5 Good Airbnb Contact-Free Key Access On Rentals This 2025

It is indeed truly an act of sacrifice, time consuming and inconvenient for both Airbnb hosts and guests when key handing in-person is the only way to access the keys to your property. Imagine you have multiple bookings in a week and apart from that, you have responsibilities on other aspects of property managing. Additionally, you have family errands and handing a key in-person to a every guests is theoretically impossible during the time of your son's or daughter's graduation. 

Coordinating schedules, dealing with traffic and managing last-minute delays are the issues that may arise when in-person check-in is the only way to make key exchanges for your rental properties. For many Airbnb guest arriving late at night or from different time zones, in-person check-ins might leave guests feel like a challenge instead of a warm welcome may it be late or early check-in.

Additionally, hosts managing multiple properties or living far from their listings may find it impractical to be present for every check-in. Emergencies or unforeseen circumstances can further complicate the process, leaving both parties frustrated. As a result, any hosts of Airbnb may discover more efficient ways to streamline the check-in process that helps build efficiency in granting access.

But in today's innovative time, there are actual existing ways in practice that most property managers do and Airbnb allows to provide a high standard key-exchange solution which enhances security but also streamlines flexible check-in options that can provide a seamless check-in experience for your guests to arrive. Let's discuss them in this article. 

In-Person Check-Ins May Not Be The Best Option for Airbnb Hosts

It is indeed truly an act of sacrifice, time consuming and convenient for both Airbnb hosts and guests when key handing in-person is the only way to access the keys to your property. Imagine you have multiple bookings in a week and apart from that, you have responsibilities on other aspects of property management. Additionally, you have family errands and handing a key in-person to every guest is theoretically impossible during the time of your son's or daughter's graduation. 

Coordinating schedules, dealing with traffic and managing last-minute delays are the issues that may arise when in-person check-in is the only way to make key exchanges for your rental properties. For many Airbnb guests arriving late at night or from different time zones, in-person check-ins might leave guests feeling like a challenge instead of a warm welcome may it be late or early check-in.

Additionally, hosts managing multiple properties or living far from their listings may find it impractical to be present for every check-in. Emergencies or unforeseen circumstances can further complicate the process, leaving both parties frustrated. As a result, any hosts of Airbnb may discover more efficient ways to streamline the check-in process that helps build efficiency in granting access.

But in today's innovative time, there are actual existing ways in practice that most property managers do and Airbnb allows to provide a high standard key-exchange solution which enhances security but also streamlines flexible check-in options that can provide a seamless check-in experience for your guests to arrive. Let's discuss them in this article. 

1. Remote Key Exchange Via KeyNest On Your Rental Listing

Using KeyNest is a game-changer for any Airbnb host or property owner. It allows hosts to deposit their property keys in a secure location nearby where guests checks the key and can collect them at any time. This method eliminates the need for face-to-face meet ups and offers peace of mind with trackable transactions. 

Imagine a hassle-free check-in process where guests would be greeted with a warm welcome and their keys are conveniently waiting for them without the host ever showing up on-site.

KeyNest Point services make this a reality by acting as a trusted intermediary between hosts and guests in the Airbnb community that will enhance the guest experience. 

How Does KeyNest Work?

KeyNest offers a simple and secure way for hosts to hand over keys and stay ahead of booking requests on platforms like Airbnb of guests without the need to meet all of them in person. Keys are stored in a network of trusted partner locations, such as cafes or convenience stores. Guests receive a unique collection code to pick up the keys at their convenience.

KeyNest locations are available 24/7 in many areas ensuring flexibility whenever it suits your guests. For hosts, this solution reduces the hassle of scheduling handovers while maintaining security and convenience remotely that gives a convenient experience as an Airbnb host after booking is done on the Airbnb platform.

2. Smart Locks For Your Airbnb Listing

Smart locks enable guests to access the property using a code or a smartphone app. These devices can be programmed to generate random and unique not used Airbnb numerical codes for each guest ensuring security in property hosting on Airbnb. Smart locks also allow hosts to manage access remotely making them ideal for tech-savvy properties. With smart locks, hosts can conveniently provide guests with entry credentials through email or text messages eliminating the need for physical key handovers.

In addition to offering remote access control, these innovative devices allow hosts to set schedules for specific access periods where hosts and guests can leave and come in at specific times. This feature ensures that guests can only enter the property during designated times that definitely aligns with your property needs and enables seamless access to Airbnb experience even when you're away.

While they offer convenience and security, smart locks typically come with a substantial price tag. Hosts must factor in installation costs, ongoing maintenance expenses, and the potential need for branded spare parts.

Another consideration is the compatibility of smart locks with communal doors in multi-unit buildings. If there is a shared entrance, obtaining consent from all neighbours may be necessary before installing a smart lock. This requirement ensures a unified approach to security and access control within the building.

Pricing: £200 - £500 for the lock, plus installation cost

3. Keyless Entry Systems For Your Bookings

Similar to smart locks, keyless entry systems eliminate the need for physical keys. These systems use advanced technology such as facial recognition or biometrics to grant access. While they can be more expensive, they offer a high-tech, modern solution that the cost of what Airbnb offers.

These innovative systems utilise smartphone apps or keypads to grant guests access to Airbnb properties eliminating the need for physical keys. Keyless entry systems provide unique access codes for each guest. Hosts can easily set up personalised codes that can be changed or revoked as necessary.

Why doesn't it work for anyone though? Maybe it's a good idea but if your property is located in a building with communal access, you won’t be able to install it unless every apartment owner in the building agrees to have it done as well. Plus, the installation and maintenance costs are quite significant if you're willing to spend which Airbnb doesn't cover.

Pricing: £150-£300 + installation cost

4. Lockbox (Key Safe)

The most basic way of key exchange. Get a box, put it on the wall, set a code, and done. Sounds simple, right? Using an Airbnb lockbox is a budget-friendly alternative for remote check-ins to stay in Airbnb listings. Hosts just needs a place to store the keys in a lock box with a combination lock which guests can access with a provided code. This low-maintenance option works well for properties with simple access requirements.

However, these used to work well until local councils went to war to use a lockbox and started banning them from the streets. Check what’s the regulation at the moment in your area, but, likely, these little boxes are not legal to use in your borough from anyone who has experience as a local Airbnb host.

One more factor worth knowing, currently, there are over 300,000 websites and videos showing when putting “how to break into a lockbox” on Google. Some of the videos show how to open it in less than 30 seconds - and such videos are easily found on Youtube which leaves bad reviews from previous hosts.

So it’s a cheap, quick solution for key exchange - the question is, do you want to risk it?

Pricing: £20-50

5. Hide-A-Key For Your Long-Term or Short-Term Rental 

The hide-a-key method involves concealing a spare key in a discreet location, such as under a rock or near the property entrance. While cost-effective, it’s less secure and should only be used as a last resort or in combination with other security measures.

Hiding a key somewhere near the door is another (very dangerous) alternative to key boxes for remote check-ins. This method involves leaving a spare key in a front door vicinity such as under the trash bin or inside a fake hollow pebble for guests to pick up upon arrival.

It's essential to ensure that the key is well-hidden and secure as leaving a key in an obvious location can pose a ridiculously high-security risk. Hosts should also provide clear instructions on where to find the key and emphasise the importance of keeping it safe during their stay as one of house rules.

However, we would never recommend a hide-a-key method to anyone which neglects Airbnb support. Nowadays, this is such a risky and obvious way to lose your house key to a random thief and it’s just absolutely not worth it which can lead to a lack of positive reviews on your rental property and which Airbnb also does not encourage.

Pricing: starts at £10

About KeyNest

KeyNest stands out as a reliable solution for Airbnb hosts looking to streamline property access operations remotely. With thousands of locations worldwide, it offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience. Any good Airbnb host can rest assured that their keys are stored securely and guests can enjoy a smooth check-in experience. By incorporating KeyNest into your Airbnb strategy, you can save time to focus on delivering exceptional hospitality and in return, have positive Airbnb reviews.

With KeyNest, you can drop off a key at one of our 4,000+ convenient locations, such as local stores or cafes. Guests, cleaners, or contractors will be able to securely retrieve the key from the KeyNest Point (usually open 24/7). Uf we don’t have a store close enough to you yet, then fill out our point request form - we aim to fulfill all requests within two weeks.

You'll receive notifications each time the key is picked up and returned, and you can even set custom check-in and check-out times for added convenience. 

KeyNest has an expanding network of locations globally, likely just a few minutes away from your property, visit our website at https://keynest.com/ to learn more or contact us.

Neil Beltran 1 December 2024