An update on my experience with RLA. 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
If you're looking into home automation, smart locks and automating AirBnB rentals, I don't think there's any solution which will give the kind of flexibility and capabilities that SmartThings provides. It's almost limitless the number of cheap/cost effective projects you can do to remotely manage your property and lower operating costs. RLA is the icing on the cake which handles the entire rental reservation and automation process but there's a lot more to you can do with SmartThings.
You can pretty much do most of it yourself in a day or two (depending on the level of automation, most of it's retro fitting things like thermostats, switches, valves, sensors and locks) or hire a handyman. Just a certain peace of mind that if something happens there's a safety backup in there to inform me and even take action.
Something simple like water sensors in the laundry room and boiler closet which triggers the main water valve to shut off, YES - it had it triggered due to a leaking boiler and it saved me a ton of money. The entire project took my spouse an hour to install it and cost us under a $100 with a the 2 z-wave water sensors and a z-wave valve controller which sits on top of the exiting water valve (no plumbing required).