What Should I Do if a Digital Lockbox Malfunctions?

Audience: prospective renters using a self-showing lockbox who encounter issues during access

Digital lockboxes are designed to be secure and reliable, but like any device, they can occasionally behave unexpectedly especially in extreme temperatures, weather exposure, or if a previous visitor closed the box incorrectly.

Quick answer 👍

If a digital lockbox malfunctions:

Double-check your access time window
Re-enter your one-time code carefully
Ensure the lockbox fully resets before trying again
Verify you used the instructions sent by ShowMojo or Tenant Turner
If it still won’t open, you may need to reschedule
Malfunctions do not affect your ability to tour other homes

Lockboxes are safe, but they can occasionally jam or fail to release properly.

Step-by-step troubleshooting 🛠️

1. Confirm your showing time

Your access code only works during your scheduled window.
If you’re early or late, the lockbox will reject the code.

2. Retype the code slowly

Many lockboxes require precise keypresses.
Wait for the beeps or light indicators, if applicable.

3. Make sure the lockbox is fully closed before retrying

If the previous visitor didn’t close it correctly, it may not reset.
Close it firmly, wait a second, and enter your code again.

4. Double-check instructions from ShowMojo or Tenant Turner

Your showing confirmation includes:

The correct lockbox location
The correct code
Door or gate instructions
Lockbox type (mechanical vs. digital)

ShowMojo details:
https://movezen360.com/whats-showmojo-and-is-it-crazy-to-give-them-my-credit-card/

Tenant Turner overview:
https://movezen360.com/tenant-turner-and-showmojo-overview/

Common reasons a lockbox may appear to malfunction 🔍

Arriving too early or too late
Pressing numbers too quickly
A cold-weather keypad delay
A stuck latch from a previous visitor
Battery strength fluctuations
Pressing the wrong confirmation button
Using a code for a different home (easy mistake if touring multiple properties)

These issues do not compromise your safety — they simply affect the door mechanism.

What not to do 🚫

Don’t force the box open
Don’t try to pull the key compartment before it releases
Don’t tamper with screws or hinges
Don’t try alternate codes or random combinations
Don’t leave the box unsecured

If the box is jammed, forcing it may cause it to lock permanently.

What happens if the lockbox truly won’t open? 📵

If the lockbox isn’t responding after checking:

Your code
Your time window
The reset/closure
The instructions

…then the system may need to issue a new appointment once the lockbox is inspected or replaced.

This does not affect your ability to:

Book other homes
View additional properties
Continue your rental search

Digital lockbox issues are rare, but when they happen, they typically get resolved quickly.

FAQs ❓

Will the system give me a new code on the spot?
Sometimes, if the issue is timing or input error. Otherwise, it requires a new showing window.

Can I still apply if I couldn’t get inside?
Yes, though we recommend viewing the home before applying.

Will the malfunction affect my record?
No. The system knows whether the code was used or not.

Do lockboxes malfunction often?
No. failures are uncommon, and most issues are caused by timing or incomplete resets.

Can someone else’s failed attempt affect mine?
Only if the box wasn’t closed correctly. Closing and resetting usually resolves this.

Related resources 🔗

How to use the self-showing lockbox:
https://movezen360.com/how-do-i-use-the-self-showing-lockbox/

ShowMojo safety + credit card myths:
https://movezen360.com/whats-showmojo-and-is-it-crazy-to-give-them-my-credit-card/

Tenant Turner & ShowMojo system overview:
https://movezen360.com/tenant-turner-and-showmojo-overview/

Schedule a showing (all markets):
https://movezen360.com/rental-showing-schedule-central/

Application requirements:
https://movezen360.com/application-acceptance-qualification-general-faq/

Browse MoveZen rentals:
https://movezen360.com/