7 Best Solutions To Handle Keys for Your Airbnb Property
When it comes to managing keys, organisation is key
. Keeping track of each key and ensuring their safekeeping is crucial to avoid any mishaps or security breaches. We will explore different strategies to efficiently handle keys, from keyless entry systems to secure lockboxes as well as show the costings for each and rank best solution to worst, as you can not always get the best key management solution for your property as it is location and property dependant.
By implementing these key management techniques, you can streamline the check-in process, enhance security, and ultimately create a hassle-free experience for both yourself and your guests. So, let's dive in and discover how to effectively handle keys for your Airbnb property.
The importance of efficient key management
Managing keys for your Airbnb property is a crucial aspect of running a successful vacation rental business.
Efficient key handling ensures a smooth check-in and check-out process for your guests, while also maintaining the security of your property.
When keys are not properly managed, it can lead to a variety of issues, such as lost or misplaced keys, unauthorised access, and frustrated guests.
By implementing an effective key management system, you can minimise the risk of these problems and provide a more positive experience for your guests. This not only helps to build trust and loyalty with your guests but also protects your property from potential theft or damage.
Additionally, efficient key handling can save you time and money in the long run, as you won't have to worry about the hassle and expense of replacing lost keys or changing locks.
Relying On Neighbours
One effective strategy for handling keys for your Airbnb property is to rely on trusted neighbors. This approach can be particularly useful if you live in a close-knit community or if your property is located in a residential area.
By establishing a relationship with a nearby neighbour, you can ask them to hold onto a spare set of keys for your property. This can be especially helpful for guests who arrive outside of your regular check-in hours or if you are unable to meet them in person. Your neighbour can then provide the keys to the guests and ensure that they have a smooth and hassle-free check-in experience.
Things to note
When relying on neighbours, it's important to choose someone you trust and who is reliable. You should also ensure that your neighbour is comfortable with the responsibility and understands the importance of safeguarding the keys.
Additionally, you should provide clear instructions and contact information to both your guests and your neighbour, so that everyone is on the same page and communication is seamless.
Pro’s
You are dealing with someone local and you trust, so their is little chance of losing keys which is very common in Airbnb.
Cons
This is unlikely to work in the long run as your neighbour does have to be available out of hours and weekends, but neighbours could like it due to the control they will have.
Cost
This can be talked to with your neighbour and could even be done for FREE.
Stayful Opinion
This really is not a good idea leaving too much room for human error and combining guests with neighbours creates the chance for issues, not recommended.
Relying on Your Cleaner
By providing your cleaners with a set of keys, you can ensure that they have access to the property to perform their duties, such as:
Cleaning.
Restocking supplies.
Preparing the space for the next guests.
This can also be helpful if you need to provide access to maintenance workers or other service providers.
Things to note
When relying on your cleaning staff, it's crucial to establish clear protocols and guidelines for key handling. This includes providing detailed instructions on how to securely store and return the keys, as well as any specific procedures for guest check-in and check-out.
Additionally, you should consider implementing a system for tracking the keys, such as a sign-in/sign-out log, to maintain accountability and prevent any misplacements or unauthorised access.
Pro’s
Your cleaners will have more control which is good because they are vital to your success in Airbnb as well as dealing with someone that you trust.
Con’s
Your cleaners will have to be available often which could cause issues with guests checking in and out in out of normal working hours time.
Cost
This can be talked to with your cleaner and could even be done for FREE.
Stayful Opinion
Leaves a chance for human error which is not ideal but if their is no other options it could work.
Arranging With a Local Coffee Shop or 24 hr Off license
Another option for managing keys for your Airbnb property is to partner with a local business, such as a coffee shop or a 24-hour off-license
This approach can be particularly useful if your property is located in a busy urban area or if you have guests arriving at unconventional hours.
By arranging with a nearby business to hold onto a set of keys, you can provide your guests with a convenient and accessible way to pick up and drop off the keys.
Things to note
When partnering with a local business, it's important to establish a clear agreement and set of protocols.
This may include providing the business with detailed instructions on how to handle the keys, as well as any specific procedures for guest interactions.
You should also ensure that the business is comfortable with the responsibility and that they have a secure location to store the keys.
Pro’s
This is much more realistic as you can build an established professional relationship in a fixed location which should always be manned.
Con’s
This could be hard to find a local shop as you need to be a maximum of a 5-10 min walk to the property location, any longer and guests will complain or not bother to return the keys.
Cost
This could vary depending on what price you discuss but could be as little as £10-£20 per month, this should not be expensive.
Stayful Opinion
Good idea but practically is unlikely to work, you need the place to be local and ideally 24/7 which is unlikely.
Lockbox
Another effective strategy for managing keys in your Airbnb property is to use a lockbox.
A lockbox is a secure, wall-mounted or freestanding container that can be used to store keys, allowing guests to access them without the need for direct interaction with the host.
Lockboxes are typically installed near the entrance of the property and can be accessed by guests using a unique code or combination.
This approach offers several benefits, including increased convenience for guests, improved security, and the ability to provide 24/7 access to the property.
Things to note
When using a lockbox, it's important to choose a high-quality, tamper-resistant model and to carefully manage the access codes.
You should also provide clear instructions to your guests on how to use the lockbox and ensure that the code is changed regularly to maintain security. Additionally, you may want to consider using a smart lockbox that can be integrated with your Airbnb account or a property management system, further streamlining the key management process.
Pro’s
By far the most reliable solution and easiest for guests to use, it is advisable to have a minimum of 2 key safes per property to allow for any potential issues with the primary key safe.
Con’s
It is not always possible for every property to have a key safe for example on a busy high street.
Cost
This can range from £15 to £90 for a police grade key safe, but this will be a one off cost so it cost effective, you can find these costings on Amazon.
Stayful opinion
Our primary go to for effective key management, simple, effective and cheap.
Key Nest
A key exchange service can be thought of as the happy middle between traditional and automated self-check-in solutions. They act as a go-between for hosts and their guests.
A key exchange service can act as an accessible drop-off and pick-up site for keys, can help you track when your keys are checked in and out online, and can even assist with automating keyless entries.
Pros
They provide 24/7 availability.
Affordable options are available.
They help to manage the self-check-in process.
Cons
You will need to make sure that there is a key exchange service branch in close proximity to your Airbnb.
Cost
This can range between £10-£20 per month depending on the outlet, this is a good secondary option to a keysafe but it is advised they will need to be local to the property.
Stayful Opinion
Effective and works well, a good secondary option to a keysafe but it is more hassle.
Smart Lock
Smart locks are electronic, internet-connected devices that allow you to control and monitor access to your property remotely, without the need for traditional physical keys.
With a smart lock, you can provide your guests with unique, one-time access codes or virtual keys that they can use to enter the property. This eliminates the need for physical key exchanges, reducing the risk of lost or misplaced keys and streamlining the check-in and check-out process.
Smart locks also offer additional benefits, such as the ability to monitor and track guest entry and exit, as well as the option to grant temporary access to service providers or maintenance workers.
Additionally, many smart lock systems can be integrated with your Airbnb account or a property management platform, providing a seamless and efficient way to manage access to your vacation rental.
Pros
There is no need for someone else to make themselves available for your guest’s welcome.
24/7 availability for whenever your guests choose to check-in.
Airbnb hosts have the ability to change the code as often as they want makes this one of the most secure options.
Cons
This is one of the more pricey automated options. They generally cost up to £250.
It requires a stable Wi-Fi connection to function optimally.
Cost
This is the most expensive option ranging between £100-£250 for the device and if you need the lock to be professionally installed, could be another £50-£100.
Stayful Opinion
this is a very effective and modern solution, but the benefits do not justify the cost.
Using An Airbnb Management Company
If you're looking for a more comprehensive solution to managing keys and other aspects of your Airbnb property, you may want to consider partnering with an Airbnb management company.
These professional services can handle a wide range of tasks, including key management, guest communication, cleaning, and maintenance, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your vacation rental business.
When working with an Airbnb management company, they will typically be responsible for handling the keys to your property, including securing them, distributing them to guests, and ensuring their safe return. This can provide you with peace of mind and eliminate the need to worry about the logistics of key management.
Pro’s
If you do not want to deal with finding the best way to manage your keys, an airbnb management company will do it for you and have expertise in the best option.
Con’s
You need to make sure that you choose a trusted and proven Airbnb management company.
Cost
This will often be included in the service and if their is additional charges it will be charged to you so no difference.
Stayful Opinion
Great if you are new to Airbnb, but if you are experienced it makes little difference.
All Solutions Ranked Best To Worst
When it comes to efficiently handling keys for your Airbnb property, there are several solutions to consider. Here is a ranking of these options from wost to best:
Relying on Neighbours.
Arranging With a Local Business.
Relying on Your Cleaner.
Smart Lock.
Key Nest.
Lockbox.
Airbnb Management Company: This is not exactly a solution, but an Airbnb management company will work through this whole process for you making the decision easy.
And the Winner is…… Lockbox
Simple, effective and cost efficient, however this is not always possible with every property so it is important to go through the list to the next best choice or hire a management company to advise the best route for you.