We’ve been thinking a lot about security since starting the Airbnb. It is very important to us that this money-making venture doesn’t turn into a loss in the long term and everyone is safe.

In Tampa, where we started our first Airbnb, property crime is well below the national average. While I’m personally not losing sleep over the safety of the property, I always like to be extra cautious. I was looking at ways to secure the property and I came across Smart locks. They are like regular locks but you can control them from anywhere if you are connected to the internet. I know this sounds kinda scary but we will talk about the risks later. First, let me tell you how awesome these devices are.

They are the first step towards a truly smart home. These locks are a part of what we call the internet of things – regular devices that have been modified to be controllable over the internet. This makes them very convenient to use and brings along with it lots of safety and ease of use features. Some of the more expensive locks have features like voice commands, push and email notifications, tamper alarms and more! You feel like Iron man living in a smart house! It is high tech and extremely futuristic. It is also a great way to add a lot of valuable features to your Airbnb for the sake of your guest’s convenience.

The biggest convenience that you can get is when guests can check in to your Airbnb without requiring to wait around for you or someone else to let them in. This way, you can be off doing your regular routine for the day while the guests check-in at their own convenience. This is a time saver and a major upgrade to your Airbnb. You have two options here. You can add a password-controlled storage locker which contains the actual keys to the locks OR you can spend a little money and get a smart lock which cuts one step entirely.

What to look for in a smart lock?

Make sure you get a smart lock with two-factor authentication enabled. This way, even if your password is compromised, it adds that extra hoop that somebody may have to go through to access your property.

Make sure the lock supports encryption. Encryption is a technology that makes it difficult for hackers to intercept the signals between your devices and the smart lock. To explain it more plainly, imagine if you are listening to two people talk. If you can speak their language then you can understand them and potentially meddle in their business. But if the two people start talking in codes then you will not be able to understand what they are talking about. That is what encryption does to your smart devices.

Find as many value-added security features ass you can. The more secure the lock, the better peace of mind you will have. I know trusting new fancy technology can be scary. But guests nowadays demand convenience that only comes with all the latest gadgets.

Find a smart lock that comes with an installation service. That way, you can be assured that everything is set up correctly. I recommend not trying to DIY something this important. Let the professionals handle it.

Suggestions:

August Smart Lock Pro + Connect:

August smart locks are the most popular and most well-reviewed locks on the amazon store. They are even recommended by Amazon. You can open the door with your phone as a key. It auto unlocks your door as it detects you within range as you come back home and auto locks it as you leave. You can remotely control your lock through the phone’s app. The biggest benefit is that they have many systems made just for Airbnb owners. As a host, you no longer have to manage the distribution of physical keys or lockbox codes with August’s fully-automated access system.

August will automatically generate a custom personal entry code that’s valid at check-in until check-out. Keys can never be reused. You can even give digital keys to housekeepers, handymen or plumbers. Keys can be valid for set days and times or forever. Plus any key can be revoked at any time! When guests reserve an August-enabled property, they receive an email with detailed instructions based on the access method selected by the host. Any reservation changes or cancellations automatically change the access dates and times. Once the reservation ends, access to the property automatically ends.

The August Smart Lock system is the best overall system that you can get for your money.

Ultraloq UL3 BT:

This lock supports fingerprint identification in addition to the other features making it the first lock in the world to offer 5 ways to access it. You can use your fingerprints, enter a code or unlock with a smartphone with many different gestures. It is also a little cheaper than the August Smart Lock. It comes with expert installation and an 18-month warranty while the August Smart Lock comes with a 12-month warranty.

Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt with Camelot Trim in Aged Bronze:

This one screams elegance. If you want to create a high-end look for your Airbnb then you should definitely get this one. It has a premium feel thanks to that aged bronze. It has built-in wifi that lets you unlock it with apps like the other locks. You can have up to 100 access codes that can be used to unlock the door for recurring, temporary or permanent access.

Precautions to take:

Remember that you will have to change the batteries on the smart locks that you buy regularly. Make sure to check how long they last on battery power. Keep spare batteries outside your houses, somewhere you can reach them that you can use in case you forget and they fail.

If you are overwhelmed or fearful of technology then take your time to understand the options. It may be best to just go with the August Smart Lock Pro because it already has Airbnb support and lots of hosts like you who have already set theirs up to help you out!

Love,

Scooch and Steve

