Are you able to install an electronic or a keypad lock, rather than using a key? They are less than $100 and are wonderful. You can issue each guest a unique code and then delete that code when the leave. We have a list of 10 different codes, and we rotate it a couple times, and then start a brand new list of 10 codes, and rotate that list. There's no way anyone is getting in our house without breaking in. Then you have no keys to worry about retrieving. I'd be worried sick if I had to give a guest my door key that allows access into my home; please change this system - for your own safety! Good Luck! Lois