In the short-term rental sector, handing over keys has long been a constraint for both hosts and travelers. Traditionally, the host and traveler had to meet to hand over the keys personally at check-in, which could often be restrictive as they had to find a way to synchronize their schedules.
As an Airbnb host, you've often had to deal with these complications yourself: travelers who are late or don't respond to their messages, requiring multiple reminders and last-minute management... Or perhaps you've had to go out of your way just to collect the keys after the tenants have left, or to hand them over to the cleaning staff...
Fortunately, advances in technology and the introduction of innovative solutions have given rise to a solution to all these problems: autonomous key delivery. This method eliminates the need for direct contact, offering greater autonomy and flexibility, and improving the rental experience for hosts, travelers and providers alike.
In this article, we'll explore how autonomous key handover can transform your Airbnb rental experience as a host, saving you time and money. Then, we'll present solutions that will help you implement this method effectively.
1. autonomous key delivery: a practical and flexible solution for short-term rentals on Airbnb
Autonomous key delivery saves time
Time independence for check-in and check-out
As an Airbnb host, adopting autonomous key delivery frees you from the need to coordinate your schedules with those of your travelers. Autonomous arrival completely removes the wait and uncertainty associated with often unpredictable traveler arrivals.
And your travelers will benefit from this autonomy too! Travelers appreciate autonomous arrivals because they allow them to arrive at their convenience, even late at night or early in the morning, without depending on your presence to access the accommodation.
Ease of cleaning and maintenance
The use of stand-alone key issuance systems really facilitates access for cleaning and maintenance personnel. You'll no longer need to create duplicate keys for them, or go out of your way to hand them over in person. This method could be particularly practical if you manage several properties, or if you don't live close to your rentals.
Autonomous key delivery: a money-saver
Lower operating costs
Autonomous key issuance represents a major saving in operating costs: by eliminating the need to travel for each arrival or departure, for cleaning and for maintenance, you reduce your transport costs (gas, public transport, etc.).
If you've hired someone to hand over the keys for you, autonomous key handover represents an effective alternative that can eliminate this need! By automating key issuance, you reduce the costs associated with employing staff for this task.
Increased booking potential
Offering self check-in can make your rental more attractive to travelers looking for flexibility. Indeed, many look for this option when booking on Airbnb. This feature could be the deciding factor when choosing your accommodation, it can increase your occupancy rates and, consequently, your revenue.
Did you know? Airbnb highlights three key features at the top of each listing, allowing guests to quickly identify the most important aspects. The first feature is always the cancellation policy, but the next two vary. Notably, autonomous check-in appears as the second feature in 68.89 % of cases, underlining its importance among travelers' preferred options.
Less dependence on third-party services
By managing tenant check-ins and check-outs yourself, you eliminate the fees usually paid to real estate agents or concierge services for key management. This allows you to maintain a greater share of your income and take full control of the rental experience.
Autonomous key issuance makes property management more efficient and cost-effective. Not only does this solution save you time, which you can reinvest in other activities, and money, it also significantly enhances the traveler experience.
2. KeyNest: A practical and reliable key management solution
KeyNest is a service specially designed for Airbnb hosts and short-term rental professionals who want to simplify their key management.
This innovative service enables homeowners to deposit their keys in secure lockers located in local shops or hotels. Tenants or service providers can then retrieve the keys simply by using a 6-digit withdrawal code. Each time a key is moved, the owner is notified, offering peace of mind and complete autonomy.
Key lockers close to your belongings
With over 5,000 KeyNest Points worldwide, KeyNest offers a convenient and secure solution for key delivery. KeyNest Points are accessible 7 days a week, with the widest possible range of opening hours, and the service is backed up by a free 24/7 customer service department.
With prices starting at just €5.79 (excl. VAT) per withdrawal, KeyNest is a cost-effective option for retailers. janitorial services, estate agencies and Airbnb hosts who want to reduce the time spent coordinating the handover of keys.
Find out more about integrating KeyNest into your rental management system, visit their website.
Other Alternatives for the Delivery of Autonomous Keys
Although KeyNest is an effective solution for stand-alone key management, there are also other options for carrying out a stand-alone key issue. Here are a few popular alternatives:
Electronic and Connected Locks :
Electronic and connected locks are alternatives that enable guests to control access to their property autonomously. These devices offer the possibility of generating unique access codes and monitoring entrances in real time.
However, these devices represent a significant investment, including the cost of the lock itself, as well as installation and maintenance costs. What's more, installation on a door shared with other residents (in a block of flats, for example) requires the agreement of all concerned, which can sometimes prove complex.
Key Boxes :
A more traditional, low-cost option. These boxes can be practical as they can be fixed to a wall or other feature near the entrance to the property, however there are some disadvantages to these devices that are worth thinking about.
Indeed, the installation of these boxes on public infrastructures has become problematic in several major cities in France, with towns such as Lille, Nice, Annecy, Saint-Malo and Biarritz even banning the boxes, deemed ugly and often installed without authorization.
In addition to aesthetic and legal concerns, key boxes, although economical, pose a serious security problem. These devices, often easily accessible and fixed near the entrance to properties, are unfortunately simple to break into. The abundance of online tutorials demonstrating how to open these boxes or change their codes only accentuates the risk. What's more, their visible presence clearly indicates that the property is unlikely to be permanently occupied, or that it is used for seasonal rentals, thus attracting the attention of potential burglars or squatters. This vulnerability has prompted many guests to turn to methods of key storage considered more secure.
