RemoteLock, Author at Turno

How to Select the Best Smart Lock for Airbnb

RemoteLock — Sat, 30 Jul 2022 01:46:47 +0000

Lever or Deadbolt?

Whether your smart lock employs a deadbolt or lever mechanism depends on personal preference and the use case for each rental property.

Deadbolts require a more precise installation process to ensure that the extending deadbolt aligns perfectly with the door’s strike plate. Levers use a spring latch and are typically more forgiving with minor strike-plate alignment issues.

Most often, your decision between a smart deadbolt or lever is determined by the existing lock you are replacing. If your existing door has a separate lever and deadbolt, the easiest change will be to upgrade the deadbolt lock and leave the existing lever lock in place.

Wi-Fi or Z-Wave?

Wi-Fi and Z-Wave are two of the most popular connection technologies for smart locks on the market today. Smart locks employing Wi-Fi connect directly to the internet just like other common devices do (smartphones, computers, streaming devices, etc.).

Wireless means just what you think — no wires or cables needed to connect to the internet. Your internet router(s) broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal around your property, and the Wi-Fi-enabled smart locks directly connect to this signal.

On the other hand, Z-Wave smart locks require a gateway to connect to your Wi-Fi network. These types of locks come with a hub that works as a bridge from the smart lock to your Wi-Fi network.

Z-Wave works on a completely different radio frequency that won’t interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. Z-Wave is known as a mesh technology because the more Z-Wave products you have, the stronger the network.

Some vacation rental owners opt for Wi-Fi smart locks for their wireless simplicity. Other owners who are incorporating smart-home technology (lights, sensors, thermostats, etc.) like the mesh technology of Z-Wave.

Just remember: With Z-Wave, guests may have a tendency to unplug the hub and break the connection to the lock unless you give them explicit instructions and they actually read and remember them.

Offline Locks

What if your property is in a remote location or the Wi-Fi is just not reliable? Smart locks employing algorithmic PIN codes like ReadyPIN are a good solution. For example, by using a cloud-based access control software, you simply create the access schedule you need and the software creates a PIN code specific to the lock and the desired schedule.

When the PIN is entered into the lock, the lock verifies the code via its built-in algorithm to allow access based on the schedule embedded in the PIN. Because the PIN code itself is encrypted with all the access permissions needed, ReadyPIN-enabled smart locks do not ever need to connect online to validate the access credential.

Now, you can bring remote access control capabilities to any door, with or without a Wi-Fi network connection.

PIN Codes

As an Airbnb host, you’ll manage a lot of guests over the course of a year. Make sure your chosen smart lock can store a reasonable amount of PIN codes. Some locks have limited storage for codes, as low as 10 PINs, while others store thousands at a time.

Just remember, if the storage is limited, you’ll need to be more diligent about removing old guest codes unless you are using a software platform like RemoteLock which can queue the codes until just before each reservation.

Weather & Fire Ratings

Not every smart lock is built for all weather conditions. Those vacation rental hosts with properties in coastal or mountain climates should consider smart locks with the appropriate weather-resistance rating.

Look at each lock’s IP (International Protection or Ingress Protection) ratings, which define the levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against foreign bodies like water or dirt.

Lastly, if you’re installing a lock within a building with certain fire codes or standards, you may need to conform to a lock grade or fire rating.

Software: The Smarts in Your Smart Lock

Just remember, smart locks are “smart” because they connect to the cloud and employ software to give you remote control functions and more. Without this software, your smart lock is not much better than a traditional lock. Choose wisely and with an eye toward the future.

You may have just one rental property now, but growing your business is very possible given the strength of the hot vacation rental market.

Unlike many software solutions today that are tied to proprietary hardware, RemoteLock offers universal access control or software that works with many of the most popular brands of smart locks. This ensures you can pick a lock that’s optimal for your application today (price, brand, aesthetics, etc.), and also have the flexibility in place to adapt to whatever the future brings.

For more details on choosing the right keyless entry security system, investigate popular groups on Facebook and LinkedIn. You’ll find dozens of peer-operated groups on either of these popular networking sites in which owners ask questions about managing rentals and members contribute their knowledge.

You can also reach out to an access control expert like those at RemoteLock, who’ve worked with tens of thousands of vacation rental hosts to choose the right access control solution, including smart lock recommendations.

The post How to Select the Best Smart Lock for Airbnb appeared first on Turno.

Understanding Airbnb Smart Locks and Access Control Software

RemoteLock — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 18:20:18 +0000

What Are Airbnb Smart Locks and Electronic Access Control?

Also known as keyless entry, home automation door locks, or smart access control, electronic access control is the ability to control and manage entry to properties via doors and smart locks (or wired solutions for access points such as heavily trafficked main entrances).

You’ve probably seen a smart lock or may even have one at your own residence. A smart lock is an electromechanical lock that allows you to grant access to open your door without a physical key. That’s where “keyless entry” comes from.

Instead of a key, you use a PIN code or an app on your phone to unlock the door. A smart lock connects to the internet via a wireless protocol like Wi-Fi or Z-Wave and receives instructions to lock or unlock from an authorized device. Alternatively, you may use a key card, which is common in commercial applications like office buildings.

There is a multitude of smart locks on the market. But to invest wisely in this vital piece of hardware and ensure your vacation rental is as efficient and safe as possible, you’ll want to pair that smart lock with the right software.

Put Access Control Software to Work for You

Imagine this scenario for a moment: A potential guest finds your vacation rental through a popular booking platform like Airbnb. She books your place and, upon your approval, she receives all the necessary details about her stay and the property, including an automatically generated access code.

Now, she can efficiently check in without needing a key handoff or your actual presence at the property. Plus, she won’t need to keep track of a key.

What if your guest forgets the code? No worries. You can easily text her a new one, and she can even select one that’s easy for her to remember.

The above is all possible with a front door enabled with a smart lock and cloud-based access control software. RemoteLock software is one example of an advanced access control solution that allows vacation rental owners to grant people access to the right spaces at the right time.

Here’s more on how this modern system can help vacation rental owners:

Remote Control: Create or revoke access codes from an app on your phone, anywhere.
Keyless: A modern solution of smart door locks on your property’s doors paired with the right software ensures you never have to deal with lockboxes, lost keys, and lock-outs again.
Automation: With software like RemoteLock, you also benefit from a host of integrated partners. For example, you can easily link your RemoteLock and Airbnb accounts so that access codes are automatically sent to guests upon approved bookings.
Customization: Create custom schedules for housekeeping, and track when cleaners enter and exit.
One App: The guest access control app on your phone or laptop is your point of command to manage access for one door on your property — or hundreds more if you grow.

FAQs: Airbnb Smart Locks and Access Control Software

Whether you’re a first-time Airbnb host or an experienced owner with ten properties, remote access is one of those connected technologies that may seem easy on the surface but requires a bit of know-how and planning. Below are answers to some common questions to ensure your choice in smart access is one of the smartest investments you make.

Are Airbnb smart locks worth it?

Getting the most from your smart lock depends heavily upon the software that enables it. Without it, your smart lock is not much better than a traditional, mechanical lock.

Opt for a modern, cloud-based access solution, and you have the magical ability to control access remotely. That’s a game-changer for many vacation rental hosts who don’t live near their rental properties and even those who do.

With software that’s based in the cloud, you can create and revoke access codes from anywhere. It saves you countless hours running back and forth to your property and eliminates keys, key handoffs, lockouts, and any rekeying costs that come with lost keys.

Are there any disadvantages to smart locks?

There are a few. A smart lock is more expensive than a traditional lock. If you’re not particularly tech-savvy, you may need to hire a locksmith to install the lock, which also adds to the cost.

A smart lock also runs on batteries, which need some monitoring. Most smart locks on the market today have lights that usually activate weeks prior to the battery dying, so you know to change it. When paired with cloud-based software, you’ll see a central dashboard on your smartphone or laptop that shows the battery status for every lock on the platform.

Lastly, some worry that a smart lock is vulnerable to hackers. There is certainly the possibility that someone may try to steal your PIN by watching you enter it.

The other method is that a hacker may try to “sniff” or intercept the signal of a smart lock by capturing the network traffic using a packet sniffer (an application aimed at capturing network packets). This is rarely successful because nearly all smart locks contain a certain method of sequencing to reject a packet or a signal that has already been delivered.

If you’ve invested in software like RemoteLock to enable your smart lock, you gain an additional layer of data protection with SSL encryption and industry best practices at all points of interface.

Are smart locks safer than traditional locks?

When compared to physical keys, smart locks offer more peace of mind and simpler securing solutions than rekeying or replacing locks via the traditional approach. Generally, they are secured with the same standards as your personal banking software. With no keys to lose or fall into the wrong hands, many would argue that a smart lock is actually safer than a physical key.

If you’re using cloud-based software, you can track access history, meaning your dashboard provides a record of people coming and going on your property. That’s real-time visibility into exactly who is accessing your property and when.

Furthermore, the cloud features hardware redundancy and automatic software updates, effectively limiting the risk of unexpected service interruptions. The cloud also allows smart locks to continue to operate normally, even in the event of a local network disruption.

Which comes first: smart locks or access control software?

You could make arguments for both. Looking at your existing mechanical lock on the door and determining the latch type (either tubular or mortise) is a good place to start. Plus, you may have a preference for either deadbolt or latch, which you’ll find in many popular smart lock brands.

Lastly, aesthetics may be a driving factor in your decision as you want the hardware to be attractive or you may want to complement a certain look on the property.

However, given the significant efficiencies empowered through access control software, many experts may guide you to look at the software first. With universal access software, you have your choice from many popular smart lock brands instead of being locked into one proprietary lock brand.

It’s Time to Ditch the Keys

For any vacation rental business owner, property safety is always a concern. Short-term rentals can have a high risk of trespassing, break-ins, and theft. With the constant flow of guests, cleaners, and hired help, anything can happen.

Vacation rental business owners typically like to automate their locking and security systems. Not only does it save them time from having to drive back and forth between properties to drop keys off, but it offers them peace of mind in knowing that their property is secure.

If you’re ready to drop the physical keys and switch to a more efficient access control solution, the switch is easier than you think.

The post Understanding Airbnb Smart Locks and Access Control Software appeared first on Turno.

4 Reasons to Invest in Smart Locks and Access Control Software

RemoteLock — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 09:23:00 +0000

The Software Behind the Smarts

First things first: What is access control software? Won’t a smart lock alone do the trick?

Yes, a smart lock is an upgrade to access as it eliminates physical keys. But because you must manually input and change PIN codes right on the lock, this solution isn’t that much better than a traditional key and mechanical lock.

Add access control software to remotely manage the smart lock, and you’ve just taken efficiency to a whole new level, especially if you have more than one property.

Adding this transformative technology to your vacation rental business can be a small or big investment depending on the size of your portfolio. Either way, you’ll want to understand if smart locks and access control software are right for you.

Read on for the top reasons many vacation rental operators opt for this investment in smart technology.

1. Eliminate Physical Keys

With keyless access, gone are the hassles of tracking down keys or rekeying costs if a key is ever lost. You can also forget about lockboxes and constantly changing the codes (or not changing the code, which is a horror story waiting to happen). Smart locks empowered by access control software put access codes right at your fingertips.

For guests, going keyless couldn’t be easier. There are no keys to accidentally forget or lose, nor do multiple keys have to be shared if it’s a big group of guests. Instead, there’s the ease of entry with a four-digit code, a technological amenity most of today’s guests expect.

2. Control Access Remotely

With access control software like RemoteLock, you now have that magic wand ability to make a few clicks to let someone in instead of being on-site.

RemoteLock is specifically designed to allow property owners to create and revoke access privileges remotely from a dashboard on a smartphone or laptop. So instead of being on-site, you can issue access codes for the guest who forgets the original code and the HVAC repair professional who needs immediate access.

3. Create Custom Access Schedules

Offering a clean — more like spotless — space is imperative for getting good reviews. In fact, lack of cleanliness is one of the top reasons guests leave negative reviews. As this factor is so critical to your business, you want those turnovers to go as reliably and smoothly as possible.

Using your access control software, you can easily create a customized access schedule for your cleaner. Set it up so that your cleaner’s access code works in the three-hour window right after a guest checks out. You can quickly monitor the cleaner’s access, so you know the work is completed on time and well before the next guest checks in.

Without keys to hand off, you save loads of time. Amp up this efficiency with software like Turno’s cleaning automation platform, which also happens to integrate with RemoteLock.

Now, your cleaners can report issues seen during the turnover process with photos and descriptions and send them your way. You can then share these details and an access code with a preferred handyman or service professional to get the issues quickly resolved.

4. Grow Your Business

Many vacation rental owners start small with just one rental property. Adding more properties to your portfolio becomes more attainable when you have the kind of automation generated by software like RemoteLock and Turno in place.

These platforms are designed to scale as you grow. Start with one door, then simply add more doors as your portfolio expands.

Bonus: RemoteLock software goes one step further by integrating with popular booking platforms like Airbnb, Guesty, Streamline, and more. Once your RemoteLock and booking platform accounts are linked, the access control software automatically sends access codes to guests upon approved bookings. How’s that for time savings?

Invest in Electronic Access Control to Grow Your Business

With today’s most advanced technology, vacation rental owners can automate many of their most mundane tasks around access and cleaning and shift valuable resources to revenue-growing strategies.

With a centralized platform like RemoteLock, your locks, your doors, your properties, and all of your favorite software integrations can be managed and controlled from one intuitive interface, saving time, money, and hassle.

Best of all, this platform is designed to grow with your business, giving you the flexibility to easily grow your vacation rental business from one to hundreds of doors.

The post 4 Reasons to Invest in Smart Locks and Access Control Software appeared first on Turno.