Do you own a rental property or Airbnb? With business about to pick back up, it’s imperative to provide smooth, secure access to your guests, and for that matter, yourself. In today’s world, there are more options than ever before for securing your rental property and keeping tabs on it while you’re away.
In this article, you’ll find some excellent options that are lightyears beyond hiding a backup key in a hide-a-key rock. By the time you leave here today, you’ll not only only have learned some new access methods, but some nifty ways to get streaming footage straight from your property to your phone.
Page Contents
#1) Smart Video Doorbell
Source: digitaltrends.com
One of the more popular pieces of home security equipment that’s become increasingly common among the younger crowd is the smart doorbell. Currently, the Ring Video Doorbell is one of the most popular and affordable models on the market that integrates directly with Alexa and the Echo Show.
By installing one of these at your property, you’re able to monitor remotely with motion detection capabilities and the Ring app. Once installed, your tenants will feel safer knowing that they have the ability to speak with visitors and see them in 1080p. Overall, this is a nifty security gadget that shows potential tenants that your security is up to date.
Because you never know, just a little upgrade like this could be what sells a potential guest on your property for a quick boost to your annual income.
#2) Smart Lock w/ Checkout Button
One of the security devices that should be at the top of every Airbnb host’s list is a smart lock with a checkout button. Take the hassle out of the guest check-in/checkout process by automating it with a smart lock for Airbnb rentals recommended here. If you’ve ever rented an Airbnb, you know that relying on the host to be there when you check-in is one of the most stressful parts of the journey.
With an Airbnb smart lock, your guests can self check-in, you’ll set up an automated check-in email, guests receive temporary access codes before check-in, you know when the door is accessed, and lastly, the checkout process is a breeze. Essentially, you safe yourself time & hassle while standing out amongst other rentals that don’t have a smart lock.
Ultimately, you’ll receive more positive reviews on autopilot, which in turn will score you more tenants. As you already know, once the good reviews start, the snowball effect comes into play, and that’s what every Airbnb host wishes for when they first start out.
#3) Bluetooth Lock Box
Source: pocket-lint.com
Another great option for a rental property is a Bluetooth-enabled lock box. This option is good for rental property owners or Airbnb hosts who need to give guests a physical key and access card. Simply program the lock box and place your key & access card inside the box.
Then, you have the option to share temporary access with your guests that allows them to open the box using their phones or a manual code. While this option isn’t quite as automated as a smart lock with a checkout button, it’s more convenient for property owners who need to give new guests a key without being at the property in person.
Lastly, if one challenge you’re currently facing as a host is having to ask a friend or building management to give tenants your key, a Bluetooth lock box solves this problem as long as the guest can access the box.
#4) Smart Fingerprint Deadbolt
One of the most versatile locks for rental properties is the smart deadbolt with a biometric fingerprint reader. This option is good for Airbnb or rental property owners who have a high turnover. With one of these locks, you have several access methods, including fingerprint, virtual key, physical keys, key cards, and via smartphone only.
For example, you have the option to give your guests virtual keys, your maid fingerprint access, and there are multiple personal access methods to ensure you never get locked out. Plus, similar to a smart lock with checkout, you’re able to customize virtual keys to only work during the rental period.
Overall, this lock is a very convenient option with ultimate versatility for rental property owners. The only real drawback is that fingerprint readers can be finicky, so it’s wise to stick with a reliable brand rather than an unknown one.
#5) Floodlight Camera
Source: techhive.com
One final option to consider is a floodlight with camera. If your rental property is situated in a dimly lit area, a floodlight camera gives you the ability to remotely monitor your property when guests aren’t around and the ability to communicate with them when they arrive.
A floodlight camera is best used with other smart devices to allow for easier communication. However, one downfall to consider is that of the security devices in this guide, a floodlight camera may feel the most intrusive to potential guests. For this reason, it depends on your property’s lighting and how helpful it could be to your guests.
However, on the flip side, the ability to communicate with your guests via two-way talk is the main selling point. With other items on this list, you don’t get that same luxury.
Conclusion
Installing modern security devices at your rental property gives both you and your guests peace of mind. Additionally, it helps your property stand out when potential guests are torn between choosing your property and others that might not have a self check-in method.
If you’re an Airbnb host, there’s an option to choose self check-in as a feature at your property. This means when guests choose that as a must-have feature, your property will show up in more searches. In the end, a good smart lock will more than likely pay for itself.
Additionally, if you’re not a fan of the smart lock, there are more options such as a lockbox that help you gain the self check-in attribute. All in all, security is about more than just safety, it’s also about boosting your income.
