Best Smart Locks for Airbnbs and Rental Hosts
Managing a short-term rental property involves many logistics, but few are as stressful as physical key handovers. For Airbnb and VRBO hosts, a reliable smart lock is not just a gadget; it is an essential business tool. By switching to remote-access locks from trusted brands like Schlage, Yale, and August, you can automate check-ins, improve security, and eliminate the need for late-night trips to let guests in.
The Criteria for Rental Property Locks
When choosing a lock for your own home, you might prioritize voice control or proximity unlocking. However, the needs of a rental host are different. Before looking at specific models, you must understand the features that prevent bad reviews and guest lockouts.
- Integrated Keypads: Guests generally dislike downloading third-party apps just to unlock a door. A physical keypad is the gold standard for rentals because it is intuitive and universally understood.
- Remote Code Management: You need the ability to create, delete, and view access codes from your couch, not just when you are within Bluetooth range of the door. This requires a Wi-Fi connection.
- Platform Integration: The best locks sync directly with Airbnb or property management software (like Guesty) to automatically generate a unique code for each booking and expire it at checkout.
- Battery Reliability: A dead lock means a stranded guest. You need locks with long battery life and emergency backup power options.
Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt: The Reliability Choice
The Schlage Encode is often cited as the top choice for remote hosts because of its simplicity and durability. Unlike many competitors that require a separate plastic “bridge” or hub plugged into a nearby outlet to connect to the internet, the Schlage Encode has Wi-Fi built directly into the lock mechanism.
Hardware and Security
Schlage carries a reputation for heavy-duty hardware. The Encode is ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified, which is the highest residential security rating available. It features a capacitive touchscreen keypad that is resistant to fingerprints, meaning thieves cannot guess your code by looking for worn-out buttons.
Hosting Features
- Direct Connection: Because it connects straight to your router, there is one less piece of equipment to fail. If the Wi-Fi is up, your lock is online.
- Code Capacity: You can store up to 100 permanent, temporary, or recurring access codes.
- Pricing: The Schlage Encode typically retails between $260 and $300. While it is on the pricier end, the lack of a required hub saves you money and setup time.
Yale Assure Lock 2: The Sleek Modular Option
Yale has refined its smart lock offerings significantly with the Assure Lock 2. This unit is notably smaller and sleeker than the Schlage Encode. Yale offers this lock in “Keyed” and “Key-Free” models. For rentals, the Keyed model is often safer as it provides a physical override if the electronics fail.
Connectivity and Modules
The Yale Assure Lock 2 uses a modular system. You insert a small “Smart Module” into the back of the lock to determine how it communicates. For Airbnb hosts, you should specifically purchase the Wi-Fi Smart Module version.
Hosting Features
- Airbnb Integration: Yale is owned by Fortune Brands (which also owns August), so it uses the robust August app software. This allows for seamless integration with Airbnb. When a guest books, the system automatically sends them a code that is valid only for their stay.
- DoorSense: This model comes with a sensor that tells you if the door is physically open or closed, not just locked or unlocked. This is vital for hosts who want to ensure the property is secure after checkout.
- Pricing: The Wi-Fi version of the Yale Assure Lock 2 generally costs around $230 to $260.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock: The Retrofit Solution
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation) takes a different approach. It replaces only the interior thumb-turn of your existing deadbolt. This means the outside of your door looks exactly the same, and your original physical keys still work.
Why Choose August?
This is the ideal solution for hosts who own condos with strict HOA rules regarding door aesthetics, or for renters who are sub-letting and cannot change the exterior hardware.
The Keypad Requirement
There is a catch for rental hosts. The August lock itself does not have a keypad; it is designed for app-based entry. To make this viable for Airbnb, you must purchase the separate August Smart Keypad (approximately $60). Without the keypad, guests would be forced to download the August app and create an account, which creates friction during check-in.
Hosting Features
- Activity Feed: The app provides a very detailed log of who entered and when.
- Auto-Lock: You can set the door to automatically lock after a set period (e.g., 2 minutes), ensuring the property is never left vulnerable.
- Battery Life: One downside to the August Wi-Fi model is battery consumption. Because the Wi-Fi is built into a small unit powered by CR123 batteries, you may find yourself changing them every 3 to 4 months in a high-traffic rental.
Comparing Failure Points and Backups
No technology is perfect, and in the hospitality business, you need a Plan B.
Schlage Encode: If the batteries die, you can use a standard physical key. If the electronics fail completely, the key still works.
Yale Assure Lock 2 (Key-Free): If you choose the Key-Free model and the batteries die, there is no keyhole. However, there are two metal contacts on the bottom of the keypad. You can hold a 9V battery against these contacts to temporarily power the lock and enter your code.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock: Since the exterior hardware remains unchanged, your original house key is your backup. This is the most failsafe method, provided you have a lockbox hidden somewhere on the property with a spare key for emergencies.
Final Recommendation for Hosts
If you want a “set it and forget it” solution and can change your door hardware, the Schlage Encode is the strongest contender due to its direct Wi-Fi connection and Grade 1 security rating.
If you want the best software integration and a sleeker look, the Yale Assure Lock 2 is excellent, provided you are comfortable with the module system.
If you cannot change the outside of your door, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock paired with their wireless keypad is your only viable option, though it requires more frequent battery maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do smart locks work if the Wi-Fi goes down?
Yes. The codes are stored locally on the lock itself. If the Wi-Fi cuts out, the codes you already programmed will still work. However, you will not be able to add new codes or change existing ones remotely until the internet is restored.
Can I use rechargeable batteries in these locks?
It is generally not recommended. Rechargeable batteries often run at a slightly lower voltage (1.2V) compared to standard alkaline batteries (1.5V). This can cause the lock to report low battery levels incorrectly or fail to drive the motor with enough force. High-quality alkaline or lithium batteries are preferred.
How do I prevent guests from seeing the code I type?
Both Schlage and Yale offer features to obscure your code. Schlage screens often require you to press two random numbers before entering your code to ensure fingerprints are distributed across the whole screen.
Do these locks connect to Ring or Nest?
The Schlage Encode works very well with the Ring ecosystem (Amazon), allowing you to see who is at the door and unlock it from the Ring app. The Yale Assure Lock 2 works with most major platforms, including Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa.