplicates made by a professional locksmith helps ensure they work smoothly while reducing unnecessary wear on your locks.

Worn Keys Should Be Replaced

Keys naturally wear over time.

Watch for signs such as:

• Rounded edges

• Visible cracks

• Bent metal

• Difficulty turning

Replacing worn keys before they fail helps prevent broken keys and unexpected lockouts.

How Many Spare Keys Are Too Many?

There's no perfect number.

However, homeowners should know:

• How many copies exist.

• Who has them.

• Why they were provided.

Over the years, many households accumulate duplicate keys that are never returned after:

• Renovations

• House sitting

• Dog walking

• Cleaning services

• Family visits

Keeping track of your keys is an important part of home security.

Spare Keys: Who Should Have One—and Where Should You Never Hide It?

When Should You Rekey Instead?

Sometimes making another duplicate isn't the right solution.

Rekeying is often recommended if:

• A key has been lost.

• Someone moved out.

• You purchased a home.

• A spare key can't be accounted for.

Rekeying changes the lock so old keys no longer work.

It's an affordable way to restore control without replacing the entire lock.

Keyless Entry Eliminates Many Key Problems

One reason keyless entry systems continue growing in popularity is simple:

No physical house keys.

Instead of worrying about:

• Lost keys

• Forgotten keys

• Hidden keys

homeowners simply use:

• Personal codes

• Smartphone access (depending on the model)

• Backup credentials

For busy households, this can dramatically reduce lockout situations.

Vacation Homes Need a Different Strategy

Many Niagara homeowners own seasonal cottages or vacation properties.

These homes often require access for:

• Family members

• Property managers

• Contractors

• Maintenance providers

Rather than making numerous duplicate keys, many owners choose controlled access solutions such as keyless entry systems or secure lock boxes.

Businesses Need Key Policies Too

Commercial properties face additional challenges.

Businesses should maintain records showing:

• Who has keys.

• Which doors each key opens.

• When keys were issued.

• When keys were returned.

If keys cannot be accounted for after an employee leaves, rekeying may be appropriate.

Master key systems can further simplify commercial key management.

Emergency Lockouts Still Happen

Even the most organized homeowner may experience a lockout.

Children accidentally lock doors.

Keys get left inside.

Locks occasionally fail.

Having the number of a trusted local locksmith saved in your phone can make these situations far less stressful.

What About Digital Backups?

Some smart lock systems allow homeowners to:

• Create temporary access codes.

• Change codes remotely.

• Remove access instantly.

These features eliminate many of the risks associated with physical duplicate keys while providing additional flexibility.

Key Organization Saves Time

Many homeowners carry large keyrings containing keys they no longer use.

Periodically reviewing your keys helps identify:

• Unknown keys

• Duplicate copies

• Outdated locks

• Opportunities to simplify access

Sometimes rekeying compatible locks to operate with one key makes everyday life much easier.

Think Ahead Before You Need Help

It's easy to postpone making duplicate keys.

Until you're standing outside your home without one.

Preparing in advance helps avoid unnecessary emergencies while giving your family convenient access when needed.

Final Thoughts on Spare Keys: Who Should Have One—and Where Should You Never Hide It?

A spare key should provide convenience—not create a security risk. Knowing who has copies of your keys, choosing safe storage methods, replacing worn keys, and rekeying your locks when necessary are all simple steps that help protect your home while reducing the chances of an unexpected lockout.

Whether you need professional duplicate keys, rekeying after moving, a new deadbolt, a keyless entry system, or emergency lockout assistance, having a trusted locksmith by your side makes all the difference.

At Kevin's Mobile Locksmith, we're proud to serve homeowners and businesses throughout Welland, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Port Colborne, Fort Erie, Fonthill, Thorold, Lincoln, Grimsby, and communities across the Niagara Region. From duplicate keys and lock repairs to master key systems, commercial locks, patio door locks, rekeying, and 24-hour emergency locksmith services, we're here to help you protect what matters most.

Because the best spare key is the one that's available when you need it—and secure when you don't.