6 common ‘myths’ about electronic locks, busted

Electronic locks offer several distinct advantages over conventional mechanical locks. We get an expert’s opinion on why these digital locks are ideal for home owners and bust some of the myths surrounding them.

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The freedom to move in and out of one’s home, without worrying about getting locked out, is a major relief for many. Considering this, ‘key-less’ digital locks are a promising solution, as they help to simplify people’s lifestyles. Among the range of digital door lock systems available today, biometric door locking products are currently the dominant segment. This can be attributed to their lower cost and ease of accessing doors, without having to carry physical tools, such as cards or keys. Nevertheless, many people hesitate to adopt these locks, owing to numerous myths regarding electronic locking systems. Here are six such myths that we try to dispel, for the successful adoption of electronic locks.

Myth 1: Electronic locks will not function during power cuts

The fact is that most of the electronic locks run on battery power. Hence, the lock continues to function, even when there is a power cut.

The batteries can power the lock for at least two years. Moreover, built-in power sensors inform home owners, weeks before the battery drains out. This gives enough time to replace the nine-volt battery (which is available at any local hardware store), just like you would replace the batteries of a television’s remote controller. In addition, electronic locks have a manual mechanical key override too.

Myth 2: I will get locked-in, in case of a fire at home

Electronic locks today have advanced sensors that detect fire and automatically provide access to the owners. This is a major advantage of electronic locks, because in case of a fire, opening a mechanical lock involves more work and time, as compared to an electronic lock.

Myth 3: Electronic locks are difficult to operate

Advanced electronic locks have backlit keypads and touchscreens features, so that one does not have to fumble about in the dark, to unlock door. Electronic locks are extremely easy to operate, once installed and programmed properly.

If an individual wishes to install the lock by themselves, all the good brands have instructions manuals and offer online video tutorials. On the other hand, having a professional install the electronic lock, eliminates confusion. You can also have all your questions answered, while a professional locksmith is present.

Myth 4: They are bulky

One does not have to sacrifice interior styling for greater security. A vast majority of electronic locks come in different body styles, finishes and trims, to blend with one’s home décor.

Myth 5: The buttons wear off and the locks do not work when it rains

Good brands offer products that are weather-proof. Therefore, the buttons are guaranteed not to wear off.Most electronic locks also feature a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen that works in the rain or even while wearing gloves. However, an RFID access card is recommended, in case you wish to boost security.

Myth 6: Electronic locks can be hacked

Hacking an electronic lock is very difficult.. Most locks also offer multiple modes of authentication – for example, via PIN, smartcard, manual key and biometric accessibility options. Some advanced locks also offer you a scrambled PIN option, which means that you may press any number of keys before or after your password and yet, the lock will open. This is an effective way of safe-keeping your password, if someone is with you.

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Source - housing.com

What is title insurance and why do housing societies need it?

The RERA has mandated that all developers obtain title insurance for their projects. We examine how this will impact under-construction and completed projects and the benefits that title insurance offers, to home owners

In order to protect the buyer of the property – whether a flat, or land, or even a developer who is buying a land – an insurance company promises to indemnify the buyer against any loss caused, due to any defect in the title of the seller in the property. Under title insurance, the insurance company pays you for any loss in the market value of the property, for expenses which you may incur due to the defect in the title of the property acquired by you.

The defect in the title may be present at the time of buying the title insurance and which, neither the insurer nor the insured are aware of.

Why title insurance is gaining importance

Section 16 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), requires all developers to buy title insurance, for the project to be undertaken afresh, as well as for projects that are incomplete as on the date of enactment of the law. This requirement will help mitigate the hardship caused to innocent flat buyers, in case any defect is detected in the title of the land on which the building was constructed.

Title insurance for completed buildings

With prices of residential houses skyrocketing, it is important for the buyer to have an assurance about the validity of the title. As per the provisions of the RERA, the developer is required to buy insurance for title of the land and building, before he transfers the project to the housing society or association of allottees. The developer is also required to hand over the documents of such insurance to the society/association. Hence, buyers of flats which are completed after the enactment of RERA will get the insurance for title, while flat owners who have purchased the flats before enactment of this law, do not have any title insurance.

As the land is normally owned by the housing society and not by the individual flat owner, the society should buy title insurance immediately, to safeguard the interest of its members. Since the cost of construction of a flat is a smaller portion, as compared to the cost of land, in the total cost of the property, it is more important for housing societies to buy title insurance, with respect to the land owned by the society.

Title insurance products in India

In the absence of historical and reliable data on property titles, the level of risk borne by an insurance company in underwriting a title insurance was not known and thus, insurance companies were unwilling to jump into this segment. With the RERA mandating title insurance for all new and incomplete projects, the IRDA must have prevailed upon insurance companies, to provide title insurance products in India.

The first and the only title insurance provider, as of today in India, is HDFC Ergo Limited. The title insurance policy of HDFC Ergo covers the person buying the title insurance, against the loss caused due to any defect in the title, existing on the date on which the policy is purchased.

It also covers the expenses, which the insured part may have to incur, in order to defend his title in any legal proceedings. However, any defect in the title, which occurs after the date of purchase of the title insurance policy, is not covered. Likewise, any defect in the title which the person buying was aware of, at the time of purchase of the policy, is also not covered under this policy.

The policy covers the amount of loss or damage, which the insured may have to pay in pursuance to a final order of any court of competent jurisdiction, as well as any damage payable to a third party under a written settlement. Besides the owner of the property, even a lender, who lends against the title of the borrower, can cover himself against any defect in the title of the borrower. In due course, other insurance companies are likely to enter this insurance segment, leading to better and more refined products.

Also read: How to use your provident fund to finance a home purchase

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Source - housing.com

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