Smart Locks For Hosts

[Rc1]

Hi! 

I have been successfully hosting for two years now and one common issue I am faced with as a host is when guests lose or misplace my listing's keys. Have other hosts run into this problem? If so, what solutions have you come up with? One solution I came up with was using a smart lock on my listings door. The model that I ended up buying is called the August Smart Lock and August Keypad. Have other hosts utilized smart locks in their listings? What brand did you use? Do you like the smart lock you installed? I put together a couple of short videos that walk guests through how to use the smart lock with the AirBnB listing and also a pros and cons video if others are thinking about using this product. If you have any questions about my experience with the smart lock please let me know! 

Thanks!

Setting up and using the smart lock for guests:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEtyR9atNKg 

August Smart Lock Pros:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BYI2Y19mHE

August Smart Lock Cons:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tHYtkV2XoU&t=47s

[Kris1]

I use the Schlage BE369NX with with the SmartThings hub.

I then have a SmartThings app (RBoy Apps Rental Lock Automater) that automatically creates codes the day of checking based on the guests last 4 digits of their phone number. We simply have to tell the guest that their code is the last 4 digits of their phone number. 

It's all fully automated, no apps to download and the guest never forget their code. 

[Kim584]

Piling on, we also use rboy's Rental Lock Automater.  I literally do nothing for door lock codes now.  It's 100% handled by their automation, and I just make sure my instructions are rock solid and clear to the guests.

http://smartthings.rboyapps.com/

[Vera179]

What is the fee for the SmartThings App?

[Allison2]

SmartThings requires a hub and usually comes in a starter kit with some other door and motion sensors. The kits range in price depending on how many extras come with it, but start around $130. You'd also pay for a smart lock ($100-300) but the app itself is free.

The RBoyApps function that automates door codes for SmartThings is $38/personal lifetime or $99/commercial lifetime - so just a one-time expense.

[Smitha2]

Hi! I have recently started hosting and I have found that the August Smart Lock really does help a lot in terms of keys not getting lost. But the major issue I am facing is the guest code goes to their email and sometimes they do not check it. I've had a guest turn up at 4AM due to flight delays and they kept randomly punching in numbers (yikes!). Hence, I have to keep manually sending them their codes via the airbnb app as I know they will definitely check this when they are checking-in. 

I also use superhost tools which sends automatic messages via the airbnb app directly to the guests to remind them of the check-in/check-out, house manual and some other instructions about the house. I want to integrate august sending the codes direclty through my airbnb inbox so that I know for sure that the message has been sent. Does anyone know how to do this? 

[Doug-and-Teri0]

Hello,

we use a kwikset which has been good except that we live far from our rental, so controlling with an app would be a huge help. Of all the smart locks mentioned, which can we directly manage codes (manually) with an app over wifi?

Thanks,

Doug

[Madhura0]

Looks like Rboy Apps has officially released an updated version the Rental Lock Automater app (RLA)

I had been given a preview version some time ago and it's been awesome! I've set it to turn on the thermostats about an hour before the renters check in and turn then off at check out. Our last utility bill was down and I no longer have to manage my thermostats manually anymore :). That was the one thing that was missing earlier and RLA just does it all for me now. It schedules the renters, messages them their codes, activates/deactivates the codes, handles check in and check out (it even has a neat little option to turn on the porch lights if the renters check late in the evening) and also disarms the security when renters use their code to unlock the main door. Just make sure you have clear instructions in your text message and in the house for your renters.

Our next project is connecting our patio door to RLA using a keypad to lock/unlock it.

I'm just completely in love with RLA!

They don't send our mass mailers unfortunately so you need to follow their Facebook to get updates.

https://www.facebook.com/RBoySTApps

[La-Trisha0]

One you bought your  Smart Lock, did you install it yourself or hire someone to do it. I imagine it's not a standard lock installation

[Devin-and-Sarah0]

We found integration with smart locks and Airbnb difficult to find. The closest was Z-Wave technology or Remotelock software. Both give you the option to host remotely through apps. 

If you guys are looking for a great review on brand named smart locks using Z-Wave or Remotelock then I found this blog post useful for choosing. https://www.airbnbuniverse.com/smart-locks-for-airbnb

They break down Z-Wave series from Schlage, Yale, and Kwikset or August smart locks. Enjoy!

[Devin-and-Sarah0]

We found integration with smart locks and Airbnb difficult to find. The closest was Z-Wave technology or Remotelock software. Both give you the option to host remotely through apps. 

One good knowledgable blog post was https://www.airbnbuniverse.com/smart-locks-for-airbnb where they break down Z-Wave series from Schlage, Kwikset, Yale, and August. 

Does anyone know of a fully integrated smart lock?

[Sean95]

August is still garbage in 2021. My guests keep getting locked out.Three days after installation, the keypad mysteriously disconnected from the system and stopped working, locking me out of my home (because I didn't have the phone on me). Tech support said "people are typing in the password too fast".... yeah okay. I can't believe this is marketed for hosts.