If you are looking for a lock for your short term rental,look no further. We reviewed countless locks to find the best lock for short term rentals and Airbnbs that we now use across our business: The Schlage Encode lock. Read below to learn more on why this is the best lock in the industry and why every host should use it instead of other check-in methods.
There’s 4 common check-in methods that hosts typically provide to guests for short term rentals.
1. Key hand off: Host coordinates key hand-off time with guests, and hands off in person
2. Lockbox with key self-pickup: Guests access a lockbox to pickup key at their convenience
3. Digital lock with static code: Guests simply press a static code in a digital lock to enter
4. Digital lock with unique code: Guests get their own unique access code to enter, which is only valid for their stay
We compared these methods across the 4 dimensions of initial cost, operational complexity, guest experience and safety, summarized in thetable below:
Key and key card hand off has been the traditional go to checkin method for hotels as they have concierge and clerks who can easily hand off keys or cards no matter the time. Unfortunately, that does not work for Airbnbs as the host may not be on site, or may not be available for certain hours.Additionally, the cost of hand-off and coordination is much higher due to the remoteness of the Airbnbs. Thus, hosts end up choosing the second method of handing of keys in a lock box so guests can pick keys at their convenience. Unfortunately this is not a secure method, as every prior guest, cleaner and contractor will have access to the keys, and may have had made a copy of them. This opens the host to theft, liability, and other safety risks, which are not worth the cost savings.
Certain hosts use digital locks to avoid giving away keys,and provide guests with a static code. The challenge with this method is the same, the static code is accessible to others, and you don’t want to risk a safety incident. For example, what happens if the previous guest forgot something in the home and decided to visit back while your home was getting cleaned, or worse, after your next guest has checked in? We recommend going fora digital lock that’s connected to the internet, that allows you the ability to provide unique check-in codes for every guests.
For those looking for digital locks, we have already done the homework for you: We reviewed multiple digital locks, ranging from Schlage, August, Yale and found one lock to the best in the industry: The Schlage Encode. We reviewed these locks across 5 different dimensions of 1) battery, 2)spare key access, 3) number of unique codes saved, 4) integration with PMS, and5) warranty and reliability, and rank the locks below:
1. Schlage Encode lock: Hands down the best in industry with longest battery life, 3 year warranty
Battery: 6 month battery life with 4 AA batteries, it reduces the hassle of having to change batteries often
Spare key access: Spare key helps add redundancy to your business. In case battery dies out for any unexpected reason, you don’t want your guests to be stranded in the middle of night with no access to the home. We typically put a spare key in a secure location incase this ever happens.
Number of unique codes: The Schlage lock can store up to 100 unique codes which is more than enough for your running your Airbnb. Usually you would only need 50 unique codes in one year, leaving enough margin for spares.
Integration with PMS: Integration with various property management software (PMS) helps automate the aspect of lock code generation. The PMS will automatically create a unique code for every guest (could be a random code or last 4-6 digits of your guest’s phone number),so that the guest can only access the home in the time specified by you.
Reliability & Warranty: Schlage has the best in the industry warranty of 3 years for both mechanical and digital. We have not had to use it so far across the 50+ locks we have used, but it gives you peace of mind
2. August Smart lock: Severely throttled due to battery life, suffers from bugs and 1 year warranty only
Battery: The biggest problem with this lock is the short battery life as it only uses two batteries, which only gives you 1 month of juice before draining. It’s not ideal for a short term rental use as you don't want to be constantly dealing with guest complaints of dead battery
Spare key access: Since the lock connects with your existing deadbolt, you can use your existing deadbolt keys, ensuring redundancy
Number of unique code: The lock can store up to 220 unique codes, which is a lot for running your Airbnb.
Integration with PMS: August has integration with most of major software providers, which automates the task of creating a unique code for guests.
Reliability & Warranty: The lock warranty unfortunately is only one year, and the lock can suffer from bugs in sensing when the lock is closed.
3. Yale Assured 2: Severely throttled usability due to battery life, and only 1year warranty
Battery life: The biggest problem with this lock is the short battery life as it only uses two batteries, which only gives you 1 month of juice before draining. It’s not ideal for a short term rental use as guests open and lock doors more frequently than owners
Spare key access: The original generation did not have a spare key function, but Yale learned from its mistakes to include a spare key in case of a dead battery
Number of unique codes: You can store up to 250 locks, which is more than plenty for STR use
Integration with PMS: Yale has integration with most of major software providers, which automates the task of creating a unique code for guests.
Reliability & Warranty:Unfortunately, Yale locks only have a warranty of 1 year, and for the price you pay, it does not make sense to purchase them compared to the reliable Schlage Encode
4. KwisetHalo: Lacks integrations with PMS, and only 1 year warranty
Battery life: Works with 4 AA batteries,ensuring a long battery life
Spare key access: Kwikset Halo has a spare key access, and also has a smart tool for easily recalibrating your key if you ever need to, which makes them very desirable in case of accidental key loss.
Number of unique codes: You can store up to 250 locks, which is more than plenty for STR use
Integration with PMS: Unfortunately, Kwiksetstill does not have integration with major PMS, which makes it challenging for hosts looking for automated unique code generation for each guest.
Reliability & Warranty:Unfortunately, Kwikset locks only have a warranty of 1 year, and for the price you pay, it does not make sense to purchase them compared to the reliable Schlage Encode
Others: We looked at Eufy, and other overseas brands, however, they don’t make sense for lack of integration with PMS, short warranty period.
Curious to learn more about setting up your short term rental? Check our course here to learn the A to Z of setting up your short term rental in module 5.
