Self check-in and self check-out

[Nandini11]

Hie everyone!
I’m thinking of offering self check-in and self check-out at my homestay. Guests sometimes need to leave very early (like 2 AM), and since I don’t live at the property, it becomes difficult.

Before I start this, I’d love to know:

• What are the pros and cons?

• How do you use it to your benefit as a host?

• What should I keep in mind if I allow self check-in/check-out?

Your suggestions will really help. Thank you! 🙏💛

[Ivy303]

@Nandini11  self checkin/checkout is the easiest and smarted way for both hosts & guests. I recommend a Sifely smart lock. You can make your own codes for guests. 

[Yingchun0]

1 、严格挑选有正常职业或者工作的客人；在其它查看的情况下加上一条（在接受客人前通过客人的正式的工作邮箱或者学生邮箱 来确认身份；

2、在客人入住前拍照和视频，清晰所有细节的现状；
3、、在大门外装至少2个摄相头，在自家停车位装2个摄相头，同时能看到街道，并开启记录功能；
这是一条非常昂贵有建议。希望对你有用

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Google Translation added by Community Manager:  

Strictly Select Guests with Proper Occupations or Employment

1. Only select guests who have a legitimate occupation or stable employment. In other circumstances, add a clause to verify the guest’s identity via their official work email or student email before accepting their booking.

Document the Property’s Condition Before Check-In

2. Photograph and video the property thoroughly before the guest’s arrival, clearly capturing all details of its current condition.

Install Security Cameras for Added Protection

3. Install at least two security cameras outside the main entrance, as well as two on your private parking space – these should also cover the street and be set to record continuously.

This is a rather expensive recommendation, but I hope it proves helpful to you.

[Piyush60]

Hi Nandini!
We have self check-in option in our property at Delhi and also try to be available at times. 
Before I give any advice, I want to highlight a few things about us: 

a) we have built a luxury property flushed with a lot of amenities
b) we have a CCTV fixed at the entrance of the property which only keeps check on who's entering and exiting the property. 

For self check-in:

1. We have lockbox that lets people gain access to the main gate of building 
2. Our maindoor is passcode protected. 

We ask guests to keep keys back in the lockbox while checking-out. 

Pros: 
1. You save a lot of time 
2. People take care of closing gates, opening gates, mindful of keys, since they know its something that they need to take care of. 

Cons: 
1. You might not be able to catch hold of them if they're stealing stuff. 
2. Careless guests can forget  their keys, stuck outside. 

For use, experience so far has been very positive luckily. 

[Margaret1582]

Our property in the southwest of Western Australia has self-check-in and check-out via a lockbox, which works smoothly and makes access easy for guests. We live two and a half hours away in Perth, so keeping things simple is key to avoiding issues with complicated appliances. I leave clear, easy-to-read instructions for guests, covering things like security lights and TV operation. I have a pinboard with local information, plus a house folder with all the details they might need, and I stress the importance of calling me if any problems arise. Stocking up on basics like toilet paper, dishwashing liquid, coffee, and tea is essential, and I rely on my cleaner to quickly report any damage or missing items so I can address it with the guest and recover costs if needed. Ideally, bed linen should have the name of the property monogrammed on it for ease of identification and security, especially if you outsource your laundry requirements. 

[Elisa]

Hi @Nandini11 😊, 

Thank you for bringing this conversation here, it’s really interesting.

How do you manage check-in at the moment when your guests leave at 2 AM?

[Nusrat14]

Hi Nandini,

Self check-in is honestly the smoothest and most convenient option for guests. It allows them to arrive and depart on their own schedule without needing to coordinate or disturb the host. You can choose between a key lockbox or a digital smart lock, whichever you prefer but just make sure to update the code for every new guest for security. With that in place, everything should run smoothly.

Best regards,

Nusrat

House 07, Mumbai