Lockbox 101: where to mount it and how to keep it secure

The lockbox is one of the smallest things on a listing and one of the easiest to get wrong. A box that wobbles on a railing, blocks the door, or sits on a fragile handle is a security and liability problem.

The three common mounting options

• Front door handle — fastest install but stresses the handle hardware and signals 'vacant' from the street
• Iron railing — discreet and secure, but only works if the railing bars are the right diameter
• Wall-mounted near the door — most professional look, requires drilling but is the agent favourite

Our recommendation for most GTA homes

If the home has a side rail or porch column, wall-mount the lockbox there. It keeps the front door clean for photos, doesn't damage the handle, and survives Toronto winters without freezing onto the door frame.

Security details people miss

• Always rotate the combination after the listing closes — assume the old code is out there
• Position the lockbox so the keypad isn't visible from the street
• Never store the only set of keys inside — keep a spare with the listing agent