How to Choose the Best Keyless Lock for Your Vacation Rental

Getting a keyless lock is about more than security. With the right device, you can improve the guest experience and speed up turnover while giving your properties a modern look.

The question is which keyless lock to choose. While there are many options out there, not all of them will suit your guests or your management style.

To help you make sense of what’s available, our article walks you through all the main considerations when choosing a keyless lock. We discuss everything from device types and software compatibility to aesthetics.

Plus, we show you how to test your new keyless lock and make sure it’s working as it should before you accept your first guests.

Why your vacation rental needs a keyless lock

The benefits of keyless locks go beyond security. When you can manage rentals remotely, you no longer have to worry about coordination.

Sebastian Wade of Eden Emerald says businesses can lose a lot of time to access management. “Managing handovers can be a real headache.” He says, “Especially when multiple guests show up at the same time. I worked with a client who rented out a holiday property and they were constantly dealing with last-minute changes to arrival times.”

Adam Hamilton of REI Hub adds that keyless locks are more convenient for guests. “With a keyless lock, you can simply message each new guest the new code. They don’t have to worry about carrying a physical key or dealing with a lockbox of some kind.”

The different types of keyless door locks

Your first step is to decide which type of keyless door lock to get. Here are the three main types alongside their pros and cons:

Code locks

Guests must enter a numeric code on a keypad to enter your property. Many models let you set a temporary or one-time code for extra security.

Pros

• Affordable
• Widely available
• No need for extra apps

Cons

• No remote access
• Possibility of guests forgetting codes

Card and fob locks

Card and fob locks use RFID technology to manage access to your property. Once you’ve handed over the access device, guests can let themselves in and out with a quick tap.

Pros

• Simple to use
• Easy to replace
• No risk of forgotten codes

Cons

• Some guest contact necessary
• Possibility of guests losing cards and fobs

Smart locks

This type of lock connects with your smart home system to offer you advanced access control. It often combines multiple entry methods like codes, apps, and voice commands. Leading software like Hostfully integration, Jervis Systems, even let guests access the property at the click of a button.

Pros

• Intuitive
• Secure
• Highly flexible

Cons

• Dependent on internet connection
• Costlier than alternatives

The choice ultimately comes down to what makes the most sense for your business. If you enjoy personally welcoming guests, for example, you’re less likely to mind dropping off the card or key fob.

But when it comes to security, smart locks are the clear winner. There’s no risk of intruders getting into your properties with stolen credentials and less chance of them seeing the access code on a mobile screen. Plus, as Wade points out, “Due to local crime rates and rapid tech adoption, more and more guests are going to expect modern solutions like keyless entry.” Research indicates around one in five of your guests already have a smart lock for their own home.

How to find the best brands for keyless door locks

Choosing locks from a reputable brand can save you hassle later down the line. Long-standing companies usually offer better products, frequent upgrades, and more responsive customer support.

Here are the questions you should be asking:

• How long has the company been on the market? – A company with years of experience has often survived that long because they keep customers satisfied and continuously refine their product. Search to see which year they started and how long they’re been offering keyless door locks.

• What are their available hours? – Ideally, customer support should be 24/7 so you can always find someone to talk to. As your guests might come and go around the clock, issues with the door lock could arise at any moment.

• Which contact options do they offer? – Companies should offer various contact options like phone, email, and live chat. The choice means you can have the flexibility to send a quick message about a non-urgent matter or get directly connected for help with a time-sensitive issue.

• How long is the warranty and what does it cover? – A good warranty protects your investment by covering repairs and replacements for faulty products. Check you have coverage for the first one to three years and that there are no gaps in the policy.

How to assess the reliability of the brand

Door locks must perform well over extended periods to bring you a return on your investment. Reviews are a great way to check their reliability. Customers can give you their unbiased opinion about how well the brand performs over time, revealing any potential issues.

Try looking in the following places to find user reviews:

• The review section of marketplaces like Amazon and Best Buy
• Dedicated software review sites like G2 and Capterra
• Facebook groups for STR owners
• Subreddits like r/AirBnb_Hosts and r/ShortTermRentals
• The case studies page on the brand’s website
• Reviews and comparisons by online bloggers

Understanding what details to look for can help you uncover standout features or common pain points. This helps you avoid getting sidetracked by isolated complaints:

Here’s what to focus on:

• Consistently positive feedback
• Little to no mention of malfunctions
• Accounts of how the team solved issues
• Good experiences with customer support
• Talk of regular updates
• Favorable comparisons to other products used

Filter your results by the most recent where you can. Tech companies continuously update their products so reviews from two years ago are unlikely to give you an honest reflection of the quality now.

How to check software compatibility (and why it matters)

Your doorless key lock should integrate seamlessly with your current tech stack. While this varies across businesses, we’re talking about your smart home system, guest communication, and property management software (PMS) at a minimum.

PMS integration is particularly valuable for automating check-in. Once you receive a booking, the system can trigger the door lock app to generate a code and send it to the guests. This code only works between the check-in and check-out times, preventing unauthorized access to your properties.

The PMS can also serve as your hub. You can monitor each lock’s status in real time and update details like codes and times manually if needed.

Here’s how to check whether your PMS and door lock are compatible:

• Visit the PMS integration marketplace to see whether it supports the brand
• Check the system supports all the door lock features
• Ensure you have access to the integration on your subscription plan
• See if the PMS has any reviews specifically mentioning this integration
• Request a demo or trial period to test the door lock

What features to look for in a keyless door lock

Features can vary widely across door lock models. What might seem like a simple choice between brands could have a major impact on your security, convenience, and overall guest experience.

But that doesn’t mean your lock should have every feature available, just all the essentials for your specific setup.

Let’s look at the main features to consider:

Battery life

How long your battery lasts has a major impact on both business operations. If they run out too quickly, you have to keep dashing over to replace them.

Most batteries last between six to 12 months but this depends on the type and usage. The following factors could reduce their life significantly:

• High guest turnover
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Extensive features
• Frequent updates
• Extreme weather conditions

As you can’t do without Wifi connectivity and can’t control the weather, the best course is to invest in high-quality batteries. You can guarantee consistent performance and reduce the need for frequent replacements.

Some locks also include features to monitor battery life. You can get alerts when a lock is about to die, giving you a chance to schedule replacements when it’s most convenient. Plus, you get peace of mind knowing none of your guests risk getting locked out…

Connection

Smart locks depend on a connection to manage access and track activity. You have a choice between three main connectivity options:

• Wi-Fi: This option provides real-time remote access to the door lock, enabling you to manage access from afar. While it’s a great choice for properties with a reliable connection, it won’t work in isolated, off-grid areas.

• Bluetooth: If you’re on-site at all times, Bluetooth may be a suitable option. It lets you control access from close range and tends to be more energy-efficient than WiFi.

• Cellular: This option is a good workaround for remote properties like cabins deep in the woods or mountains. Cellular locks connect using mobile networks without the need for local internet. The main drawback is these locks tend to come with higher costs due to the service subscription.

Security standards

Today’s hackers can crack a numbers-only code in mere seconds, which means any smart locks you use should meet high standards.

Modern smart locks should have AES-128 or AES-256 encryption to protect your data. This prevents hackers from accessing your account and either unlocking doors or getting hold of sensitive information.

Likewise, devices should meet industry standards. The exact certification you’re looking for depends on your country and the type of lock you choose. For example, US businesses should check any smart locks they use are ANSI/BHMA certified to verify the device meets local security standards.

Aesthetics

Door locks should complement the aesthetic of each property. Choosing the right style ensures they match your vacation rental brand and don’t stand out for the wrong reasons. For example, a stainless steel lock is more likely to suit a modern, inner-city apartment than a rustic cottage.

A professional style can also give guests peace of mind. Even if a lock works perfectly, people will be less inclined to trust an outdated-looking model.

Installation

There are various ways to install a keyless door lock:

• Swap out the existing deadbolt entirely
• Install a door handle with a smart locking mechanism
• Attach an adaptor to the interior side of your door
• Add a keypad or touchscreen to
• Use a smart padlock
• Replace the entire door with one built for smart features

The choice usually comes down to whatever suits your specific setup. If there’s a low level of risk and a high chance of disruption, for example, it wouldn’t make sense to opt for deep changes.

Don’t worry if you want to use different setups across your properties. Smart tech like Jervis Systems is compatible with a range of keyless locks so you can still manage access from a single app.

What to keep in mind about budget and ROI

While price isn’t the only consideration, it can have a significant impact on your choice of keyless door lock. It often comes down to three factors:

• How much room you can make in your current budget
• How quickly you’ll make the upfront cost back through cost savings
• What ROI you can expect from the type of lock

Start by calculating the upfront cost of the smart lock including the device, software, and installation. Don’t forget to consider indirect costs like how long properties will be unavailable and time spent on training staff.

Then calculate ongoing costs like maintenance, replacements, and the software subscription. You may need to dedicate some staff hours to changing or charging batteries too.

Finally, calculate how much you expect to save by using this specific door lock. You can estimate how long you usually spend greeting guests or replacing missing keys in a given year. Although it’s trickier to calculate, look at where you might reinvest this time and money, bringing more value to your business.

The door lock should bring you an immediate return on your investment. Keep measuring its impact on metrics like staff labor, check-in times, and guest satisfaction levels to check its driving the desired results.

What best practices to follow when testing your smart lock

Once you’ve chosen a lock, here are some steps you can take to make sure it meets expectations:

• Conduct a trial run: Before you accept any bookings, run through your new check-in process. Create a fake reservation, see whether the system automatically sends the code, and try using all the door lock features as a guest.

• Train staff: Make sure your entire team knows how to use the door locks, including the cleaning and maintenance crews.

• Perform stress tests: See how well the door locks perform in extreme temperatures, on low battery, and after recharging. You need them to manage access all the time, not just on regular days in optimal conditions.

• Collect feedback: Ask for input from both employees and guests. You can add a question to your end-of-stay review as part of your standard guest communication. PMS like Hostfully lets you automate requests so you don’t have to remember to reach out.

Never compromise on security with Hostfully Smart Devices

When choosing a keyless door lock, it’s essential to balance factors like reliability, convenience, and aesthetics. The ideal lock shouldn’t force you to sacrifice costs or convenience over the security of your properties.

That’s why it’s worth investing the time into researching all the options and finding a smart lock that meets all your short and long-term requirements.

Hostfully PMS understands that most property managers can’t afford to compromise on cost, efficiency, or security. So, we’re launching our new Smart Devices feature so you won’t have to. You can take care of codes, monitoring, and guest communication via our centralized dashboard to make access management easier than ever.