Lock out situation

[Thierry1118]

Hi. What is the best setup in case of a smart lock issue? Should I provide a hard key to the housekeeping staff or a locksmith company?

I don’t mind giving a key to housekeeping, but I would like them to try the smart key/code first and inform me if it doesn’t work so I can address the issue.

As for a locksmith, I’m not sure if they offer this type of service.

Any other option? And if the guests show up late and the lock is not working. I bought a good smart lock but we never know!

[Josh334]

I'm not sure which make/model of lock you got, but I'm able to remotely lock and unlock the door.  I also have an emergency code set up.  I also have a second door with a lock on it, so surely BOTH doors don't have batteries go dead.  I also have a case with instructions and a backup set of batteries at both doors.  

I've never had to use the spare set of physical keys I keep at a neighbors after 6 years.  

[Alex]

Hi @Josh334, 

That's a really good idea that Thierry will appreciate a lot. Have you ever had a situation in which you had an issue with these locks? How did you deal with it?

Best, 

Alex

[Kathy403]

Hi Thierry - I have a key lockbox for outside the door. I then keep another key hanging inside the door. My check-in instructions tell guests the code so they can get in with that key - but then to replace it and use the key inside while they are staying at my cottage. That way there is an extra key if the inside one gets misplaced.

I have a friend who is a host - she has an electronic door with code. Once at 1am the new guests couldn't get in because the battery had died on the electronic code entry. Maybe there are types that notify you of a low battery (on your phone)? Probably. 

Either way, you can change the code on the lockbox or electronic entry. Way better systems than just one key!

[Thierry1118]

Thanks, I purchased à Schlage smart lock, good quality 

[Jacolyn1]

Good Morning Thierry! 

I actually have a lock box on the door that takes guests into the breezeway area and a smart lock on the door that takes them into the main portion of the home, into the kitchen. I provide keys for both doors and the code for the smart lock. I just change the codes after each guest to ensure safety. I (knock on wood) have never had an issue with guests getting into home. Maybe that is an option for you to consider. All the Best!

[Alex]

Hi @Jacolyn1, 👋

Thank you for leaving your comment! I'm sure this will be really helpful for Thierry. When did you start using these locks? Did you start using them recently?🙂

Best, 

Alex

[Jacolyn1]

APRIL 2025 will mark our first year as AIRBNB Hosts! This is how we have always done our check in process. We live very close to the property, so I have on occasion brought a particular item that my guests were looking for such as a cooler to use during their stay. I sometimes will meet guest in person if they wish but I find majority guests like the hands off approach. I do agree that it is nice to make that personal connection if possible. It gives you peace of mind! 

[Homenko0]

Boa tarde, Thierry

Aqui no Brasil, eu deixo uma chave reserva, e o controle automático do portão com o zelador.

--

Good afternoon, Thierry

Here in Brazil, I leave a spare key and the automatic gate control with the janitor.

Translation added by OCM

[Thierry1118]

Muito obrigado. Vou tentar fazer o mesmo.

[Jennifer62]

We don't use a smart lock ... we're old school. We have a greeter who meets our guests and checks them in. 

Costs a bit more, but is really helpful over time to have guests treat our home the way we'd like them to. They know someone is involved and engaged. 

[Alex]

Hi @Jennifer62, 👋

I'm happy that the greeter works perfectly for you! In order to have a greeter, would you recommend having a previous relationship with them, or do you not think it's necessary?

Best, 

Alex

[Hania120]

Hi Thierry,
Our cleaning staff has the code for the smart lock (just like our guests). But we also have a hard key stored in the box next to the entry door, in case the electronic key fails (for example the battery dies and we are not there). This never happened but we have it as a backup. Hope this helps.

[Kathy1496]

We greet our guest at check in so we do not us smart locks..We live on the property in a rural area and like to welcome them so they know we are available should they have any questions.  

[Karen4033]

I have a smart lock. I have had it fail twice. I have started hiding a key on the property, so that if a guest gets locked out, I can just tell them where to find the key.