Guide to Buying the Best Smart Lock for Airbnb

Investing in the best smart lock for Airbnb properties has the ability to provide keyless entry to your guests making for a seamless and secure experience. Some smart locks can also integrate with Airbnb bookings which means, guest codes can be sent automatically. More Airbnb managers and owners have adopted smart locks which provide remote access, allowing you to control and monitor your rental property from anywhere in the world. In this comprehensive buying guide, we'll highlight a few of the best smart locks tailored for Airbnb hosts, helping you choose the perfect solution to enhance your property's security and guest satisfaction.

In this section, we're sharing our top smart lock recommendations, providing a detailed overview to help you make the best choice for your Airbnb property. Each smart lock on our list comes with its own set of pros and cons, catering to different needs and preferences. From maintaining the option of physical keys to offering temporary access codes for your guests.

• Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt: This feature-rich lock boasts built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, negating the need for a separate hub. You can create a unique code for each guest and even monitor lock activity remotely. It also integrates with Amazon Key for seamless deliveries. However, the battery life is on the shorter side, and it lacks auto-lock functionality. This is on the list of smart locks that work with the Airbnb platform. Retails on Amazon for about $300.

• Yale Assure Lock SL 2 Smart Lock Wi-Fi with Touch Fingerprint Access: This versatile lock offers a fingerprint reader alongside a smart keypad and Yale access app. It's compatible with various smart home devices through add-on modules, making it a good choice for an integrated smart home environment. However, some users report sluggishness with voice assistant integrations, and add-on modules incur additional costs. Retails on Amazon for a little over $200.

• Kwikset: An easy and affordable choice, the Kwikset Home Connect Smart Lock is known for its sleek design and ease of installation. It works with your existing deadbolt lock, so you can keep your spare keys. A great choice for a DIYer since it is easy to install. This is what we currently use and it Retails on Amazon for about $136

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Choosing the best smart locks for your Airbnb listing requires careful consideration of your specific needs such as budget and compatibility.

Here are some key smart lock features to consider when you're in the market for one:

• Ease of Use for Guests: Your lock should be user-friendly for guests unfamiliar with smart lock technology. Opt for clear instructions and a reliable app.

• Security Features: Look for a lock with strong encryption protocols and tamper alerts. Consider features like auto-lock and remote lock control for added peace of mind.

• Compatibility: Ensure the lock integrates seamlessly with your existing smart home system, if applicable.

• Budget: Smart locks range in price. Consider the features you need most and prioritize accordingly.

• Battery Life: Frequent battery changes can be inconvenient. Choose a lock with a long battery life or one that offers easy replacement.

Remember, having the best smart lock for Airbnb rental properties is just one piece of the puzzle. For a truly streamlined guest experience, consider investing in a smart lock that offers direct Airbnb integration. This allows you to create and send guest codes automatically, simplifying the check-in process.

I was originally nervous to install a smart lock for my Airbnb.  It felt like a lot to install and then to learn.  And honestly I was worried that it would not work.  Overall our smart locks have worked and I'll cover the glitches here so you can avoid them.  

The number one glitch is battery life.  Sometimes the battery runs low and the lock will not turn.  That's why we also have a physical combination lockbox on site for emergencies.  My blog post on the best manual combo lockboxes is here.

Number two sometimes the smartlock doesn't strike quite right on the door jamb plate.  This can be due to the guest not tightly closing the door or the door becoming out of alignment.  We have had to provide the manual key from a combo lockbox in these situations and also send our handyman out to trouble shoot.

Do we integrate our smart lock with Airbnb for auto mated messages?: No we do not at the moment.  I'm still trying to see if it is worth it for our situation.  I like to have a bit of a personal touch with communciatons.  Another issue is we use the last 4 digits of the guests phone nubmer for the lock cod and sometimes guests do not enter that infomration correctly on their account (for example there will be spaces or dashes).  I might consider using this feature in the future, but at the moment I simply set up the codes prior to arrival.  Good luck!

Currently certain Schlage locksintegrate with Airbnb. I've included there help article here in case you want to take a look: https://www.airbnb.com/connect-your-lock