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When it comes to managing a successful Airbnb, the safety and satisfaction of your guests should be top priorities. One key element that significantly contributes to both these aspects is the check-in experience and the use of smart locks and custom door codes. Today, I want to talk about choosing the best Airbnb smart locks for your short-term rental!
Hi, I’m Sarah! I am a top-rated Airbnb Superhost who self-manages our four condos on 30A. I strive hard to provide a top-notch guest experience and have been very successful. Here on my blog, I like to share my best Airbnb hosting tips and strategies with you so that you, too, can enjoy maximum returns from your investment properties!
New here? You can start by visiting my 5-Star Airbnb Hosting Guide, which has all of my FREE Airbnb resources organized in an easy-to-follow manner.
Choosing The Best Airbnb Smart Locks For Your Short-Term Rentals
In the evolving landscape of short-term rentals, incorporating the latest technology sets your property apart and offers tangible benefits to Airbnb hosts and guests. This includes smart lock Airbnb technology.
After all, Airbnb is an app that, at its core, utilizes modern, streamlined processes on both the host and the guest side.
We host exclusively on Airbnb, so I always like to ensure that I am maximizing efficiency on both ends. This includes quickly creating custom door codes for my guests through my keyless entry Airbnb smart locks and making check-in as easy as possible! We travel a lot, so being able to quickly set a door code while in Rio de Janeiro or remotely lock my door from the streets of Paris is priceless!
Choosing the best Airbnb smart locks from the beginning will set you up for success.
READ: 8 Truths I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Airbnb Business
Airbnb Smart Locks, Check-In, & Custom Door Codes
When staying with me, all my guests check in via Wi-Fi-enabled electronic smart door locks. I send each guest their custom door code on the day of arrival as soon as I get word from my cleaning company that our condo is ready for them. Creating custom door codes is a little extra work for me, but my Airbnb guests undoubtedly appreciate this extra step!
Before I share my recommendations for locks, I want to touch on some of the 6 reasons WHY these Airbnb smart locks are so important. This includes benefits both on my end as an Airbnb host on 30A and for my guests.
3 Reasons Using Smart Locks At Your Airbnb Is Important
Here are some reasons you always want to use a remote access smart lock on the main door of your Airbnb short term rental.
The adoption of smart locks for Airbnbs is a modern and tech-savvy touch that can leave a lasting impression on your guests. Offering a secure, convenient, and modern experience contributes to positive reviews. It may encourage guests to choose your property over others in the future.
#1 Streamlined Check-ins And Check-outsCheck-outs
Traditional key exchanges can be inconvenient for both hosts and guests. Smart locks eliminate the need for physical keys, allowing for seamless, keyless entry and exit. This simplifies the check-in process and gives guests the flexibility to arrive at their convenience, enhancing their overall experience.
But any keypad door lock does this. So, why do you need a smart lock?
#2 Enhanced Security Measures For Guests
Changing out your Airbnb door codes between guests provides them with comfort and security. I almost always make the door code the last 4 digits of their telephone number. This way, they know it’s unique to them. Additionally, it’s easy to remember, which always helps increase your Airbnb guest satisfaction and maintain Airbnb superhost status!
The best Airbnb smart locks come equipped with advanced security features that significantly reduce the risks associated with traditional locks. I am notified if someone enters incorrect codes multiple times and can even lock it down. Furthermore, I can set one-time use codes for maintenance or delivery personnel.
Features like remote lock monitoring provide an added layer of security, minimizing the chances of unauthorized access and ensuring the safety of your property and guests.
#3 Effortless Monitoring And Control Of Your Airbnb
Smart locks empower vacation rental hosts to monitor and control access to their property remotely. This comes in handy for me in multiple ways.
First, I can see when a guest checks in, which lets me know they arrived safely and are now occupying my space. On the other hand, at check-out, I can see that they have left and locked up. Many times, I have guests stay late. Honestly, 15 minutes isn’t a huge deal, but when I see they are still in there, with it locked from the inside, an hour or more after check-out, I can send a message letting them know that the cleaners are on the way.
There have been times when guests have checked out without locking up or when my cleaners have left my unit unlocked. My Airbnb smart locks allow me to lock my units remotely. This is very important to me!
So, whether you’re managing multiple listings or just one, you can track entry logs and grant access to guests without being physically present. This real-time control enhances the overall security of your Airbnb, giving you and your guest peace of mind.
The Best Airbnb Smart Locks For Your Short-Term Rental
Need help choosing the best door lock for Airbnb properties you own?
There are two best smart locks for Airbnb that I recommend for regular hosts managing their own properties like me and you!
My choices are the Schlage Encode and the Kwikset Halo!
Click to shop: SCHLAGE ENCODE
Click to shop: KWIKSET HALO
Both the Schlage Encode and the Kwikset Halo operate off of your Wi-Fi directly from the lock (as opposed to an additional Bluetooth hub). Both have easy and free-to-use apps that allow you to set a door code from afar, monitor entries, and remote lock it if needed.
These smart locks allow guest and Airbnb keyless entry experience while being very easy to use for Airbnb hosts. You can’t go wrong with either one! They are considered some of the best locks for Airbnb rental properties.
I also want to point out that these products are just deadbolts. You will need to use a separate basic passage-style door handle in conjunction with these door locks. I prefer the black or iron-rubbed bronze versions of the locks, so use this knob. However, the Schlage Encode does have a version that comes with a lever if your door doesn’t have the second hole for the manual knob/lever. Also, I want to point out that my entries are all interior, in a shared hallway. If you have an exterior door, you may want something more substantial like this.
I can’t speak to automating this process because I prefer to do this step manually. As mentioned above, I send door codes once our place is ready. Setting the code and sending it through an Airbnb message with a pre-written template takes a single extra minute, and doing so ensures a seamless check-in. On one occasion, I sent a code earlier (because I would be on a flight without Wi-Fi), and the guests let themselves in early before it was cleaned. It’s just not worth the risk for me!
But What About The Kaba Locks?
Some hosts swear by the expensive Kaba locks, but I don’t find them worth the added expense for a regular host like me. Not only are the locks significantly more expensive, but you must also pay to use the electronic dashboard.
Other popular smart locks include the August and Yale smart locks, which also look like a great option. However, I don’t have experience with them, so I do not feel comfortable recommending them here.
I will say that many people on the internet have big opinions on what the best smart lock for Airbnb is. However, many of them aren’t actual hosts. I own four rentals and host hundreds of guests per year. So, this is what works for me as an actual property owner and Airbnb host.
Buying The Best Airbnb Smart Locks
You can easily buy these Airbnb locks on Amazon or at home improvement stores like Home Depot. I have my handyman install them; unless you are extra handy, I recommend you do the same. It’s just crucial that they line up perfectly to ensure proper closure.
LINK TO PURCHASE: Schlage Encode on Amazon
LINK TO PURCHASE: Kwikset Halo on Amazon
Airbnb Smart Lock Tips
I have four quick tips for you before I wrap up. Because, like anything “smart,” there is always a risk of failure. So, you just want to cover all of your bases. Doing so allows you to quickly pivot as needed.
First, change out the batteries every time they are under 50%. You can easily bring the old ones home and throw them in your battery drawer. You really do not want to risk your smart lock failing.
Second, set one backup code. This will come in handy on occasions when the Wi-Fi is out for reasons outside your control.
Third, invest in a door chain lock for the inside of your door. Guests appreciate the extra piece of mind.
Lastly, always mount a small lock box in your door frame. Keep a set of actual keys in here. This acts as a fail-safe when your smart lock isn’t working.
Other Airbnb Locks
I also want to quickly link one other lock that we use in all of our Airbnb vacation rentals, and that is the Schlage Camelot Door Lock.
We use this lock on our cleaners’ and my owner’s closets. I just set one code for these. They are electronic locks but are not smart locks. This is the best lock for Airbnb closets that the guests do not have access to. Because unless you have Airbnb locks on doors, they will try to open them! So, I couldn’t talk about the best Airbnb smart locks without mentioning these as well.
READ: Must Have Airbnb Closet Essentials
When Should You NOT Use A Smart Lock At Your Airbnb?
There is one main reason why you would not choose to use a smart lock for your short term rental, and it’s WiFi connectivity.
If your rental is located in a primitive area with little to no WiFi, you are not going to be able to use these smart locks. However, you can still use a keypad lock, the Schlage Camelot lock. What will often happen if you do use a smart lock is (A) your batteries will drain very fast while looking for a signal, and (B) you won’t be able to connect to it reliably. Choosing the best Airbnb smart locks is an irrelevant question if you don’t have wifi access.
In fact, even if you have a decent internet connection, you specifically want to make sure your lock is set up as close to your router as possible to avoid issues. In my studio and one-bedroom condos, I do not have battery issues, as some people mention in Airbnb smart lock reviews. This is because my router is always no more than one room away.
The Best Airbnb Smart Locks
In conclusion, integrating smart locks into your Airbnb property not only enhances security but also contributes to the overall guest experience. With streamlined check-ins, advanced security features, and the ability to remotely monitor and control access, smart locks are a crucial investment for hosts looking to provide a secure and modern experience.
Stay ahead of the curve and elevate your Airbnb hosting game with the best in smart lock technology!
You can find my favorite Airbnb locks, along with other Airbnb essentials items on my Amazon storefront.
More Airbnb Hosting Tips
If you enjoyed this best Airbnb smart locks post, I have many more that cover everything from choosing the best mattress for your Airbnb to a Guide to Understanding Airbnb Taxes and everything in between.
Just click here to browse all of my Airbnb posts!
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PIN: Choosing The Best Airbnb Smart Locks For Later
