The market for short-term rentals is growing at an accelerating pace. Whether it be due to the increased popularity of travel, or the fact that revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate of over 9% by 2021 (Statista). The market is becoming more lucrative, and thus more competitive. It is time to consider what strategies you need to appear as a highly desired host or property manager. Numerous services exist to assist in the operations of your short-term rental unit, with keyless access automation being a new technology designed to help you eliminate key exchanges, cut costs, and manage more properties.
Do you know where your keys are?
The Airbnb community of hosts and property managers are frequently discussing key issues they are facing in the short-term rental market. Maki in New York says: “Although I have a strict 11 a.m. checkout rule - a lot of guests are leaving much earlier - and my guest will be leaving at 2 a.m. in NY! Is there any trusted Airbnb connected service for key exchanges at odd hours?” Meeting a guest to exchange keys is a welcoming gesture and a great way to add security, but with the increase in units and guest requests, key exchange can become next to impossible.
In addition to the key exchange being an unpredictable and unwelcome distraction, lost keys and key malfunctions commonly arise as well. There is nothing more frustrating than receiving an unexpected call at unwanted hours asking for assistance with entry, or numerous keys being needed because renters of one property are 'coming and going'. Ann in Bath writes: “My guests have lost the front door keys. This is very annoying because the main front door is used by 5 flats and I am worried about the loss of the key into my front door.” When the guest has even the smallest of schedule changes, managing time becomes difficult and security may be compromised. This results in property focus cutting into your personal time, or a slump in business.
These hiccups, if not handled with respect, patience, and attention, could seriously distort the success of your property rental business and the trust you have built with guests.
Save More Time, Make More Money
Key boxes are commonly used by rental hosts to provide guests with their keys upon arrival, which allows for more flexible, or even 24 hour check-ins. This solution frees the host from being present at the moment of the guests arrival, but does not save enough time. These boxes also have small storage space and can be costly, so having multiple boxes to hold keys for guests, maintenance workers, and cleaners is a big investment, and time sucker.
With keyless access automation, the only time hosts need to be involved with “keys” are when the door lock batteries require replacement. In the event that guests lose their keys, or immediate maintenance attention is required, you are able to provide emergency on-demand access with ease from any location. A robust keyless access automation solution will allow you to take that vacation you’ve been waiting for, control key scheduling from the beach, and rest assured entrants will always have access when needed.
“We’ve been using EveryDoor for over a year, on 10 apartments. We absolutely love the convenience of being able to schedule access to our apartments for house-guests, cleaners, and maintenance personnel.
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Show Guests You’re Organized and Professional
The top reviews on Airbnb often mention how impressed the guests were with the organization of the rental, physically and operationally. There is nothing more relieving to a guest than knowing their host is organized and prepared. It’s not enough anymore to simply offer a welcome binder and universal remote and expect your reviews to remain high. Keyless access automation is a huge factor in staying organized when managing multiple property rentals. With instructions on unit access being provided automatically after booking is confirmed, questions about check-in can be answered before your guests are even on their way. Your duty to provide entry for your guest can be completed shortly after the booking is confirmed and well before they’ve arrived at your property.
Having an organized property access schedule automatically facilitating access to guests, cleaners, and maintenance appointments can only help you grow and fulfill your business goals. Not only do you feel more organized, but you appear more professional when scheduling mistakes are avoided and everything goes as planned.
Strides Ahead of Your Competition
Short-term rental hosts/managers with many properties are implementing keyless entry solutions to provide their guests with a higher level of security and convenience while providing themselves with time to grow and expand. Your future successful short-term rental growth depends on great operations help, including time-saving keyless access management solutions.
Now is the time to implement keyless access automation for your properties and gain a major operational advantage over your competition. Your staff and guests will thank you, and you’ll be prepared to confidently grow the size of your operation.
Are you interested in making keyless access automation a competitive advantage for your business? EveryDoor is the universal keyless access automation solution designed for short-term rental professionals like you. Let’s chat!