This is the usual practice -- and be glad that you can obtain additional keys for CHF 50 a go.

Best wishes, R.

Thanks Ritchie but even if when I moved in I had a code?

you can ask for a code saying that your key battery is low and u need to change it but are too busy at work to get a new one till saturday... 

that might work..

The Régie has every right to change the installation and probably has because the code system has been abused.

The new arrangement is for tenants’ security and is becoming more and more frequent in Geneva for obvious reasons.

Ritchie

The Regie did the same to our building, but we all found out the code by asking the postman ;)

They would probably ask me to plug it

Is that an offer to stand in front of my door and waiti for the postman whil i am at work?

I complained to the regie that someone was sleeping in a cubby hole on my floor so i understand the security issue but now what will happen is people will block the door open if they are waiting for someone so they wont have to go down then anyone can get in!

Depends how much you're offering ;)

Also in our building we have an intercom system so we can buzz people in, no need to go down and open the door for them.

I’m happy for you that you have all these mod cons, but it’s not everyone who can afford the rent that goes with them.

R.

The Regie changed the code, but refuses to tell the tenants what the code is?

I thought I heard it all, but this is a first...

Lots of buildings in Geneva have intercom systems, and my rent is not expensive at all, having an intercom is not a luxury, its a pretty standard thing in many buildings, and the building I live in is almost 85 years old. 

But onething that was cool with the building was the door would open automatically, but they took the door motor away, guess it was too much of a security risk, now I have to open the door myself, it's tough living in a first world country ;)

Yes Nir, they said no way i could have it! wont be safe when people block the door open

I didn’t say an intercom was a luxury, merely a mod con. – and mod coms include a variety of items, separate  flush loos, for example.

An intercom isn’t at all standard in many buildings in Geneva, no doubt because of the installation  costs which many régies wish to avoid in these difficult times.  After all, they also need some butter on their bread, the poor dears.

PS: Congratulations on finding inexpensive accommodation in an 85-year-old building. 

@B Richemont:

Strangely enough, 'cause if "they took the motor door away" are you sure it is not a diplomatic way to confess it was stolen, reason why nothing is working like before .  At least by pushing that heavy door now you help yourself with extra body exercise and do not need that fitness monthly membership any longer .

Thanks everyone for your useful comments, looks like I will be taking the lift up and down 5 flights to let my friends in or just let them freeze outside until someone comes along with the key