Keys

[Tracey708]

How many keys do you supply as a host. I have a two bed apartment and usually supply one set but I’ve just received a message from a traveller asking where he would find the spare set

It’s a small group of 3. 

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Tracey708 

Yes, I struggle with this issue too. Sometimes guests book as a group, but once they arrive, they split up and head in different directions to explore the area. This often leads to requests for extra sets of keys so everyone can come and go independently.

To solve this, we eventually switched to smart locks. It has made things much easier for both us and our guests. Everyone can access the property without worrying about who has the key, and there’s no risk of lost or forgotten keys. It has definitely improved convenience and reduced a lot of the coordination challenges that come with group bookings.

[Tracey708]

Thanks Patricia. I’ll look into this. 

[Kevin364]

I agree about smart locks.   If you do that, you can use the last four digits of the guests phone number for their code.  I've done that for ten years, that way the guest probably won't forget the code.   

You can get locks which are wifi capable - meaning you can change the code from a smart phone in a minute or two, and put a start time and expiration time on a code.

We changed our home locks after setting up our Airbnb.   Now we can check from anywhere to see if our doors are locked.  And unlock them remotely if a relative comes for a visit and we aren;t home when they arrive.

[Joelle43]

Hello @Tracey708 

I also have a 2 bed apartment and always hand over 2 sets to my guests. 

People have different timings and interests even within a family and if someone is resting, there’s no need to waken them by a phone call to get in. 

[Tracey708]

Thanks something to think about 

[Ana42788]

@Tracey708 Smart lock ! Then you will never have to supply another key. 

[Anna-Of-Georgia-Dome0]

No keys - no problems. Smart lock is the way to go, saves time and keys. I keep contractor box with a key on the property as a backup. In two years no one used the backup.

[Aaron1359]

Why in the world would anyone still be using physical keyed locks in 2026?.?.?    I've had a digital keypad lock on my listing since I started hosting 4 yrs ago.

[Andrew3792]

@Tracey708 I would NOT supply keys. I would recommend putting in an automated lock. The cost will be way worth it (around $200) and you can set it up through Airbnb where the guest gets their own unique code prior to check in and it is disabled after check out. Way safer and easier.

[Angie924]

Hi @Tracey708 ! Very good question and I researched this quite a bit before becoming a host. A very good friend suggested that giving. Keys would mean that the keys could be duplicated - a very terrible idea. Having some trust issues I was so wary. In my research I found that getting an electronic lock would be ideal. I have Schlage encode which integrated with Airbnb app and also gave me some control over who and how many people had access. It’s a little pricey but so worth it. I have Schlage on my main entrance door and the back door. I usually keep the attached garage locked too via the Schlage which is not electronic but a number pad lock. This keeps my tools and sprinkler system safe for when I need to use it. I advise that the guests take the trash bin in the back yard through the yard gate to the front for garbage pick up. 
Hope this helps. 
have an awesome Airbnb day. 

[Anna17671]

Hi, we have a ‘rule’ that guests must leave the key in the key safe. We provide 1 extra key inside the house with the compendium of house info.  We also have a third key if the guest requests. Not a big deal.

[Paula]

Hello @Tracey708, there are many great experiences and insights shared by hosts here. Please keep us posted once you've had a chance to read through them, and let us know whether you've made any adjustments since then.

Regards,

[Angela4398]

I give one set plus the smart code for the front door. Easier that way. 👍

[Lorina14]

@Tracey708 

A smart lock would be best but depending on the door you have sometimes it’s not possible. We have a glass custom sized double door on the first floor guest suite that we could not find a smart lock that was compatible with the special door locking mechanism. We went to several door/key shops to inquire and researched online and spoke to different companies. We ended up going with a smart lock box that is just beside the door. It is encoded to a six digit code. Some people don’t read and think the lockbox automatically unlocks the door and nothing happens when they type in their code. 

We ask guests to leave the keys in the lockbox so the guests can come and go as they please and there will be a less likely chance of the key accidentally going home with someone. It’s worked well for parties of 4 with different schedules.