Compare smart locks for STR properties. Auto-generated guest codes, PMS integration, battery monitoring, installation ease. Operator reviews and ratings.
Three features that matter most when you're turning over dozens of guests monthly.
The lock syncs directly with your property management system. Guest codes generate automatically at check-in and expire at checkout. No manual code entry. No codes that don't work. No guests locked out because you forgot to update the app.
Specs say 12 months. Reality is different depending on traffic, temperature, and wifi strength. Smart lock claims often fall short. The best performers maintain consistent battery life across properties and climates, with clear low-battery warnings and easy replacement.
Some locks require professional installation. Others fit standard deadbolts and go in with a screwdriver. The difference is hundreds of dollars per property if you're installing across a portfolio. Compatibility matters. Fit matters. Installation support matters.
"The PMS integration changed everything. Codes generate automatically. I don't think about locks anymore. Guests check in easily. That simplicity, across 12 properties, is worth the premium we paid."
"We had one bad lock that drained battery in 6 months. Now we're on year 3 with the same batteries on several properties. Reliability means fewer emergency visits and happier guests."
A checklist operators use to evaluate locks before installing across properties.
Not all smart locks integrate with all PMS platforms. Check compatibility. Test the integration in a trial. Make sure automatic code generation actually works. Ask the lock company for a reference operator who uses your PMS.
Order one lock and install it yourself. Does it fit your deadbolt? Can you complete installation without calling for help? Is the app intuitive? If installation is a struggle on one property, it'll be a struggle on ten.
Know how often you'll need to replace batteries. Plan replacement before you get low-battery alerts. Some operators replace every 9 months as preventative maintenance. Others monitor and replace on demand. Pick your approach before you install.
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