Table of Contents
Airbnb is all about providing your guests with a comfortable experience from start to finish. This includes everything from the booking to the check-in and check-out process.
Since it involves the hosts opening up their homes or guest houses for people from all around the world, it starts with giving the guests a set of their house keys for easy access.
It is a fairly simple process, although sometimes it can be slightly cumbersome when the host isn’t there to hand over the keys.
It might be due to several reasons such as the schedules of the host and guest not matching, the host running late or being out of town, and especially due to early or late guest arrivals.
This is where the Airbnb self-check-in process comes in. It means that guests can access the listing themselves using lockboxes and key safes that not only make the process seamless and more flexible but also demonstrate trust between the hosts and the guests.
Here’s everything you need to know about Airbnb self-check-in using lockboxes and key safes, including their benefits and how safe they are to use:
WHAT ARE LOCKBOXES AND KEY SAFES?
Lockboxes and key safes are small storage devices used to securely store the house keys. They require a code to open them and are particularly useful for rental properties, such as Airbnb when the hosts can’t personally hand over the keys to their guests.
There are several models available with different types of lock designs and varying levels of security. They are:
- Push-button models: one of the most user-friendly systems out there, these models are similar to keypads and require the users to punch in the correct sequence of numbers to open the lock.
- Dial models: these are similar to padlocks with a revolving dial and require the users to input the correct combination of numbers one by one.
- Wheel models: these usually consist of four scrolling wheels of numbers from 0 to 9, or sometimes letters, and require the users to select the right number on each wheel to enter the right combination.
- Electronic and smart models: these automatically open after the correct code is entered manually or by connecting through the guests’ smartphone’s Bluetooth.
When installing lockboxes and key safes, you must ensure that the spot you choose is the right balance between well-hidden and easy-to-find.
It should be discreet to not garner attention from burglars and intruders, while also being visible enough for the guests to locate them easily.
You wouldn’t want your guests to start a treasure hunt as soon as they arrive, and neither would they appreciate it after hours of travelling. Also, if you install your lockboxes and key safes in places that are too difficult to access, they might get irritated and could end up giving you a bad review.
To avoid that from happening, install them in easily accessible locations and send your guests clear instructions on finding them.
The two most common places that lockboxes and key safes are installed are on walls and doors. You may install them along the side of the house, keeping them out of sight while also easily locatable for your guests.
The backyard and garden also offer many options and, if you have trees or outdoor amenities, you could use them as landmarks to guide your guests.
Alternatively, you could use planters and fake props to hide your lockbox in, such as a fake rock. Wherever you choose to place them, just make sure you leave clear instructions for your guests.
BENEFITS OF AIRBNB SELF CHECK-IN USING LOCKBOXES AND KEY SAFES
Lockboxes and key safes make the Airbnb self-check-in process a more seamless one. Their benefits include:
Convenience
Self check-ins are an easy way to make your Airbnb listing more appealing to guests with a majority of them preferring the service over the traditional meet and greet.
Using lockboxes and key safes removes the pressure from the hosts of having to be there to welcome their guests, which can at times become quite a hassle. This saves time since the hosts no longer have to plan their schedules according to their guests’ arrival.
For guests, they provide more flexibility since they can choose their arrival times and not worry about the host being there, or not, to hand them the keys to the listing.
Some guests might also not be in the mood to converse with their host as soon as they arrive, which usually is expected when they personally come to welcome their guests. Self check-ins give them more control over the process at a more relaxed pace.
Additionally, lockboxes can also help cut back unnecessary expenses such as when the hosts have to hire managers to welcome and hand over the keys to their guests in their absence. The process can be fully automated and self-sufficient, without the need for paid help.
Security
As opposed to hiding the keys under doormats and flower pots, lockboxes and key safes provide a higher level of security against threats such as burglaries and intrusions.
When choosing a house to break into, burglars case a property to look for weaknesses and vulnerabilities. While spare keys can be very convenient at times, they pose a serious security threat if kept in the wrong place.
You must be very careful about where you hide them because if they fall in the wrong hands, they can become a huge nuisance and put your, your guests’, and your property’s security at risk.
Lockboxes are strong and are made to withstand break-in attempts and tampering, which is why your keys are less likely to be stolen from inside them than from random hiding spots.
Safety
With the world in the middle of a pandemic and the need to practice social distancing, lockboxes seem like the best option to encourage contactless check-ins.
We hope things will return to normal soon, but for now, self check-ins are much safer than the usual meet and greet. They can help guests feel comfortable while checking-in, all the while reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Travel safe and play your part in combating the virus!
ARE LOCKBOXES SAFES?
With so many hosts offering the self-check-in service, and countless more guests preferring it, the real question is, are lockboxes safe?
Although they are made to withstand basic threats, it is always best to take precautions so that any potential issues are also eliminated.
Change the codes
You must hand out a new code to each guest and change it after they leave. Changing the codes is super easy and can be done as many times as you wish.
Also, the codes must be easy to remember for the guests. To make things easier for you and them, you can use the last-4 digits of their contact number as their code so that it is easy for them to remember and not worry about forgetting it.
Make them weather-resistant
For places that experience extreme temperatures such as heavy rainfall or snow, it could damage the lockbox and cause them to either malfunction or become vulnerable to break-ins.
Since they are placed outside the house, it is necessary to provide a cover against harsh weather since the extreme cold could jam them, whereas extreme heat and rain could cause them to rust.
Guide guests to follow best practices
There is a high chance of the lockboxes being mishandled or damaged if the guests aren’t used to working with them. While none of that is usually done on purpose, it does raise an issue with respect to their security.
Pressing incorrect buttons or entering the wrong code too many times might cause the lockbox to jam or stop working completely. Another issue is the guests not closing the box properly after retrieving the keys, exposing the system to would-be intruders.
Luckily, there is a simple solution to combat the issue; training your guests on how to use the lockboxes. You can leave them step-by-step instructions on how to open and close the boxes, and what to do in case a wrong code is entered.
Have them regularly maintained
Despite following all the necessary precautions, there is still a chance that lockboxes might malfunction, and that can happen due to many reasons.
As an added safety measure, you must have your lockboxes maintained and regularly inspected for faults and potential issues, especially after your guests leave and the new ones arrive.
LOCKBOXES AND CCTVS
For added security, you can install CCTV cameras with your lockboxes to help keep a watchful eye over them and to ensure they are safe from threats.
However, before we delve into their benefits, let’s make it clear that Airbnb has certain rules about security cameras and other recording devices used in listings.
Airbnb takes the privacy of its users very seriously and has a set of standards to ensure the surveillance equipment isn’t misused or used to infringe on guests’ privacy.
According to Airbnb guidelines, if you are a host and have any type of security camera or recording device on your property, you are required to disclose that information in the “Things Guests Should Know” section under the Health and Safety tab.
You are also required to explain where the cameras are placed, how the guests will be monitored, and whether an active recording is taking place.
If you fail to disclose this information to your guests, you might have your account suspended and, in some serious cases, even terminated.
All things considered, CCTV cameras can be extremely useful if installed near lockboxes and key safes to ensure they remain safe from external threats, monitor their usage, and check to see if they are being mishandled or misused.
Since the lockboxes and key safes are installed outside the house, placing a CCTV camera near them shouldn’t infringe on the guests’ privacy, however, care must be taken to ensure it doesn’t record the neighbours or passers-by.
In any case, the hosts must ensure that their cameras follow the laws and requirements pertaining to the use of CCTVs in domestic properties, and the guests are informed before they book the listing.
LOCKBOXES VS SMART LOCKS
Another great option for Airbnb self check-ins is to use smart locks instead of lockboxes and key safes. What are they and how can they be better than lockboxes? Let’s find out:
Smart locks are keyless electronic or mechanical locks that let you lock and unlock your door wirelessly using either an app on your smartphone or various other authentication methods.
They eliminate the use of traditional keys and, with it, the need for lockboxes and key safes!
Though lockboxes and key safes provide an easy way for guests to let them in, smart locks make the process even easier.
Keys are one of the most commonly lost items in the world and can easily be stolen or copied and, for Airbnb guests, they are just an added burden to take care of when travelling.
Imagine coming back to your Airbnb rental only to find out that you’ve misplaced your key and the embarrassment and inconvenience that would follow.
This would not just put the guest in an uncomfortable position but also cause great inconvenience to the host, possibly resulting in a negative review for the guest.
Smart locks offer increased accessibility, temporary access, a high level of security, and the ability to revoke access instantly, in addition to real-time monitoring capabilities.
There are different types of smart locks perfect for Airbnbs in the UK, with the most common entry methods including key cards, key fobs, keypads, biometrics, and Bluetooth.
Three of the best smart locks for Airbnbs in 2021 are:
- Yale Conexis L1 Smart Lock,
- August Smart Lock Pro, and
- Schlage Sense Smart Lock
PROFESSIONAL LOCKBOX AND KEY SAFE INSTALLATION
The correct installation for lockboxes and key safes is necessary to ensure that they work without fail. It is best to contact a professional locksmith to carry out the job.
A professional locksmith has the skill, expertise, and experience to work with all kinds of locking mechanisms, along with adequate knowledge to recommend tailored solutions for your needs.
What’s best is that they are up-to-date with the latest technologies and are familiar with quality products. They provide a holistic package that includes not just installation but a variety of other services as well.
CONTACT CALDER SECURITY
We understand the specific needs and requirements of Airbnb properties and can offer the perfect solution to make the stay a pleasant and comfortable one for both the host and the guest.
We are members of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA) since 1976 and can work on a wide range of locking mechanisms.
We specialise in wooden, UPVC, and aluminium doors, and are the official suppliers for leading lock brands including Chubb, Yale, Securikey, and Garrison.
In addition to installation services, our professional locksmiths also offer repair services for when the locks become damaged or develop faults.
Our qualified locksmiths have an in-depth knowledge of all kinds of locks and can often repair them on site.
We can also access locks that have become jammed, including safes, and can respond to your calls quickly which can be very useful if you’ve locked yourself out.
We also offer expert key cutting services from our Lock and Safe Shop in Wakefield where you can get your keys cut while you wait.
Using our state-of-the-art digital equipment, we can cut virtually any key including cylinder keys, mortice keys, dimple keys, Mul-T-Lock keys, padlock keys, locker keys, and safe keys to a high degree of accuracy without having to send them away to be cut.
Our other security solutions include:
Contact us here or call us on 0800 612 9799 to talk to our professionals right away!
Image by InstagramFOTOGRAFIN from Pixabay