If you're thinking about putting your home up for rent on AirBnB or a similar site, you may be wondering how to handle logistics such as getting the keys to your guests and ensuring your home is safe. To help you get started, here's everything you need to consider about locks before you become an AirBnB host.
1. Lock Boxes Are Ideal for Remote Check-Ins
If you live in the area or if you're renting out a home in your primary residence, you can check in guests in person and give them a key. If you're not in the area, consider using a lockbox. Commonly used by real estate agents, these are small locked boxes that fit over your door knob. Guests can open the box with a code, and your key is inside waiting for them.
2. Outline Lost Key Policies in Your House Rules
AirBnB lets hosts create a set of house rules. This can cover items such as whether or not drinking is allowed, whether you accept pets, and similar rules, but you may also want to address what happens if guests lose a key. For instance, you may want to charge guests for lock replacement costs if they lose your keys.
3. Consider Including a Spare Key
So guests don't accidentally lock themselves out, you may want to hide a spare key at your place. That way if guest call you to say they've locked themselves out, you can just conveniently reply, "there's a spare key under the flower pot", and the issue is instantly and easily resolved.
4. Look Into Coded Locks
Alternatively, bypass the hassles associated with keys, and install a coded electronic lock on your property. With these locks, you can often change the code remotely, which is ideal if you're not near the property. You can also give a unique code to all your guests and change it once they live. With this setup, you don't have to worry about people copying keys and coming back to rob the place.
5. Add Chain Locks
When guests are staying in a strange city, they may want the extra assurance of locks that they can lock from the inside. Because of this, you may want to add chain locks or deadbolts to your property. If you rent out a room in your home, you may also want to install a small lock so the guest can lock the door from the inside. Small touches like this can help improve guest experiences.
