Guests sharing key codes?

[Laura2592]

This is odd. We have self check-in with a key code. I change it often and send out a message with all kinds of info and a new code the day before check in to any new guest. A recent guest contacted me to say the key code wasn't working and stated one we had used last year. They then immediately said "false alarm. I see that you sent the correct one and it worked." I have no record of this individual staying at my place previously so someone must have shared a key code. This makes me uncomfortable. 

We don't send codes out until the night before check-in as we have had some guests show up early (when other people are still there.) Any way to guard against guests sharing this info?

[Alexandra316]

@Laura2592 If you have check in instructions set up through Airbnb, is it possible that there's an old code in there?

Otherwise, I would consider asking them where they got the original code from. That does seem very odd. At least since you change it regularly, there's no harm done. 

[Lisa723]

Couple with two accounts, booking with the other one this year?

[Laura2592]

@Lisa723  I looked through reviews and my previous bookings. I can't find anything that would indicate this is the case unless someone snuck in. 

[Debra300]

@Laura2592,

Another likely scenario is the guest previously stayed at an Airbnb that had a door code, and got the reservation information mixed up with her current stay when scrolling through her email or Airbnb account.

[Gregory87]

I'm not clear why you have a concern about your key codes.  You state that you change them often.  Are you re-using the same ones?  If so, why?  Is there a limitation with your lock?

We have a Schlage system, so we create codes for each guest and send it the day of their arrival.  The software allows the host to disable the codes as well as set time ranges each day for use (but we don't use this feature).  In the event that a guest is delayed or cancels for some reason, we can disable it and re-enable it when appropriate.

If a guest is planning to return with a few months, we simply disable the code until their booking is scheduled again.  Otherwise, codes are deleted following check-out.

Should guests choose to share the code outside of their reservation dates, it makes no difference.  Entry is not possible!

[Laura2592]

@Gregory87  we have a similar system. I would like to know if this person was a returning guest as I have no record of them staying previously. We also keep track of how people hear about our cottage for marketing purposes.  And i want to ensure that a guest or group who has been a problem in the past ("no" to the would you host this person again question) is not returning under a different name or profile.