Short-term rental
Smart lock
Also written: keyless entry, self check-in
What Smart lock means
A smart lock is an electronic locking mechanism that grants property access via digital credentials such as PIN codes, mobile apps, or Bluetooth tokens instead of physical keys. In short-term rentals, it automates guest arrival, eliminates manual key exchanges, and enables remote access management.
How it is used
Operators use smart locks to eliminate front desk staffing requirements, reduce labor costs, and enable 24/7 self check-in. Revenue managers leverage automated access to offer flexible check-in or check-out times for an add-on fee. Integrating smart locks with property management software (PMS) automatically generates unique, time-bound PINs for each reservation, revoking access precisely at checkout. This security measure prevents unauthorized stays and protects against stolen physical keys, while operational dashboards track entry logs to verify turnover team schedules and resolve access disputes.
Worked example
A property manager overseeing 15 short-term rental units installs PMS-integrated smart locks for $200 per unit. By eliminating manual key drop-offs, the operator saves 45 minutes of staff labor per check-in. At 20 bookings per month per unit, this saves 225 labor hours monthly across the portfolio, reducing monthly payroll expenses by $4,500 while improving guest review scores for check-in seamlessness.
Common mistake
Failing to monitor lock battery levels or backup Wi-Fi connections can lead to complete guest lockouts and costly emergency locksmith calls.
Smart lock in our reporting
Recent stories where this term does real work.