What is the best smart lock for Airbnb? As an Airbnb host and vacation rental owner, you want to make sure it’s easy for your guests to gain access to your property and that it’s also minimal effort on your part. Why should you install a smart lock at your rental? It’s the easiest way to create a keyless entry for guests, you don’t need to turnover an actual key with each stay, and guests will love that they can just use a code to enter your home.
When I started my first Airbnb, I bought a lockbox and put a key in it for guests to use. (BIG MISTAKE). I soon learned this would never work, especially since I knew one day I wanted to manage my vacation rental from another state.
I learned very quickly that there were a lot of problems with this plan and that I needed to get a smart lock with keyless entry access. After having a few problems with a regular lockbox and keys for the front door, I decided to invest in a keyless entry smart lock and it was definitely a great decision!
I’ve tested a few different smart lock’s for my Airbnb and wanted to share my opinion and advice on how to choose the right smartlock for your specific property. You can use a smart-lock at your own home too – not just your Airbnb. Let’s dive into some of the details about smart locks and the different features you might want!
Topics Covered In This Post!
- So, what exactly is a smart lock?
- Are smart locks worth it?
- How much does a smart lock cost?
- Are smart locks easy to install?
- What smart locks work best with Airbnb or rental properties?
- Best basic smart locks for an Airbnb (cheapest smart locks)
- Best Wi-Fi smart locks for Airbnb
- Recap of the best smart locks for Airbnb
So, what exactly is a smart lock?
The best way to describe a smart lock for someone that has never used them is very simply – a lock that is opened using a numbered code or fingerprint. No key necessary! Like a garage door keypad but for your front door. A programmed code (or codes) are used to unlock the deadbolt at your door.
That means that the days of locking yourself out of your house are over. You’ll never have to use a physical key for your front door again.
People that are on vacation will especially love this. They don’t need to worry about carrying a key around and possible loosing it. And then you, as the host, don’t need to worry about them losing it! It’s a win win situation all around.
A smart lock will allow your guests to enter a code to enter your home. This code will be predetermined by you and sent to the guest before they check in. Simple as that!
Are smart locks worth it?
Smart locks are 100% worth it.
There is minimal effort to install them. And you can get a basic smart lock for under $50.
Smart locks create keyless entry for you and your guests.
Smart locks take away the possibility of losing a key. I’m not sure about you, but in the 6 months of Airbnb hosting prior to getting a smart lock, I had at least 2 guests lose a key.
You can control and monitor what codes are being used (with some Wi-Fi smart locks).
Guests will be able to check in at any time! If they are getting in late, no problem.
You’ll get 5 star rating on the “check in process” for your Airbnb listing.
With all of these great advantages to a smart lock, what are you waiting for??
You can even put together a better security system with today’s easy to install technology like smart locks.
How much does a smart lock cost?
For a lot of people, your Airbnb property is an investment and you’re looking to make money from renting out a property. So of course, one of the first things that will come to mind is… how much does a smart lock cost??
Any upgrades to features in your Airbnb or amenities that you provide, you want to get a return on! With adding a smart lock to your Airbnb, guest satisfaction on the check in process will go up significantly.
I know that I would rather have a code to enter a house rather than carrying around a key with me. Even at hotels – why haven’t they started using keyless entry yet??
A smart lock can be purchased for as low as $49! This basic keypad deadbolt lock is perfect for starting out with a keyless entry system.
Of course, on the flip side, there are option that cost more money. But they also have more features! The basic smart lock is really simplistic. You can program a few codes manually and those codes will be the only ones that can be used. Yes you can re-set them but it will have to be from the hardware itself.
There are also middle of the road smart locks. Like this one that has user codes but also a fingerprint reader! Pretty cool.
A smart lock with all the bells and whistles will run you $250+. For some Airbnb’s, this could totally be worth it.
One of the main features of a more expensive smart lock is that it will be Wi-Fi enabled. Also, you will have to ability to set and remove different codes through an app on your smartphone. This means that when a guest checks out, you can remove their code, making the home no longer accessible to them!
Are smart locks easy to install?
A smart lock is relatively easy to install. For reference, there are tons of YouTube video’s on how to install a smart lock.
Each manufacturer will also have step by step instructions on installing your new smart lock.
I will say that I did hire someone to do it for me! I just didn’t have the time to install it myself. If you do have the time, go for it. If not, hiring a professional for something like this is very easy.
A local handyman should be able to install your smart lock in under an hour.
TIP: If your front door is uncovered – make sure you get a weatherproof smart lock. Most smart locks will be waterproof just in case it rains. But check to ensure it’s durable enough to withstand all of the weather elements!
Most smart locks will replace the deadbolt lock on your door.
What if I don’t have a deadbolt?
Options like the Yale Assure Level are available for the handle lock on your door.
What smart locks work best with Airbnb or rental properties?
Top 3 features you want your smart lock to have for a short term rentals:
The ability to change the codes remotely. This is key if you are going to run an Airbnb remotely.
Long battery life (so you’re not constantly having to check on the batteries).
The smart lock fits your existing deadlock and handle fittings. If not, you will have to carve extra space or fill it in.
Best basic smart locks for an Airbnb (cheapest smart locks)
A basic smart lock will allow you to set a few codes. These codes will open the deadbolt by entering the numbers on the key bad. Simple & cheap!
The downside of not being able to remotely set new codes is that you need to manually update then when you want it to change. This can be a challenge if you’re wanting to set a new code for each set of guests staying at your Airbnb.
My Simple Keypad Smart Lock Picks For Vacation Rentals
Best Wi-Fi smart locks for Airbnb
There are multiple brands and options for a Wi-Fi lock. If you are using this for guests at your Airbnb, make sure you can control the access codes with an App!
Hornbill Keyless Entry Digital Front Door Lock
eufy Security Smart Lock Touch & Wi-Fi
TIP: Set a new code for each guests checking in. Using something like the last 4 digits of their phone number will help keep things consistent.
Wi-Fi Smart Locks For Vacation Rentals
The only part of having a Wi-Fi lock that makes me a littler nervous is when the Wi-Fi goes down. If there is a storm or the power goes out, you won’t be able to set or remove codes. But don’t worry, the ones that are already on there will stick.
Make sure to set a code for yourself as the owner and one for the cleaning crew.
Recap of the best smart locks for Airbnb
