In-person check-ins aren’t always possible for many busy vacation rental owners, which is a shame because it’s lovely to welcome guests personally, especially for individuals who maintain many listings or live far from their property.
Fortunately, recent technological developments have made managing properties from a distance much easier and safer.
A WiFi door lock is one of the most important tools owners may utilize to enable remote property management. You (or visitors, housekeepers, and others) can access your door with a smartphone or, in some situations, a fingerprint using a smart lock like this.
The Function of Smart Locks
Smart locks typically open via a WiFi or Bluetooth link to a smartphone. An authorized device, such as a mobile phone, can send instructions to a WiFi door lock, configured to carry out locking and unlocking actions when it receives them.
Smart locks can reduce the turnover time for firms that provide vacation rentals. This is so that property owners can allow visitors entry by sending a virtual key via email or SMS.
The lock activates and makes it simple for the visitor to open the door once they are within Bluetooth range or have connected to the hotel’s WiFi. Access can be granted to visitors for the duration of their stay, or hosts can even create a unique virtual key for service providers.
How to Ask a Question About Smart Locks
Making the switch to a smart WiFi door lock can be difficult, given the variety of alternatives available. We’ve developed a list of things to remember.
How clever is it?
What sort of relationship does it have? Does it have WiFi, or is it only Bluetooth? Do other home automation technologies operate in conjunction with it? Will it connect to your security system or surveillance equipment?
Which integrations is it capable of?
Does the lock work with the most well-known home assistant devices, such as Alexa, Google Home, and Nest? If not, is it possible to buy an add-on that will
Replace or retrofit?
Depending on the smart lock you select, you may completely replace the old built-in lock, or it will operate with your existing door handle and require installing the locking hardware inside your door. This is crucial information to understand if your vacation rental home has fancy or pricey door hardware that you don’t want to change.
What is the alternative access strategy?
Every smart lock needs at least one additional access method, commonly a manual lock and key. However, there will occasionally be digital or electronic locks in use.
Exists a backup power supply exist?
Bluetooth or WiFi digital locks use electricity to operate. Fortunately, a lot of contemporary locks come with a 9V backup battery that can be used in an emergency to unlock your door.
Top 4 WiFi Door Locks for Rental Properties
We’ve done some research on the most popular smart locks for vacation rental properties even though there are endless options available.
Smart Lock Pro + Connect for August
You can lock and unlock your front door using this August smart lock from anywhere. You may set it to unlock automatically when you arrive and lock when you depart; it works with WiFi and Bluetooth. The elegant design comes with very simple installation instructions and lets you keep your current hardware and keys.
Deadbolt Schlage EncodeTM Smart WiFi
Your home can be connected to using the Schlage EncodeTM WiFi lock from anywhere. You may set up custom access codes and offer guests access by pairing the lock with the Schlage Home or Key by Amazon apps.
Yale Lock and Nest
The Nest x Yale Lock is safe, practical, and connected because it combines Yale’s 177 years of experience manufacturing the strongest locks in the world with cutting-edge smart home technologies. Its straightforward installation enables quick replacement of an old deadbolt. Low battery notifications and one-touch locking are further noteworthy features.
Obsidian Smart Lock by Kwikset
The Kwikset Obsidian Smart Lock is a chic twist on door hardware that does away with conventional keyways for complete key-free access and unmatched security. Both the non-connected and Home Connect versions of this stylish smart lock are available, with the latter giving you access to better wireless encryption and a wider wireless range.
What to leave out
Smart locks certainly increase convenience, but their primary function is to secure your rental property. They are also a terrific way to automate the check-in process, and they have a lot of other benefits that make hosting easier.
Even if some of your visitors might not be computer knowledgeable, a straightforward explanation in your welcome instructions and a link to download any required software (such as an app) can ensure a smooth encounter.
Finally, you may have complete peace of mind knowing that visitors won’t leave your property without properly and correctly securing the front door by using the auto relock feature on your WiFi smart lock device.
