Best Smart Locks for Vacation Rentals - Airbnb, Vrbo, HomeAway, FlipKey

  AUTHOR: Carlos Paras
 UPDATED: January 14, 2024

No industry benefits more from the flexibility, improved security, and automation offered by smart door locks than the vacation rentals industry.

Much like the keycard system resulted in the nearly universal phaseout of the old-fashioned, tumbler lock and key for hotel rooms, one can expect a vacation rental without smart lock integration to become a rarity within the next few years.

As more and more property owners cater to the vacation rental market and with the growing use and popularity of short-term rental websites like Airbnb, Vrbo, HomeAway, Guesty and FlipKey, the limitations and vulnerabilities of traditional key-based access control are becoming more apparent.

A former tenant with a duplicate key could return at a later date, creating a real concern for the property owner or future guests. Regularly changing and rekeying physical locks is time consuming and expensive, making it impractical to do so after every new tenant.

Additionally, lost keys can lead to awkward and untimely phone calls from locked out tenants. Not to mention the need for a property owner or manager to be on location to deliver a replacement key.

An increasingly popular solution to these issues is the adoption and utilization of smart door locks and keyless entry systems. Smart locks are changing the way property owners are managing and monitoring their short-term rentals.

In this article, I will cover the benefits of using a smart lock for a vacation rental. I’ll offer some tips and advice on what to consider when shopping for a smart lock. At the end of the article, I’ll list a few recommended smart locks for use in short-term rental properties.

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Benefits of Smart Locks and Keyless Entry for Short-Term Rentals

Smart locks have experienced significant growth in popularity in recent years. Major lock companies such as Schlage, Kwikset, and Asa Abloy have expanded into the growing industry. A move likely made to head off the steady encroachment of more advanced smart locks into their existing market share.

A similar trend can be seen with the rising use of smart locks for vacation rentals. Here are just a few of the many benefits of using a smart lock to secure short-term rental properties:

Smart Locks Save Time and Money

Keep guest check-in and check-out as simple as possible. With a smart lock, property owners and managers no longer need to coordinate and schedule a date and time for the handoff of a key. Guests can check-in and check-out at their convenience, creating a hassle-free and more positive experience.

Replace the Need for Physical Keys or Lockboxes

Smart locks are mechanically similar to standard door locks, but use electronic means to trigger the operation of the lock instead of a traditional key. They operate by using secure, encrypted data transmitted from a smartphone or hardware (like a key fob or chip) over a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection.

Smart locks allow property owners to set up and manage temporary access codes for tenants and guests at any time and from anywhere. Access codes can be generated and sent over text or email, eliminating the need to be onsite to distribute a physical key to new tenants.

No Need to Deal with Lost Keys or Duplicating Keys

If a tenant gets locked out or loses a key, a new code can be generated and sent within a matter of minutes. This alleviates unneeded stress and concern for both the tenant and the property owner.

Multiple access codes can be created for other parties who may need access to the unit, a maintenance crew, housekeeping team, delivery drivers, etc.

When new tenants move in, previous access codes can be canceled and decommissioned. This ensures the safety and security of the property, as well as the new tenants.

Remote Access and Monitoring of Rental Property

A log of when the smart lock is locked or unlocked and which access code was used is readily available to whomever is administrating access to the lock. This allows rental property owners to monitor who is coming or going from the property at any given time.

A smart lock can be operated from a remote location in case of emergency or if a tenant were to be accidentally locked out. Again, eliminating the need for property owners to be on location or nearby on short notice.

Another useful feature is Auto-lock. If a door is left closed and unlocked for a certain period of time, the smart lock will automatically lock itself and potentially alert the property owner to that fact.

What to Look for When Shopping for a Smart Door Lock

Deciding which smart door lock to install in a rental property will depend upon the property owner’s unique needs and situation. The features and benefits to consider revolve mainly around convenience, flexibility, security, and ease of use. Here is a list of a few key factors to think about when shopping for a smart lock:

Connectivity Options

The way a smart lock communicates is one of the most important factors to consider. Smart locks need to transmit and receive data to and from a user in order to operate properly. It's always best to look for a smart lock that works with the existing automation system or hub. If a system is not currently installed, it opens up a broader range of choices.

Smart locks can connect using a variety of protocols. The pros and cons of each should be taken into consideration before deciding which option to choose. Currently, there are four options of connectivity for smart locks: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, and Zigbee.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is the most popular way to connect and also offers the most versatility. Most short-term rental properties already have an internet and Wi-Fi network installed. Wi-Fi allows users to remotely connect and control a smart lock, even from miles away.

Smart locks connected to a Wi-Fi network also give the option of connecting to a voice assistant like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing for greater control via voice commands.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth allows remote control of a smart lock, but only within a short range (usually about 100 feet). This makes the option of accessing the lock from miles away impossible.

One positive with Bluetooth is that it uses less battery power than Wi-Fi, making recharging or replacement of batteries less frequent. Another plus is that a Bluetooth lock can connect directly to a smartphone without needing a separate hub.

Z-Wave and Zigbee

Z-Wave and Zigbee are additional options for connecting to a smart door lock. These wireless protocols require a separate hub to connect the smart lock to Wi-Fi and the internet.

Z-Wave and Zigbee both have positives and negatives that should be considered. For more information on these two protocols, check out our articles: Z-Wave Explained: What It Is and How It Works and Zigbee Explained: What It Is and How It Works.

Ease of Installation

Many smart door locks can easily be installed in less than 30 minutes with minimal skill and tools required. There are several offerings available which can be integrated over existing deadbolts and involve no permanent physical alteration of the door or frame during installation.

However, there are a few models which require the removal and replacement of the existing lock and deadbolt. Installation of these locks may take considerably longer and may even require an expert. Make sure to research the installation instructions before choosing a smart lock.

Types of Access

The are a few different ways to interact with and control a smart lock. In addition to using an app on a smartphone, a smart lock can be controlled using a keypad, a fob or ID card, and even by fingerprint. Ease of use and ease of teaching tenants how to use each type of smart lock should be taken into consideration.

It’s important to note, some smart locks also include traditional key access to be used in the event that the electronic component of the lock malfunctions or the device used to unlock it is missing.

For more details on the types of smart locks available and how each of them work, see our article: What Is a Smart Door Lock? Access Control for Security Systems.

Multiple Access Codes

Managing multiple access codes for a smart lock is important for short-term rental property owners, more so if there is more than one property being managed. The ability to create a number of new codes and cancel old codes is critical when dealing with new tenants on a frequent basis.

This ability should also come with full remote access for the admin account via a computer or smartphone, allowing access to a property to be created and terminated at any given time. It’s important to find out the maximum number of codes a smart lock is able to store and utilize.

Integration with Rental Booking Websites and Software

A growing number of smart locks include integration with popular rental booking websites such as Airbnb, HomeAway, FlipKey, and Vrbo. This integration allows for seamless management and access to a vacation rental.

Some websites offer automatic creation and assignment of smart lock access codes as soon as a reservation is booked. The access codes will only be valid for the duration of the tenants stay and if a reservation is canceled, the code is deactivated.

Data Encryption and Security

It is vital that a secure, encrypted internet connection is used to deter hacking attempts. In addition, the data encryption used in the smart lock itself is equally important.

Smart locks should use AES encryption for all of its communication. Access codes should be long and if possible, the smart lock should use 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) before granting access. As a general reminder, keep all software and applications updated to reduce the risk of security threats.

Related Article: Can Smart Locks Be Hacked? And How to Prevent It

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