This is why you don't send out door codes too early

[Laura2592]

Brand newbie ABB guest came to our space and tried to get in while our current guests were still there....

Newbie ABB guest does not have a check-in for another day. Assumed because we sent the code they could use it.

Ay yi yi.

We usually send the codes with check-in info only after the COVID disinfecting is done (after cleaning is complete, we go over and disinfect/set up snacks and the welcome board, double check everything.) But this lady was super eager and my husband sent the information because she kept emailing.

I really wish ABB didn't do these reminders to guests that they get the instructions so far in advance. Now we have a really awkward situation.

[Louise0]

I no longer send the code in advance.  Check-in time is 3pm and I send the code at 3pm, not a minute sooner.  After 6.5 years of hosting, I've learnt my lesson.

[Alexandra199]

Yes this! Me too, door code gets text to guest's phone on the day of their arrival once the house if clean and set up. I make it very clear in my pre arrival info that this will be the case. I would never send the code early because guest just take advantage and think they can let themselves in early.

[Debra300]

@Laura2592,

I do the same as @Emilia42, and use the last four digits of the guest's phone number as their door code.  I use the Amazon Key app to set up the code, and it has the feature to set the specific dates and times the code is active.  I usually send the guest the door code 2 days before their scheduled arrival to give them time to see the message.  I also state the time period the code will be valid, "You will be able to use this door code from 2 p.m. ET on XX date until 2 p.m. ET on XX date."

[Dawnice0]

This has worked great for us in our travels as a guest, the code is easy to remember and the time and dates are clear.

@Dawnice

[Faizan9]

Had a couple of instances when the guest had arrived too early. a day earlier.lol.

now i send the following to the guest after their booking is confirmed

Hello guest first name,

Thankyou for booking with us. Details will be sent on your phone also with videos to assist with your check-in, one day before your arrival.

Your booking details are :

Checkin : Date XX, after 3pm

Checkout: Date xx before 11:59am

Guests : XX max

Regards

[Jillian115]

When they book they get: "Thanks for booking with us. We look forward to hosting you. Check-in is at 3:00 PM on the day of your stay.

If you have any questions, please get in touch anytime. We will send check-in information closer to your check-in date!"

I usually send it I send it 1-2 days before, via email and reiterate the checkin time.  Then a message letting them know I emailed the checkin code with directions, a couple of questions, and I reiterate checkin time. 

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Jillian115 

Good for you!

We always confirm a day or two ahead of arrival, give check in time, ask again if they have any questions about house rules or house manual, do they have the directions in hand. It is definitely an ounce of prevention.

[Lynne371]

I set my guest code 2-3 days in advance.   With my keyless entry I enter the checkin date and time as well as the checkout date and time.  Each code is unique for each guest.  On occasion I allow an early checkin, and the checkin is adjusted and it is resent to them for their earlier access time.

[Bart205]

I send door code 1 day before check in, on the day of check in around 2pm, 1 hour before check in time I unlock the other lock on the door. never had a problem.

On the day before check out I remind them that check out is at 10:00 AM and the cleaning crew will be there at 10:10 AM to start cleaning

[Christine615]

We send the code a few days before check-in. I do not "change" the code until right before check-in. I once caught the son of a guest checking in at 11am. I was livid. Apartment was ready (no one the previous night).

I also had an entitled woman show up while I was pulling the last load of laundry out of the dryer. We have multiple linens so the beds were made and the apartment was cleaned. I just needed to fold and put away. She looked annoyed and said "I told you my plane arrived at 2pm!" I told her that didn't change the 3pm check-in time.

The new Airbnb policy of sending check-in instructions may help people read the written rules they agreed to but didn't. Sigh. But yeah, don't change the code until close to check-in for safety reasons and then change it the moment they leave so they can't give it to someone else.

[Deb216]

@Christine615, I just had to chime in to tell you that I absolutely love your wifi login butler.  He's adorable!

[Christine615]

@Deb216Thanks. He used to be at my house so I could leave post it messages for my family but now with cell phones and text messages, he seemed like the perfect touch for the apartment 🙂