Traditional door locks operate solely on mechanics and require a physical key to align tumblers within the lock housing. Modern keyless entry door locks rely on mechanical and electrical means, permitting entry in various ways. Options for unlocking keyless entry locks include entering a key code via a keypad, using a mobile app, tapping the lock with a keycard or fob, or even touching the lock with your finger.

Ensuring your vacation home or short-term rental guests have the keys to enter your property requires you or someone trustworthy to hand over the keys or place them somewhere safe for your guests to find. Although homeowners continue to use these conventions, using a keyless entry for your rental property or vacation home gives you more control over your home's security and makes it easier for guests to come and go without you worrying about lost or stolen keys. In addition to mitigating the risks of multiple people handling physical keys, you regain the time you would have spent handing over those keys to your guests. Here are a few other reasons to consider a keyless entry lock.

Convenience for Guests

A keyless entry system can help make a stay at your vacation home or rental property convenient and relaxing for your guests. Your guests do not need to worry about carrying around house keys or trying to remember where they left them.

Advanced Security

Using a keyless entry lock eliminates the potential for someone to make a duplicate key to your home, providing greater security to your property. You can also monitor who accesses your home — and when — with keyless lock activity reports.

Control From Anywhere

Nowhere near your vacation home or rental? Whether you want to allow or restrict a person’s access to your home or adjust the lock’s settings, a keyless lock that you can manage through an app gives you control of the device regardless of your location.

Improve Your Home’s Marketability

A keyless entry system may improve your home's marketability if or when you decide to sell. Smart devices like keyless door locks appeal to a wider pool of homebuyers, which could land you a considerable ROI.

The best keyless entry for vacation rental properties is one with many features that benefit you and your guests. Besides offering all parties flexibility and convenience, there are several features to look for in a keyless entry lock.

Multiple Access Options

No single access method works for every home or person. However, a smart keyless lock that offers several access options can simplify how you and your guests enter your home. When shopping for a keyless lock, look for various access options such as a key card, keypad, mobile app, voice, touch, proximity, or even a standard door key, which some smart lock users prefer.

Ease of Installation

You cannot overstate the value of an easy installation. A keyless lock that fits a standard 2 ⅜-inch or long 2 ¾-inch backset (the distance between the door’s edge and the middle of the borehole) is easy to install, and setup can save you time and frustration.

Design

To enhance your home and lifestyle, consider a keyless lock that offers a selection of finishes, like satin nickel, polished brass, satin chrome, or matte black. You can also go beyond aesthetics and explore keyless locks with hardware alternatives such as matching levers, a keypad, or a deadbolt that works with your existing lock.

Compatibility With Smart Home Platforms

Adding a keyless door lock like Level Lock to a smart home platform such as Apple’s HomeKit can expand smart capabilities. Once your lock is connected to your home’s IoT, it's easy to control your keyless lock with your voice, check your lock’s current status, and automate routine actions such as locking or unlocking your door at specific times.

Mobile Device Compatibility

The more Apple or Android mobile devices work with your keyless lock app, the more likely it will work on your and your guests' smartphones. With a compatible device, you can access additional keyless door lock features, and your guests can use the app for locking and unlocking your home.

Durability

A poorly designed keyless lock can leave you, your guests, and your home vulnerable. On the other hand, a durable keyless lock will last. Ensure the lock you buy is made from high-quality stainless steel materials that are weatherproof and rust resistant.

Works With Multiple Apps

A keyless lock app that works with applications like the Ring app, Siri, and Alexa makes managing your door lock easier. You can use these apps to perform several tasks, including controlling your keyless lock with your voice or monitoring who’s at your door.

Auto Lock and Unlock Capability

An auto lock or unlock feature allows you to unlock an entry door as you approach or automatically lock a door after a certain amount of time once you exit. A keyless entry system with this feature means no more worries about you or your guests forgetting to lock the house.

If you own a vacation rental, keyless entry systems benefit you and your guests in many ways — as long as you find the right one. Level Lock is ideal for replacing outdated hardware or new construction, whether you're interested in multiple access options, remote control, enhancing your home, or simply ditching traditional keys.

Sources:

Benefits of Smart Home Technology Discussed at Realtors® Expo | National Association of REALTORS®

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