Self-check-in ideas for an apartment

[Dan13994]

Hello all!

I want to ask you for some ideas because I need help with starting to offer self check-in for an apartment.

So, the apartment is in a building which is having the front door at the street with an intercom that can be open only with a card, is not having access code.

Next, we are having a hallway and a staircase, in the hallway we have the postal box.

On each floor they are 4 apartments, our is on the second floor.

So, for this apartment how you will implement a self check-in?

I am waiting your feedback,

My regards!

[Dale711]

@Dan13994 

You can consider makes an arrangements with a nearby bar or convenience store to have a key card held.

There are also some key concierge services.

Lockboxes, smart locks, and keypads are three popular, secure self check-in options.

Hiding keys in the postal box are risky.

Not recommended, beware of “ mailbox thief”   

[Faizan9]

Get a lock box

[Anonymous]

@Dan13994   Hunedoara is such a charming place!  But given that it's a small town in Transylvania,  I'm guessing that unlike a host in a major city like Paris, you probably don't have a 24-hour convenience store just around the corner from the flat. Unless such a service exists despite being 2 km from the city center, I don't think it would be practical to deposit your access card at a local business. 

Is it possible to install a coded lockbox at your building's entrance? There are options on the market that have enough space to secure a credit card-sized key as well as traditional keys, and they come in both analog and digital formats. But no remote check-in system is foolproof, and it remains imperative that someone is locally available to provide access if the self-check-in system fails.

Naturally, it's also important to make sure the other residents of the building are comfortable with strangers letting themselves into their secured building without being escorted by a host. Many people feel that this kind of system undermines their residential security, which in turn generates a lot of ill will toward Airbnb listings in multi-unit dwellings.

[Alexandra316]

 @Anonymous  I stayed in an Airbnb recently where they used a digital lockbox and placed it offsite in a nearby parking lot that didn't belong to the building. It seemed more secure to me in that it would be much more difficult for a random person on the street to successfully figure out what apartment building it was for and what apartment. Not impossible, certainly, but much more difficult. 

@Dan13994 that may be a good option for you if leaving the key with a neighbour or business isn't feasible or desirable, and it may cause fewer issues with the neighbours (hopefully) since the lockbox won't be on site. 

[Anonymous]

@Alexandra316   As a guest, I've had mixed results with offsite key deposits. One time it was like a scavenger hunt spanning several blocks of an unfamiliar neighborhood. Another time, the keys were left at a nearby business that was "closed for lunch" for 2 hours after my scheduled arrival. And then there was the time that the key retrieval itself went very smoothly, but I was then confronted by a neighbor who was shocked to see "foreigners" in the building (you can guess the subtext) and adamant that we had no right to be there.  On all of these occasions, the self-check-in process only created an inconvenience.

I've never found it a problem in a detached dwelling, as this tends to be pretty straightforward. The gold standard for self-check-in is that the guest finds it no less convenient or simple than being checked in by a human.

[Alexandra316]

@Anonymous Yeah... I had an issue once also. The instructions said something like go into the stairwell and access the lockbox on the right side. There were a ton of lockboxes in there and no indication which was correct. It was a pain. Also partially the author of my own misfortune there becuase my phone was dead and couldn't ask the host for clarification (but really, you shouldn't have to). It only works if the steps are well-documented and clear. 

I've also had the self check-in with having to pretend you're just a visitor, which I hate... if you're not allowed to host or if you know your neighbours are going to be a pain, don't do it! Your exoerience sounds super very uncomfortable... thankfully I've only been given the evil eye by security guards who clearly know what you're up to and definitely don't approve of it. 

My go-to is a smart lock and I'm very happy with self check in, but yeah, my listing is freestanding. They don't tend to work well in apartment buildings. 

[Dale711]

@Dan13994 

In short, self-check-in is a convenient solution that lets guests access your property by means of a key lockbox, smart lock or keypad. Your guests will only require a code, and then they will be able to let themselves into your property. This eliminates the need for you to be there in person. 

As a matter of fact, yours listings check in times is not flexible in 24hrs, it is after 4 pm.

You definitely do nor need the 24hrs convenience store. 

I hope the building management allowed you to install  “ private”  lock box in the “ entrance of the building”?! Do analyst of the residential building regulations. 

[Anonymous]

I agree with what you meant to say! But "do analyst" will probably result in having your analyst's license revoked.

[Dale711]

In certain fact, someone not even announced a single “ Listing”?! 
What a shame!

[Anonymous]

@Dale711  Perhaps your auto-translate is malfunctioning.

[Dan13994]

Thanks for the answers.

The problem is that the entrance is on the street, and the intercom is not having a code, it can open the entrance door only with a tag.

After you enter in the building I have some options where to put the key safes boxes.

Have a nice day!

[Dale711]

@Dan13994 

Good to hear that you found an option.

Happy Hosting!

[Dale711]

@Anonymous 
Ah, you mean the “Ghost host!” !
Do respect @Dan13994 post, I recommend you to continue the conversation by  joining me in the DM! 

[Anonymous]

@Dale711   If you're trying to comment on the fact that my listing is inactive, you might consider the fact that Berlin is under lockdown and tourist accommodation is currently and indefinitely illegal. It would be unlawful and unethical for me to be offering a room in my home to strangers under the present circumstances, even though apparently Airbnb would not turn away the money if I chose to do so.

At the moment I'm far more interested in reducing the spread of this deadly virus than in making money from a guestroom. You got a problem with that?