When your phone lights up with a frantic message at 1:30 AM, you see the message: "Hi, we just arrived but can't find the lockbox. Can you help?" As you type instructions and hope your guests don't wake the neighbors, you wonder if there's a better way to handle check-ins. Or perhaps you've felt the sinking feeling of realizing a key hasn't been returned, wondering if you need to change the locks again.
Access management isn't just a convenience issue for Airbnb hosts and short-term rental property managers. It's a fundamental aspect of your business impacting security, guest satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Keyless and smart locks have revolutionized the industry, offering unparalleled control, security, and convenience that traditional keys cannot match.
In this guide, we outline the essential features for a rental property lock, review the best keyless door locks for Airbnb, and help you choose the perfect one to protect your investment and delight your guests. Whether you manage a single property or multiple units, finding the right smart lock can transform your hosting experience.
Our Top 5 Picks: The Best Keyless Door Locks for Airbnb
After extensive research and testing, we've identified the top contenders that offer the ideal combination of reliability, features, and value for short-term rental hosts.
Schlage Encode Plus™ SmartWiFi Deadbolt
The Schlage Encode Plus is the most reliable and full-featured smart lock on the market. It has built-in Wi-Fi (no hub required) and offers versatility with a touchscreen keypad, mobile app control, and Apple Home Key support, allowing iPhone users to unlock the door with a tap. As a trusted name in security for over a century, Schlage's expertise is evident in the robust construction and Grade 1 ANSI/BHMA certification.
Pros:
- Built-in Wi-Fi without needing a separate bridge or hub
- Exceptionally durable with commercial-grade construction (ANSI/BHMA Grade 1)
- Compatibility for tap-to-unlock functionality
- Up to 100 unique access codes with scheduling capabilities
Cons:
- Premium price point ($300+)
- Larger profile than some competing models
- The app interface could be more intuitive.
Best For: Hosts prioritizing reliability, ease of use, and a trusted security brand. This is ideal for high turnover or remote management, making it the top choice for Schlage Encode for Airbnb setups.
Yale Assure Lock 2
The Yale Assure Lock 2 combines sleek design and functional versatility. Its standout feature is the modular design; you can buy the base Bluetooth model and add Wi-Fi later, or get the full-featured version. This lock is 30% smaller than previous Yale models, with a clean, modern aesthetic that complements contemporary and traditional doors.
Pros:
- A sleek, minimalist design with multiple finishes
- Modular connectivity lets you upgrade from Bluetooth to Wi-Fi.
- Compatible with major smart home platforms (Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa)
- Auto-unlock feature when you approach with your smartphone
Cons:
- If the Wi-Fi module is not purchased as a bundle, it adds to the base cost.
- Requires a strong Wi-Fi signal at the door location
- Battery life shorter with Wi-Fi module installed
Best For: The design-conscious host wanting flexible features and connectivity. An ideal Yale Assure lock for rental properties where aesthetics and future-proofing matter.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock retrofits over your existing deadbolt, making it perfect for hosts with installation limitations. This compact, circular device attaches to the interior of your standard deadbolt, leaving the exterior unchanged, an ideal solution for rental properties with restrictions on changing exterior hardware. It connects directly to Wi-Fi without a bridge and offers exceptional software integration.
Pros:
- Retrofits over existing deadbolt, so you can keep your original keys and exterior hardware.
- Smallest August model yet with built-in Wi-Fi
- The August app offers excellent integration with Airbnb, HomeAway, and other platforms.
- Auto-lock and unlock features based on proximity
Cons:
- Requires a compatible deadbolt (doesn't work with all models)
- Battery life is shorter than some competitors (3-6 months).
- No built-in keypad (requires separate August keypad purchase)
Best For: Hosts in apartments or condos with restrictions on changing exterior hardware, or those who want easy installation without compromising on smart features.
Wyze Lock Bolt
The Wyze Lock Bolt offers great value at a fraction of the cost of premium options. This budget-friendly keypad door lock for vacation rentals combines fingerprint access and a backlit keypad in a sleek package. It lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, making it an excellent option for local hosts who don't need advanced remote features.
Pros:
- Exceptional value (under $100)
- Fast fingerprint reader (works in under 1 second)
- Simple installation with no additional hubs required
- Up to 20 fingerprints and 50 keypad codes
Cons:
- Bluetooth-only (no remote access without additional Wyze products)
- Limited integration with booking platforms
- No backup physical key
Best For: Hosts on a tight budget who manage their property locally and don't need full remote management, or as a cost-effective solution for secondary entry points.
Lockly Vision Elite
The Lockly Vision Elite represents the premium market, combining a smart lock with a video doorbell in one unit. Its standout security feature is the patented PIN Genie technology that randomly shuffles digit positions on the display, preventing code theft through shoulder surfing or fingerprint smudges. It includes a built-in 1080p camera with night vision and two-way audio.
Pros:
- All-in-one solution combining doorbell camera and smart lock
- Unique PIN Genie technology for enhanced code security
- Built-in video recording with real-time alerts
- Multiple access methods: keypad, fingerprint, app, physical key
Cons:
- Highest price point on our list ($500+)
- Larger footprint due to integrated camera
- More complex installation process
- Requires good Wi-Fi and power connection for all features.
Best For: The security-focused host who wants an all-in-one access and monitoring solution for their front door, particularly for higher-end properties where the investment is justified.
Why Your Airbnb Needs a Keyless Door Lock
Upgrading from traditional locks to keyless entry is a strategic business decision that delivers immediate and long-term benefits for any serious host.
- Enhanced Security and Peace of Mind: With a keyless system, you can assign unique, time-sensitive access codes to each guest, eliminating the risks of physical keys. When a guest checks out, their code is deactivated, ensuring they can't re-enter. No more worrying about lost, stolen, or duplicated keys compromising your property's security.
- Unmatched Convenience (for You and Your Guests): Keyless locks enable 24/7 automated check-in for Airbnb, allowing guests to arrive on their schedule without your physical presence. Guests appreciate the hassle-free arrival experience, especially after long journeys when they want a smooth check-in. This streamlined arrival directly contributes to enhancing the guest experience.
- Streamlined Operations & Management: Keyless entry transforms your workflow for hosts managing multiple properties or working with a team. You can create unique codes for cleaners and maintenance staff with specific access windows, monitor entries and exits, and receive notifications when someone enters your property. This access log gives you complete visibility and control over who enters your rental and when.
6 Must-Have Features in a Smart Lock for Rental Property
Not all smart locks are equal for the high-traffic demands of a vacation rental. Here are the critical features to evaluate.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi vs. Bluetooth
The connectivity method of your smart lock determines how and from where you can control it. Wi-Fi allows true remote management, enabling you to create new codes, lock or unlock the door, and receive notifications from anywhere with internet access. Bluetooth works only when you're physically near the lock (typically within 30-50 feet).
A lock with built-in Wi-Fi or one that connects to a Wi-Fi bridge is essential for short-term rentals. Without remote capability, you need to be physically present or within Bluetooth range to change access codes or respond to lockouts, which defeats the smart lock's convenience.
Access Methods: More Than a Code
The most crucial access method for guests is a keypad (no app or phone required), but the best locks offer multiple entry options. Look for models that offer:
- Secure digital keypads with scrambling digit patterns for added security.
- Mobile app access (ideal for you as the host)
- Optional fingerprint scanners (less common but convenient for owners and regular staff)
- Physical key backup (essential for emergencies like battery failures)
More options mean more flexibility in managing access for different users and handling potential issues.
Guest Code Management & Automation
This feature separates basic smart locks from rental-friendly ones. The difference is between manually programming codes for each guest versus automated guest code generation. Premium locks offer software that can:
- Automatically create
- Send codes to guests at predetermined times (e.g., morning of check-in)
- Automatically deactivate codes when the guest's stay ends
- Create temporary codes for maintenance or cleaning staff.
This automation saves countless hours of manual coordination and reduces the risk of human error in access management.
Platform & PMS Integration
The gold standard for vacation rental locks is seamless Airbnb smart lock integration with booking platforms and Property Management Software (PMS). When your lock integrates with systems like Airbnb, Vrbo, Guesty, or Hostaway, the code generation process happens automatically:
- A guest books your property.
- The integration detects the new reservation.
- The system generates a unique access code for the stay duration.
- The code is included in pre-arrival instructions to the guest.
This automation creates a professional, frictionless experience for you and your guests.
Battery Life & Power Failure Plan
Understanding the power management of smart locks is crucial since they are battery-powered. Look for:
- Long battery life (6-12 months under normal use)
- Low-battery notifications (sent before failure)
- Backup power options, such as:
- 9V battery terminals on the exterior to power a dead lock
- Physical key override capability
- Extended battery life modes that disable power-hungry features to extend operation.
The best locks warn you before batteries die and provide multiple contingency options.
Security & Durability (ANSI/BHMA Grade)
If the lock isn't secure, smart features are meaningless. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) classify locks into three grades:
- Grade 1: Highest commercial security, designed to withstand extreme force
- Grade 2: High-quality residential security for homes
- Grade 3: Minimum standard for basic residential security.
For a rental property, the minimum lock is a Grade 2 lock, with Grade 1 preferred for high-traffic or urban properties. Check the lock's Ingress Protection (IP) rating for weather exposure; look for at least IP65 for outdoor installations.
Integrating Your Lock into a Seamless Operation
Choosing the best keyless door lock for Airbnb is essential for modernizing your rental operation. However, it's just one component of an automated hosting setup. The real magic happens when your smart lock works with other systems, triggering cleaning notifications after check-out, syncing with smart thermostats to adjust temperatures upon arrival, or integrating with noise monitoring devices to protect your property.
Setting up and managing these interconnected systems, from locks to messaging to cleaners, can feel like a full-time job. A dedicated property management partner can transform your business, handling all the operational complexities so you can focus on the profits and growth of your portfolio rather than day-to-day logistics.
At Checkmate Rentals, we specialize in full-service vacation rental management that uses technology. Our co-hosting model ensures you retain ownership of your listing while we handle guest access, communication, cleaning, and maintenance, with transparent, contract-free service. Learn how Checkmate Rentals can automate and optimize your short-term rental business today.
FAQs
Can I install a keyless door lock myself?
Yes, most smart locks allow DIY installation with just a screwdriver and 30-60 minutes. Manufacturers provide detailed instructions and videos. Retrofit options like the August Smart Lock are easy to install. If you're uncomfortable with the installation or have a non-standard door, hiring a professional locksmith is a wise investment.
What if the Wi-Fi or power goes out?
Smart locks have redundancies for connectivity and power issues. If the Wi-Fi goes out, you lose remote management capabilities, but existing access codes will work via the keypad. The lock operates on battery power, so a power outage won't affect functionality. For battery failures, premium locks provide backups: low battery warnings (weeks before), emergency power terminals (for 9V batteries), or physical key overrides. This approach ensures you are never completely locked out.
Do these locks integrate directly with the Airbnb app?
The locks don't integrate directly within the Airbnb app. Instead, they integrate with Airbnb's backend system, typically through third-party software or the lock manufacturer's platform. Services like Hostaway, Guesty, or manufacturer-specific applications (like the Schlage Home app) can pull reservation data from Airbnb and automatically generate and manage access codes based on check-in and check-out dates. This creates a seamless experience where guests receive their unique code in their check-in instructions without requiring manual code creation from you.
Conclusion
Finding the best keyless door lock for your Airbnb depends on your needs, budget, and property. For most hosts, a reliable performer like the Schlage Encode Plus offers the ideal balance of security, features, and ease of use. Those with installation restrictions might prefer the August retrofit design, while budget-conscious hosts can get solid performance from the Wyze Lock Bolt.
The investment in keyless entry will pay off through time saved, enhanced security, and improved guest satisfaction, regardless of the model you choose. In today's competitive short-term rental market, these small touches create the professional, frictionless experience that earns five-star reviews and repeat bookings. Your future self, free from middle-of-the-night lockout calls and key handoff coordination, will thank you.
