Smart locks eliminate the key handover problem entirely. This guide covers choosing, installing, and managing keypad codes for holiday rentals.
Traditional key handovers are one of the biggest friction points in short-term rental hosting. You coordinate a meeting time, wait around if the guest is late, hand over a physical object you might not get back, and repeat the whole thing at check-out. If you manage more than one property, this becomes a logistical nightmare.
Smart locks solve the problem entirely. Guests get a unique code before they arrive, enter it on arrival, and you never need to be physically present. When they leave, the code stops working automatically. No keys to lose, no locksmith callouts, no awkward meetings in car parks.
Not all smart locks are equally suited to short-term rental use. Here is what to look for:
Battery-powered, not mains-wired. Battery locks can be fitted to most existing doors without electrical work. Look for models that alert you when battery levels are low.
Keypad entry as standard. Some smart locks rely solely on a phone app, which creates problems if a guest has no signal or a flat battery. A physical keypad with a code is the most reliable guest-facing option.
Remote code management. You need to be able to create, modify, and delete access codes remotely via an app or API — without physically touching the lock. This is what enables automation.
Tamper alerts. A lock that sends you a notification if someone tries to force entry is worth the extra cost for peace of mind.
Popular brands suited to holiday rentals include Yale, Nuki, Igloohome, and Schlage. Each has different fitting requirements and API capabilities, so check compatibility with your doors and your property management software before purchasing.
The real power of a smart lock in a rental context is per-booking codes. Instead of one static code that you share with every guest (which you then have to change regularly), you generate a unique code for each booking — active only during the check-in to check-out window.
This means:
Managing this manually — generating codes, communicating them to guests, revoking old ones — is error-prone and time-consuming. The right property management software automates the entire process.
LetPilot integrates directly with supported smart lock platforms. When a booking is confirmed, LetPilot automatically generates a unique access code for that guest, valid from the check-in time to the check-out time. The code is included in the automated pre-arrival message and displayed on the guest check-in page.
When the booking ends, the code is automatically revoked. You do not need to do anything.
For cleaning teams, LetPilot can generate a separate code linked to the cleaning task — active for the turnover window only. Cleaners receive their code alongside the task notification.
Smart locks raise legitimate security questions. Here is how to address them:
Backup entry method. Always have a physical key backup in a secure key safe with a different combination. If batteries die or there is a connectivity issue, guests need an alternative.
Code length. Use at least six digits. Four-digit codes are easier to guess or observe.
No permanent codes. Remove any permanent codes that might have been set during installation. Every guest code should be time-limited.
Audit logs. Check your lock logs periodically. An unexpected entry at 3am is something you want to know about.
Notify guests explicitly. Tell guests in your house rules that the property has a smart lock and that their unique code is for their stay only. This sets expectations clearly.
Most smart locks are designed to replace a standard euro cylinder or deadbolt without structural changes. That said:
Beyond the operational benefits, smart locks meaningfully improve the guest experience. Guests arriving at any hour — an early evening flight, a late train — can let themselves in without coordinating with you. There is no anxiety about making it before your key drop-off time closes.
Guests consistently rate self-check-in highly. It gives them autonomy from the moment they arrive, which starts the stay on a positive note. Combined with a clear digital check-in guide, a keypad entry experience feels modern and well-organised — the kind of host professionalism that earns five-star reviews.