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6788 Views 17 Replies Latest reply: Jun 13, 2012 4:09 AM by swlinphx RSS
New Member
noordinarytomato
4 posts since
May 25, 2011
Currently Being Moderated

May 25, 2011 10:31 AM

Exchanging the Keys

How do Community members handle the exchange of house keys with guests?  I'm trying to avoid hiring a traditional rental agent, but as of yet, I have no way of managing the check-in / check-out and key exchange process.  (I live over an hour away from the rental property and do not plan to drive there every week.) Has anyone found realtors or property managers who will deliver and retrieve the housekeys without requiring a full-service rental agency agreement?  Thanks for your advice!

  • mike Contributor
    mike
    84 posts since
    Dec 29, 2010
    Currently Being Moderated
    May 25, 2011 10:38 AM (in response to noordinarytomato)
    Exchanging the Keys

    Where is your vacation home?

  • New Member
    westcoast1
    3 posts since
    May 25, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    May 25, 2011 11:41 AM (in response to noordinarytomato)
    Exchanging the Keys

    I have installed a lighted keypad deadbolt.  Codes can be changed periodically and you won't need keys at all.  Once you have received full payment from your guests, you can give them the code.  The code doesn't need to be changed for every guest, although I tell my guests that I will "assign them a code for their visit".  I change it every 3 or 4 guests.  I've been doing this (I actually had a lockbox before, but the lighted keypad makes the house keyless) for 15 years and never had a problem.  No more dealing with keys at all!

    • New Member
      noordinarytomato
      4 posts since
      May 25, 2011
      Currently Being Moderated
      May 25, 2011 11:45 AM (in response to westcoast1)
      Re: Exchanging the Keys

      Awesome - thanks for this suggestion!!!!!

      Lise

    • New Member
      swordspider
      4 posts since
      May 25, 2011
      Currently Being Moderated
      May 25, 2011 12:36 PM (in response to westcoast1)
      Re: Exchanging the Keys

      I do the exact same as above, except I do change the code for every set of guests.  Remember to delete the old codes though, just adding a new one does not delete the old one.  Usually these lockpads can store up to 100 codes!  The only one that you shoudl leave in is yours. 

       

      Also, it is a good idea to leave a 'realtor-type' keybox outside with a real key in case somehow the renters mess up the lockbox or the code was enetered wrong or whatever.   

      • swlinphx Senior Contributor
        swlinphx
        1,144 posts since
        Aug 30, 2011
        Currently Being Moderated
        Jun 13, 2012 4:09 AM (in response to swordspider)
        Re: Exchanging the Keys

        I do the exact same as above, except I do change the code for every set of guests.  Remember to delete the old codes though, just adding a new one does not delete the old one.  Usually these lockpads can store up to 100 codes!  The only one that you shoudl leave in is yours.

         

        I'm not sure what keypad and electronic lock system you're using, but I never heard of an entry level one which stored 100's of codes.  The ones in the $75-125 dollar range usually store two or three.  I have several, some different brands, and they all are like that.  Also, with those units setting a code over another code does indeed erase the first code (for example, if you enter a new code for Code #2, the old code for Code #2 will be deleted).

         

        I have an electronic deadbolt on my own unit too.  When my old manual deadbolt went bad on one side I figured why not have one for myself too.  That way, when I go from unit to unit I don't have to take any keys to lock or unlock, as the secret master code is the same for them all.  The one on my own unit however features not only a backlit keypad with codes and a traditional key, but also a wireless keyfob to unlock your door from your keychain, just as you do with you car (it was only around $100).  It's great when your hands are full! 

    • Contributor
      mooreva
      38 posts since
      May 28, 2011
      Currently Being Moderated
      Jun 24, 2011 4:47 PM (in response to westcoast1)
      Re: Exchanging the Keys

      What make is your electronic keypad?  And can you still use a key if necessary?

  • New Member
    westcoast1
    3 posts since
    May 25, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    May 25, 2011 12:40 PM (in response to noordinarytomato)
    Re: Exchanging the Keys

    Swordspider has a good point about the lockbox -I do still have the old lockbox with a set of keys in it in case of an emergency.  You can buy a lockbox like this and mount it outside on a fence or somewhere, it has a push button code entry system and stores your keys.  I also live far away from my rental, which makes changing the code every time difficult, which is why I change it every few guests.  I have never had a problem with this, especially since most guests also come from a distance.

  • tyann Community Ambassador
    tyann
    151 posts since
    Dec 28, 2010
    Currently Being Moderated
    May 25, 2011 4:53 PM (in response to noordinarytomato)
    Re: Exchanging the Keys

    Here is a previous discussion on keypad locks.

     

    Tyann Marcink

    Canyon Retreat and Nature's Retreat | www.vacationhomeinbranson.com

    Website Design and Photography | www.marcinkdesigns.com

    Handpaited Children's Room Decor | www.littleelephantcompany.com

  • kiawahcottage Community Ambassador
    kiawahcottage
    232 posts since
    Jan 1, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jul 26, 2011 1:19 PM (in response to noordinarytomato)
    Exchanging the Keys

    I have 2 lockboxes at my VR.  I give renters the combo for one, if it won't open or the key is not in it they have to call me for the other one.  Keys for the renters to use are inside the house. I change the code once or twice a year and I have never needed to give out the second code.

     

    The lockbox key has a tag that says 'lockbox key - return to lockbox' so hopefully it will not be left out (and so far it has been returned).  Also, my lockbox has rotating numbered cylinders so I have to remind the renters to scramble the code.

     

    Paul

    vrbo 131254

     

    Kiawah Cottage

    Promote Your Page Too

  • locksmithmyrtlebeach New Member
    locksmithmyrtlebeach
    18 posts since
    Oct 16, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    Oct 24, 2011 4:47 PM (in response to noordinarytomato)
    Re: Exchanging the Keys

    Theres a lot of electornic locks on the market that eliminate the use for traditional keys. Theres 2 ways to go as far as how the codes work..Each way has a large variety of brands and features to pick from,

    1. the lock kwikset,schalage inexpensive and use the same few codes that need to be changed manually. around 100

     

    2. More expensive, but use either internet or pc software to  generate guest, houskeeping, maintenance codes etc. The codes are already preset technically when the lock is programmed for evey possible date that a code could be issued for. You can chose the dates and times the codes work, so if guest is due in saturday at 3pm then thats when the code works, same at check out time.You can even do an audit trail on the lock to see whom has entered the unit on what date and time. If you ever got a bill from a service person and wondered if they were ever there this would tell you.  A lot more conveinant, but more expensive. around $280 to 550

     

    You can always mount a lock box on the outside of the unit to place the keys inside as well. Downside is the code you have to change, and your relying on the guest to put the keys back for the next set of people.

     

    If you need any help or have any questions feel free to let me know,, hope this helps

     

    www.locksmithmyrtlebeach.com

    lhlockcompany@aol.com

    • Contributor
      piavian_43
      42 posts since
      Nov 3, 2011
      Currently Being Moderated
      Jan 9, 2012 11:25 AM (in response to locksmithmyrtlebeach)
      Re: Exchanging the Keys

      Hello

      My wife has installed a Resort Lock 4000M which was a laborious task heightened by the fact that the door earlier had a SafLock which included cut outs where screws needed to be placed as well as relocating the lock downward.The next one will also replace a Saflock that accommodated a credit card type key just like the first onel In a nutshell I was impressed that she and I as helper made it work. Do you know if we can install thermostat remotely controlled in conjunction with the RL system? And if not what is available.

       

      Next issue-- my review of the internet seems to indicate that Schlage will not work since the property is in Litchfield and we are seven hours away and the wi-fi from Charter is not without some problems. I would like to find a keyless entry system and thermostat control that work seemlessly together and that is controlled by computer wherever we might be- i.e. can send codes to guests for entry and set the thermostat when we choose. Does such exist?

      thanks

      Bill Jones

      • locksmithmyrtlebeach New Member
        locksmithmyrtlebeach
        18 posts since
        Oct 16, 2011
        Currently Being Moderated
        Jan 10, 2012 8:33 AM (in response to piavian_43)
        Re: Exchanging the Keys

        Hello Mr Jones,, Im not aware of any software that will work with the resort lock and a thermostat. I know of some software and products that will work a lock and other items lights, surveillance, thermostats etc, but however not for the theremostat and the resort lock.. The resort lock software itself is pretty much its own code, it probably could be combined using a software programmer person but the cost would be way to expensive,  Youll probably end up with 2 different softwares. Using 2 softwares really isnt bad, youd have one for the lock, and another that could control the rest of the home.   The only real issue will be having a internet service connection within the unit that is only for the unit, not a wifi shared by the building. As long as you had internet you can remote control pretty much everything electronic in the home.. Let me know if you have any other questions,  Thanks for you interest,

         

        Tony Humes

        LHLC  (843) 995-4101

        • Contributor
          piavian_43
          42 posts since
          Nov 3, 2011
          Currently Being Moderated
          Jan 10, 2012 10:17 AM (in response to locksmithmyrtlebeach)
          Re: Exchanging the Keys

          Thank you Tony for your response, With the Resort Lock installed we will check out the thermostat from another vendor but if I recall correctly the ones I saw required the continued operation of the wifi within the unit to remain operational and that is my problem since Charter doesn't rate a 100% on service and for that reason I liked the Resort Lock since the computer and wifi in the unit had nothing to do with the operation of the codes etc.I spoke with someone at Schlage and she confirmed that all of their locks were operated by the wifi in the unit so I have written that company off in hopes of finding another. Lockstate connect was sent to me from Resort Lock but it looked as though the product was not available.bill

           

          William W. Jones,  430 Mellen Avenue Knoxville, TN   37919 Tel:  865-523-2445 Fax:  865-523-8033

          wwj430@msn.com

          Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:33:51 -0600

          From: community@homeaway.com

          To: wwj430@msn.com

          Subject: Re: Exchanging the Keys - Re: Exchanging the Keys

                                                                                          Seek Advice. Get Answers. Optimize your Vacation Rental Business.

                                                                                          Re: Exchanging the Keys

           

           

              created by locksmithmyrtlebeach in Checking In and Out - View the full discussion

           

           

           

          Hello Mr Jones,, Im not aware of any software that will work with the resort lock and a thermostat. I know of some software and products that will work a lock and other items lights, surveillance, thermostats etc, but however not for the theremostat and the resort lock.. The resort lock software itself is pretty much its own code, it probably could be combined using a software programmer person but the cost would be way to expensive,  Youll probably end up with 2 different softwares. Using 2 softwares really isnt bad, youd have one for the lock, and another that could control the rest of the home.   The only real issue will be having a internet service connection within the unit that is only for the unit, not a wifi shared by the building. As long as you had internet you can remote control pretty much everything electronic in the home.. Let me know if you have any other questions,  Thanks for you interest, Tony HumesLHLC  (843) 995-4101

           

           

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  • twobitrentals Community Ambassador
    twobitrentals
    474 posts since
    Aug 5, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jun 12, 2012 4:59 PM (in response to noordinarytomato)
    Re: Exchanging the Keys

    I too have a resort lock. Have had it since January 2010. I absolutely love it. I live in Wyoming and my property is in Missouri. I don't give out master codes to anyone, including the cleaning people. That way if anyone states that something is missing during their visit, they will have to talk to the other guests in their home, as NOBODY would have access except them and me. AND I am 1000 miles away. Nobody has suggested anything has been missing, but it just gives them that added security that THEY are the only ones that have access during their stay.

     

    It was worth every penny, no more lost keys, nobody has to worry if they show up late, no payment for someone to meet the at the door. all in all, I would say that I have saved money with resort lock and would recommend them to anyone.

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