Top 8 Benefits of Using a Smart Lock for Your Vacation Rental
A smart lock is an electromechanical (electronic and mechanical) locking device that allows a door to be opened wirelessly using authorized authentication such as a code. Basically, a smart lock allows a homeowner/property manager to allow guests access to the property without a traditional key. Property managers send guests a virtual key that provides access for a set time period (until checkout time).
Smart locks provide advantages to both hosts and guests.
Because smart locks eliminate the traditional key, you and your guests don’t have to keep track of keys or worry about losing them.
Smart locks eliminate the need for you to be physically present at the property for check-ins and check-outs saving you time better spent on growing your vacation rental business. It also saves guests the time they would otherwise spend waiting for their key, etc.
Quite often guests are tired when they reach their place of booking and just want to get to their vacation rental without any hassle. Smart locks provide guests the privacy of entering their rented space without any fuss and relaxing immediately.
Smart locks log access, allowing property managers to monitor the use of a given door. Unusual activity may be an indication of bad guests throwing a party in your vacation rental for example, or illegal activity. You can also keep track of when your cleaners and other staff enter and leave the property.
When used properly smart locks can provide an extra layer of security since guests can’t make a copy of a physical key which they can use to enter your property later on for example. Some smart locks even take a photograph
Some smart locks are capable of integrating directly into Airbnb listing calendar systems and making it even easier for you and your guests to manage their stay.
Smart locks are considered to be a part of the smart home. If your vacation rental is equipped with smart home technology such as smart thermostats and noise monitoring devices, the smart lock will make a valuable addition.
Smart locks that can integrate with your property management system (PMS) can be a huge advantage for property managers, acting as a trigger for automated messages to guests and cleaners for example.
To truly benefit from smart locks however you need to ensure a smooth and easy self check-in process.
Smart locks are available in various shapes and sizes and come with options such as deadbolts, levers, handles, and knobs. Pick a smart lock that best suits your needs and is the right size for your door.
You want to make sure your smart lock lasts. Make sure it is made with durable, heavy-duty materials and is not mostly plastic. Because smart locks are placed outside the home ensure your pick is weatherproof and won’t rust.
Like any smart device, smart locks can also be hacked. Make sure the smart lock you choose uses AES encryption and 2-factor authentication (2FA) before granting access.
Check the installation process that your smart lock involves before making the purchase. A complicated installation can not only leave you frustrated but require you to pay a professional to do it for you.
The award-winning August smart locks come in a simple, clean design and upgrade your existing locks. They are super easy to install, simply attaching to your existing deadbolt and allowing you to keep your original key. They work with mainstream home automation platforms, integrate into the Airbnb calendar, and can even be controlled with popular voice assistants. And because it comes built-in with wi-fi, there is no need for additional hardware to connect.
Kwikset smart locks offer a variety of smart locks, deadbolts, and touchscreens. Guests can touch the lock with their Bluetooth enabled phone or type in eKeys on the touchscreen to enter. Most Kwikset smart locks also retain a traditional keyway, so you'll always have a backup key that can be used to lock/unlock your door. Meanwhile, the Kwikset Halo is wi-fi enabled so you can control the lock from anywhere.
Sturdy and stylish, Schlage smart locks are compatible with any smart home system. The Schlage Encode TM Smart WiFi Deadbolt doesn’t require adaptors or accessories to connect while the Sense Smart Deadbolt lets you unlock the door from the app or by entering an access code on the touchscreen. Meanwhile, the Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt includes an additional layer of encryption and can be controlled with your voice.
Lockly smart locks come with digital keypads and 3D fingerprint scanners while the Lockly Vision has a built-in HD video doorbell that can stream live video straight to your smartphone. Meanwhile, the Lockly Secure Lux offers multiple methods of access. Lockly smart locks have won several awards including CES Innovation Awards 2021 and HKEIA in the smartech category.
Ultraloq is the #1 Crowdfunded smart lock in the market with over a million users across the world and over 4,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. Ultraloq smart locks are available in lever, deadbolt, combo, and multipoint forms and allow door access via fingerprint identification, access codes, and smartphones via a Bluetooth proximity sensor. Meanwhile, the U-Bolt and U-Bolt Pro deadbolts offer six keyless entry types including the ‘magic shake’ which lets you unlock the door without unlocking your phone. If you prefer to opt for a traditional handle, the Ultraloq Lever comes with a keypad and four methods of keyless entry to choose from.
Many smart locks integrate with vacation rental home automation services which in turn can bridge their integration into a property management system such as Hostaway. This allows the opening and closing of the smart lock affixed door to trigger Hostaway’s automated messaging feature, sending out a welcome email to your guests for example.
Operto, which integrates with Hostway as well as August and Schlage smart locks, acts as a single solution for all the smart devices in your vacation rental. It also helps property managers make the switch from traditional to self check-in and provides a modern, fully automated check-in experience that integrates into your existing PMS. With Operto you can manage in real-time integrated keyless entry, guest communication, energy savings including lights, temperature and humidity, noise and occupancy monitoring, security and fire alarms as well as personalized in-suite technology from a single place.
Meanwhile, RemoteLock supports managing and securing hundreds of doors from anywhere, from the main door to parking garages. You can integrate hardware from leading brands and integrate them with software systems you are already using as well as customize access schedules for any user and provide instant, one-time access for cleaners, handymen, delivery persons, etc with just a click. You can also create door groups for common areas such as entrances, elevators, lobbies, and more. RemoteLock can be used across any number of listings and is compatible with August, Kwikset, and Schlage smart locks.
Minut is another leading home automation solution that works in tandem with smart locks. Minut monitors noise, tracks occupancy, and acts as a security alarm and siren even between bookings. Easy to place and install, it is tamper-proof, works wired and wireless, requires minimal maintenance, and will call and/or message guests on your behalf. You can monitor your entire portfolio on the mobile or web app and receive instant alerts at the first sign of trouble.