Airbnb key management plays a crucial role in elevating your guests’ experience. Along with the growth of the short-term rental market in London comes the growing competition among other accommodations. If you want to make your rental property stand out, make sure your guests are happy so they’ll leave positive reviews to boost your Airbnb’s reputation.

One way to ensure high guest satisfaction is through logistics. Make the key exchange process and guest access seamless so they enjoy a positive experience from the get-go.

In this article, you’ll learn more about Airbnb key management and the role it plays in improving your rental property’s performance and income potential. You’ll discover effective key management solutions that can make all the difference in your Airbnb short-term rentals.

What is Airbnb Key Management?

Airbnb key management refers to the system used to manage guest access to a short-term rental property, specifically how a key handover happens. Whether it involves traditional keys, smart locks or digital keypads, Airbnb hosts should ensure guests enjoy a smooth access to the property and seamless check-in and check-out. This usually involves the use of technology to make the exchange of keys flexible, secure and convenient.

This is simple if you only manage one property. But it becomes more complex for hosts managing multiple properties with high guest turnover. If the properties are in separate locations, it’ll be harder to exchange keys smoothly. With a proper Airbnb key exchange system, you can enjoy smooth key turnovers, seamless check-ins and positive guest experiences.

Common Key Management Problems in Airbnb Rentals

Airbnb key management is important because it’s one of the first personal touchpoints with the guest. A poor experience can quickly lead to several problems that could compromise your rental income.

• Missed or delayed check-ins. Travel issues can lead to late check-ins. If a guest arrives during odd hours and the cleaner or host is unavailable, this could lead to a missed check-in.

• Lost or stolen keys. This could lead to security issues for the guest and unnecessary expenses as you need to replace the keys or change the locks.

• Miscommunication. Wrong instructions or misunderstandings can lead to missed key exchanges.

• Unnecessary hassle. Tired guests don’t want to go through complex instructions just to get the keys to the property.

If you can’t exchange keys at the right time or if it’s too much of a hassle, this will leave a negative first impression on the stay of Airbnb guests. This could lead to poor reviews that can hurt your property’s reputation. With poor ratings, your listing’s visibility will suffer and reduce occupancy rates. This will impact your property’s performance and profitability.

What Are The Benefits of Using Key Management Solutions?

Property Airbnb key management can directly improve guest satisfaction and can boost your Airbnb business in different ways.

• 24/7 guest access. Cities like London have people travelling during odd hours. That means guests can arrive at any time. Having proper key management allows guests to check in at their convenience.

• Improved security. Key management involves lockboxes, smart locks or digital keypads that limit unauthorised access and track entry or exit activities.

• Peace of mind. Airbnb hosts can rest assured knowing their guests can check in without issues, even if they’re busy managing other properties.

• More bookings. By making key exchanges easier and convenient, the guest experience is elevated from the start. This can set the tone for a pleasant stay that could lead to positive reviews and more bookings.

Having a smart key exchange system enhances the guest experience and makes it easier for hosts to manage their Airbnb business. With key handovers dealt with, you can focus on other property management issues that’ll make your property more profitable.

5 Airbnb Key Management Options

It’s tempting to just put the keys under the doormat or a flowerpot, but that would be too risky. With a proper Airbnb key management solution, you can make the check-in process as secure and convenient as you can.

There are several options to manage your Airbnb keys. Here are five solutions you can consider for your property.

Family or Friends

The first option is to consider family and friends who live within walking distance of your Airbnb. They can meet up with guests to hand over the keys. If your family or friends are a couple of doors down from your Airbnb and they don’t mind the intrusion, the guest can come pick up the keys.

This option may seem like you’re imposing on family or friends. But if they agree to it, then it would give you peace of mind because you’re leaving your keys with someone you trust.

Cleaners

Airbnb properties typically partner with cleaning services to prepare the unit for the next guest. You can ask the cleaner to take care of the key handover for you, since they’re already in the unit. As long as you’re sure the company and their team are trustworthy, you can negotiate for this task to be included in their service package. 

This may result in additional costs, but it should make things easier for you because you only have to deal with one third-party supplier.

Shared Key Services or Key Exchange Platforms

Companies like KeyNest offer key exchange services where hosts drop off keys at nearby partner establishments (e.g. dry cleaners, newsstands) and guests collect them when they arrive. You just have to give guests a secure code so the establishment will give the keys to them.

This is a widely used option in London because it’s both economical and flexible. So if there’s an establishment near your property, specifically one that’s open 24/7, you can use this option to exchange keys.

Smart Locks or Lockboxes

Secure lockboxes and smart locks are installed in your property. You can create temporary access codes that the guest will receive before arrival. This option will reduce face-to-face interactions and improve security. Since the keys are in the property, guests can also enjoy 24/7 access, regardless of what time they arrive.

If you’re using a smart lock, you can use an app to monitor key access every time the guest uses it. This will give you insight into your guests’ behaviour, something that you can use to improve their experience during their stay.

Airbnb Management Platforms

Key exchange services are often part of what Airbnb management companies offer. Apart from managing your property listing, marketing it on the right platforms and taking care of guest bookings, a property management company has the manpower to deal with check-ins and check-outs.

If someone pleasant and professional greets the guest when they arrive, this will make them feel special. It will boost the property’s professionalism and appeal, leading to positive reviews and higher ratings.

Common Questions About Airbnb Key Management

Whether you’re new to Airbnb hosting or managing multiple properties, it’s natural to have questions about access and security. Understanding how key management works will help you improve the guest experience and convenience.

Here are common questions Airbnb property owners in London ask about key exchange best practices.

What’s the best key management solution for Airbnb hosts in London?

There are several Airbnb key management solutions available in London. It all depends on what your property needs. If there’s an establishment open 24/7 near your property, you can use online key exchange platforms. For instance, City Relay uses KeyNest for properties that don’t use smart locks or lockboxes.

But if you can give your front door an upgrade, install smart lock systems. This offers convenience, flexibility and security. You can also work with an Airbnb management company like City Relay for key exchange services.

How does key management impact rental income?

An efficient key exchange process elevates the guest experience from the start. It’ll show your professionalism and competence as an Airbnb host. When you give guests a good first impression, this could set the tone for the rest of their stay.

If your guest enjoy their stay, it’ll be easier to convince them to leave a positive review. Every high rating added to your review list can boost your property’s reputation. It increases visibility and bookings. With more bookings, your property will enjoy higher rental income.

Can Airbnb guests check in late at night with key management services?

Yes. The purpose of key management services is to make key exchanges easier and convenient. By using smart locks, lockboxes or 24/7 key pick-up areas, you’re allowing late-night or early morning check-ins, something that’s common for London visitors.

Are there risks involved in using shared key services or lockboxes?

Like all systems, there are pros and cons to using shared key services or lockboxes. This is why you need to conduct proper due diligence before using shared key services. Vet the third-party business thoroughly and check their reviews.

For lockboxes, you just have to ensure they are installed securely. After the guest checks out, change the codes immediately. Even if the property is empty, you might want to change the codes regularly. This ensures risks are minimised.

Simplify Access to Maximise Bookings

Airbnb key management may seem like a trivial part of the overall rental operations. But since it plays a crucial role in your guest’s first impression, you want to make sure the key exchange is as convenient and seamless as possible. Remember, the more pleasant the stay is, the better reviews you’ll get. This will lead to higher occupancy rates and rental income.

Working with Airbnb management companies like City Relay can simplify your key exchange issues. We offer a complete package of Airbnb management services, which includes secure key handling.

Stop worrying about the logistics and enjoy a hassle-free hosting experience. Find out how much your property can earn by getting a free rental estimate from us.