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Top 5 Best Keyless Door Lock for AirBnB and Rental Properties in 2021

Are you fed up with scheduling your life around guests’ arrival times or getting locks renewed when guests lose the keys?

We have some good news for you! Smart locks offer a more straightforward solution to people who own vacation rental properties and AirBnBs.

Using smart locks, you can make self-check-in and checkout easier for your guests by using passcodes that expire when your guests check out.

Plus, an electronic lock makes your Airbnb rental more secure. For example, some models can be linked to your smartphone and smart home devices, allowing you to monitor who enters and exits your rental.

With a smart lock, you can save time and money from not meeting someone for check-in physically. Plus, offering self-check-in via a smart lock can make your Airbnb rental more appealing, meaning your listing will attract more bookings.

A smart lock is a must-have for any Airbnb rental. A smart lock with self-check-in increases your Airbnb property’s value and makes it easier for guests to access your rental.

Plus, it frees you from scheduling around your guests’ arrival and departure times, making your life easier as an Airbnb host. Not to mention that smart locks give you more control over who has access to your property and make your home or rental more secure.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the different types of smart locks out there, so let`s not waste any more time and get onto the important part!

Below we have provided you with a list of the five best Keyless door locks for AirBnB and Rental Properties available on the market right now.

Out Top Picks

1. August Smart Lock Pro + Connect

August Smart Lock Pro (3rd Gen) + Connect Hub - Zwave, HomeKit & Alexa Compatible - Silver


The August Smart Lock Pro + Connect is one of the best smart locks for Airbnb because it can be easily attached to a deadbolt. This lock can be operated with your smartphone and is compatible with Amazon’s Alexa system, which lets you control your front door using your voice. 

The lock is incredibly rich with extraordinary features. It comes with August Connect Wi-Fi Bridge for connectivity to a smart hub. It also has a locking mechanism that automatically locks and unlocks your door and lets you know if your door is secured with DoorSense.

You can control and monitor your door from anywhere with the August Smart Lock Pro + Connect. You can keep track of people who come in and out of your door by checking your smartphone.

Pros of purchasing this smart lock

  • It can easily be installed in 10 minutes with a screwdriver
  • Auto-lock and unlocking mechanism
  • Compatibility with apps (compatible with Amazon’s Alexa)

Cons of purchasing this smart lock

  • Higher price tag than average for smart locks
  • Some features require additional purchases

2. Nest x Yale with Nest Connect

Google Nest x Yale Lock - Tamper-Proof Smart Lock for Keyless Entry - Keypad Deadbolt Lock for Front Door - Works with Nest Secure Alarm System - Satin Nickel


The Nest x Yale smart lock is one of the best locks on the market, but it comes at a hefty cost. The biggest safety issue is that you are somewhat limited to the Nest ecosystem. 

The second most significant disadvantage of the Nest x Yale smart lock is the price. You’re mostly paying for the design and extra functions, and the build quality could be better. This is an issue considering the lock’s high price.

If you want a smart lock that blends in with your home’s modern aesthetic, then this may be the smart lock for you.

Pros of purchasing this smart lock

  • Seamless integration with Airbnb for easy check-ins and checkouts of your rental property,
  • August app can be used for door monitoring,
  • Easy installation,
  • Fail-safe connection.

Cons of purchasing this smart lock

  • Extremely sensitive to positioning on installation,
  • No key override.

3. Kwikset 99130-002 SmartCode

Kwikset 99130-002 SmartCode 913 Non-Connected Keyless Entry Electronic Keypad Deadbolt Door Lock Featuring SmartKey Security, Satin Nickel


The Kwikset SmartCode 913 is one of the most basic smart locks on our list. While it is easy to use and set up, the touchpad’s design and interface are dated and lacking in some of the bells and whistles you might see on competing products. However, if you just need something robust and functions well, this is the smart lock to get.

Its feature of not needing Wi-Fi to set up the lock is the main selling point as some Airbnb rentals do not have internet access. The lock is also reasonably cheap compared to the others on this list, making it an attractive buy for Airbnb hosts.

This Kwikset smart lock is comparatively more challenging to install than other smart locks as the instructions aren’t as straightforward as they could be. If you’re not great with tech, look up user-written instruction guides on the internet for this lock. Kwikset’s tech support is pretty helpful, too.

Pros of purchasing this smart lock

  • Perfect for big families,
  • No Wi-Fi needed,
  • Easy to use.

Cons of purchasing this smart lock

  • Outdated design,
  • Despite the name, this lock isn’t all that “smart.”

4. Schlage Z-Wave Connect Camelot

Schlage BE469ZP CAM 716 Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt With Alarm Inbuilt Camelot Trim In Aged Bronze


Schlage is known for its high-quality locks for hotels and office buildings. They have brought this same lock quality to their home smart lock lineup with the Z-Wave Connect Camelot.

This smart lock doesn’t draw attention to itself. The numbers on the unit remain hidden until you press the Schlage button, so idle it won’t light up and waste battery life.

The Schlage Z-Wave smart lock also includes a built-in alarm to warn you of unwanted visitors. Along with the alarm, the lock has other functions such as auto-locking and beeping on open.

And even with all these features, its battery usage is efficient. Some users report that a single battery with everyday use lasts up to one year.

Some users report moisture getting into the control module, so if your Airbnb is in a humid climate, then this may not be the smart lock for you.

Pros of purchasing this smart lock

  • Works with Alexa via SmartThings, Wink, or Iris,
  • Built-in alarm system,
  • Efficient battery usage.

Cons of purchasing this smart lock

  • Only for the US and Canada,
  • Bulky design.

5. Samsung SHS-3321 Digital Door Lock

Samsung Ezon Digital Door Lock SHS-3321 Universial Deadbolt (US version)-[New Model of SHS-3420]


And lastly, there is the Samsung SHS-3321 smart lock. This sleek, smart lock is perfect for Airbnbs concerned with design aesthetics. 

This Samsung lock has all the features you would expect from a high-end lock, such as good design, ability to add multiple codes, automatic lock and unlock modes, Wi-Fi connectivity. The only real complaint about this lock is the installation, as you have to torque the backplate correctly.

Other than those few drawbacks, the Samsung SHS-3321 is a reliable smart lock for your Airbnb rental.

Pros of purchasing this smart lock

  • Can use an RFID card
  • Digital touchpad
  • Loud built-in alarm
  • Great design

Cons of purchasing this smart lock

  • Weak motor compared to competing devices
  • Installation is more problematic than it has to be

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Smart Lock

Let’s break down the essential things to look for when choosing the perfect smart lock for your Airbnb rental.

How easy is it to change the code?

Believe it or not, there are bad people out there who may want to access your property after checking out of your Airbnb. Making sure the code can be changed easily will save you lots of time, and you won’t have to worry about previous guests re-entering the rental.

Here are eight steps you could follow to change the code of your smart lock:

  • Firstly remove the lock taking help from the manufacturer`s instructions,
  • Turn over the lock so it faces downwards. Look for the screws holding the back cover in the back part. You will find two screws, one at the bottom and the other on the top. Remove the screws using a screwdriver.
  • Lift the lock’s back plate off carefully and keep it aside. Take an exact look at every hole in the lock. Some will have blue color while some would have a red. The red ones coincide with the current code combination.
  • Insert tweezers in the red holes and pull out the metal chips and keep them aside. 
  • Think of a new code combination and remove the lock`s blue chips from the numbered holes that conform to your desired combination. Replace the blue ones with red when you remove them.
  •  If there are empty holes, insert the blue chips in them and make sure there are red chips in your numbered holes.
  • Now put the back cover on the device and insert all the screws with the screwdriver.
  • Lastly, turn your lock over to allow the keypad to face you. Press the clear button, and enter your new code combination. Your digital door lock will unlock as soon as you enter the new code combination.

How easy is it to adjust the lock to fit your door?

If every door and lock were built to a standard dimension, it would be easy to fit a deadbolt lock to your door. But they are not. Some are not aligned correctly, and some holes in the doorframe are not deep enough to accommodate the deadbolt rod.

Ensure you are either buying the right specifications for your door or that the deadbolt on your smart lock is adjustable.

Durability and weather-proofing

Airbnbs endure a lot of use, and your smart lock needs to withstand that heavy load. Ensure your Airbnb smart lock is built of quality materials that will stand the test of time and the elements.

Integration with existing smart home devices

With so many different home automation kits out there these days, you need to be sure your smart lock will work with your existing home automation protocols.

When you buy a smart lock that integrates with your other smart home devices, you can see who is coming in and out of your Airbnb with cameras, see check-ins and checkouts, and even change the code. How easy is that!

FAQ

It is quite inevitable that you would have plenty of questions about smart locks, and we are here to answer your queries! So let’s go over some of the most common questions we get about using smart locks for an Airbnb rental:

How do smart locks for Airbnb work?

Using a smart lock for your Airbnb rental is quite simple. Once you’ve installed the lock, all you need to do is set a code and then tell it to your guest over the Airbnb messaging system once their stay is approved.

This makes it easy because you don’t need to meet the customer to physically let them into your rental. Plus, some Airbnb customers look for self-check-in when choosing their rental so that you may attract more bookings as a result.

Do smart locks need Wi-Fi?

Some smart locks need Wi-Fi; others don’t. Most of them only require Wi-Fi for installation and not day-to-day use.

Do smart locks need power?

Most smart locks run on an internal battery inside the unit. Once this battery goes flat, you can usually use a 9-volt battery or a key to get in, depending on the lock.

Which smart locks are compatible with Ring?

Many smart locks are compatible with Ring, including locks by Schlage, Kwikset, and Yale.

Is there a monthly charge for smart locks?

Nearly every smart lock brand out there is an unmonitored solution to home automation and has no monthly charge.

There may be a premium smart lockout there with a monthly charge, but if there is, we don’t recommend it over a regular smart lock. The only monthly payment you should be paying is for your security system and any camera footage you’re saving.

Can smart locks be hacked?

Like anything digital, smart locks can be hacked. In this day and age, even your car can be hacked.

But should you worry about it? No. The chances of someone with the ability to hack your lock and the desire to break into your Airbnb are slim to none at best.

We hope our picks for the best smart locks for Airbnb rentals have made your purchasing decision easier. Just make sure you keep the factors in mind before choosing your smart lock.

Choosing the wrong one could be a costly decision that is easily avoidable!