For short-term rental providers, it’s crucial that their clients’ arrival at the apartment is smooth and hassle-free. Installing a smart lock on apartment doors is simple. However, there is often the problem of how to handle the opening of the building’s intercom lock. WebLock now offers a convenient solution for this. The intercom system in the apartment can be connected to the WebLock controller, allowing the client to open the building’s main door themselves.
According to recent Airbnb reports, more than half of the clients prefer to arrive at their accommodation without meeting the host. This trend was strongly influenced by the COVID-19 outbreak and the associated social distancing. Additionally, the general digitalization has played a role – people are no longer as afraid of smart locks and applications. Moreover, there is usually no staff present on-site in short-term accommodations, making it stressful for both the host and the guest to arrange a precise arrival time.
Lockboxes are not secure
One of the simplest solutions for hosts is to leave the keys in a lockbox. In some cases, the lockbox is attached to the wall of the building, sometimes it is hung on a fence or another convenient place. Changing the lockbox code is quite cumbersome, so the same code is often used for a long time. This poses a significant security risk that should be avoided. Many booking sites, such as Booking.com, provide guests with all arrival information, including the lockbox code, immediately after booking.
Additionally, there is a risk that someone might maliciously remove the lockbox from its attachment. When using a lockbox, one must also keep in mind that it should not be hung anywhere without permission. For example, in France, several cities, led by Nice and Paris, have already banned the use of lockboxes on city-owned properties. Similarly, you should ask for permission from the apartment association before screwing a lockbox to the building.
WebLock's access solution allows remote opening of the intercom lock
To open the intercom lock remotely, there is no need to replace the intercom system. There is also no need to install a keypad next to or instead of the existing intercom system. It is enough to connect the intercom phone in the apartment to the WebLock controller. From then on, guests can use a secure web link sent to them via SMS or email to open the intercom lock.
The link can only be used to open the door during the guest’s stay. The apartment owner can also use a web app to open the main door remotely and share the door-opening capability with others via the app if desired. Alternatively, there is also a calling option. The apartment owner adds the guest’s number to the system, and when the guest calls the given number, the door opens.
Access control management conveniently in one place
In the WebLock management interface, it is easy to assign rights to guests. Rights for door openings are created for the guest all at once, not door by door. With just a few clicks, you can grant the guest access to both the main door and the apartment door. If a code lock is used on the apartment door, a unique opening code is automatically generated for each client. At the same time, a web link is also created to open the intercom lock of the main door.
If you manage multiple guest apartments, it is possible to further automate the processes. WebLock has ready-made solutions with several well-known PMS software (Bouk by Ed for Hotels, Cloudbeds, Guesty, Mews, etc.). These solutions allow the majority of client communication to be automated and also automatically send unique door codes or web links created in the WebLock system for door openings.
Managers of multiple guest apartments should read the Bob W case study.