How to choose a vacation rental smart lock
As with all smart home technology, picking the best smart door locks for rental properties comes down to your personal needs and preferences. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the best smart lock for your vacation rental:
Do you want to retain the option to unlock your door with a key as a backup?
Some models have a keyhole (like a regular door lock), whereas others are totally keyless. A retrofit for your existing deadbolt can be a good choice if you want to keep things simpler. With some of these models, you keep the exterior door hardware as-is and just replace the interior side, so you don't even need new keys.
How much effort do you want to put into installation?
Some smart locks are easy to install, and retrofitting your existing deadbolt is the way to go if you prefer to keep DIY effort to a minimum. But, the majority of smart lock models replace your entire door hardware, so you'll have more options to choose from if you're willing to put in a little extra elbow grease.
What technology works best for you?
There are a few different connectivity options—including WiFi, Bluetooth, and low-power radio waves known as Z-wave. Some locks can also connect to an app on your phone, if that's important to you.
At Vacasa, we use smart locks that utilize Z-wave technology. We find that these offer the most streamlined guest experience.
