Updated June 18th, 2025

Smart locks for short-term rentals

4–5 minute read

Written by: Level Home Editors
Level Home Editors

Level Home Editors are a collective of innovative thinkers and creators specializing in smart home technology. With a wealth of experience drawn from industry giants like Apple, our team's expertise spans various aspects of smart home technology, including home automation, security systems, and intelligent control systems. We thrive on creating smart living solutions that enhance comfort, security, and efficiency in modern homes.

Why smart locks are a must-have for short-term rental hosts

Short-term rental properties—whether listed on Airbnb, VRBO, or other platforms—offer guests a more personalized travel experience with comfort, privacy, and a local feel. But behind the scenes, managing these rentals can be complex, especially when it comes to guest access, security, and turnover logistics.

That’s where smart locks come in. This simple upgrade can make a major difference for short-term rental hosts, saving time, cutting costs, and offering a better experience for everyone.

Top 5 benefits of smart locks for short-term rentals

Whether you manage one rental or dozens, installing a smart lock helps you streamline operations, provide convenient access, and reduce stress—both for you and your guests. Here’s how:

1. Improve guest experience and earn more bookings

Smart locks enable keyless entry, flexible check-ins, and smoother arrivals—no more waiting for hosts or fumbling with lockboxes. Guests can arrive on their schedule without worrying about physical keys, lost copies, or late-night messages asking for access.

A smoother check-in experience leads to better reviews, which in turn boost your ranking and increase revenue potential.

2. Get more visibility with “self-check-in” listings

Platforms like Airbnb let hosts highlight self-check-in options—something many travelers now expect. Smart locks make it easy to offer this feature, especially for last-minute or late-night bookings.

Listings with self-check-in often attract more business travelers and spontaneous guests, helping you fill more nights and increase your earnings.

3. Streamline operations and reduce costs

Smart locks give you remote control over access to your property. No need to hand off keys or hire extra help for check-ins and check-outs. Instead, you can:

  • Grant and revoke access instantly

  • Assign time-limited entry codes to guests or service providers

  • Track lock activity to monitor arrivals and departures

You’ll also save on rekeying costs, lost key replacements, and labor for on-site coordination.

4. Boost security and peace of mind

Unlike traditional locks, smart locks eliminate the risk of unauthorized key copies. You control who enters and when—and you can see activity logs in real time.

Take the Level Bolt, for example. When paired with a Keypad, it lets you assign unique, named codes to each guest or cleaner, so you always know who’s accessing the property. When guests check out, just deactivate the code. No need to change the lock or track down keys.

5. Increase your property’s long-term appeal

Smart home upgrades can make your property stand out—not just to renters, but to future buyers. Keyless entry is a modern feature that adds convenience and value, helping your property look more high-tech and well-maintained in listings or resale scenarios.

Smart locks and streamlined hosting with Minoan

A great guest experience starts long before check-in—and the right tools can make all the difference. That's why smart operations matter just as much as thoughtful design. Our friends at Minoan help hosts furnish and restock vacation rentals with premium brands at insider prices, making it easier to create beautiful, guest-ready spaces.

Pairing well-designed interiors with smart access tools like Level Lock sets the tone for a seamless stay. A reliable smart lock simplifies remote check-ins, cleaner coordination, and day-to-day management—especially when you’re juggling multiple properties. It’s one of the smartest investments a host can make to avoid last-minute headaches (like a “we’re locked out” text at 10 p.m.) and keep things running smoothly from anywhere.

Unlock the potential of your short-term rental

Smart locks have become essential for short-term rental hosts who want to simplify property management and create great guest experiences. From self-check-in to real-time access logs, these devices make it easier to run your rental efficiently and securely.

Explore Level Lock+ and Level Bolt to upgrade your rental and unlock smarter hosting.