Best lock for STR

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Lauren Kormylo
Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ and Rehoboth Beach DE · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
3y

I have the same setup as @Andrew Steffens.  Encode, with a discreet lockbox for emergencies.  I also program about spare 10 codes that I can use for repair people, or guests if the internet goes out for awhile, and I'm unable to program any new codes to the last 5 digits of the guest's phone number.  It's important for battery longevity to make sure the deadbolt works freely without rubbing on the frame when it locks.

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  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    3y

    Hey @Jonathan Bienenfeld. That is a loaded question. Some folks just use a simple deadbolt with a lock box. Easy, doesn't fail and everyone understand it.

    We have a Schlage Encode lock connected to a Z Wave hub for WiFi. It is more complicated to setup but not rocket surgery. Very reliable for us. 6 years in all sorts of north Idaho weather. Looks the same and works the same as new.

    You can manage it from anywhere, create codes, delete codes, let folks in if they just can't figure it out and it has a key lock just in case. I keep the lockbox nearby for folks.

    1Reply
  • Carolyn Fuller
    Cambridge, MA · Member since 2015 · 651 posts · 736 votes
    3y

    I love the smart locks because I love living my life without keys and I don't enjoy trying to get a key out of a lockbox but there are so many advantages of a lockbox over a smart lock...

    Which smart lock [& hub] to choose is a complex decision. 

    My STR is in an urban area so I love it that I can create hundreds of 8 digit codes remotely and delete them after a guest leaves. And I live above my STR so I wanted a Z-Wave compatible lock so the hub could be in my kitchen and a guest wouldn't accidentally disconnect it. Also, Z-Wave & Zigby locks use a lot less battery power than wi-fi locks.

    I think what I'm trying to communicate is that it all depends upon what your specific requirements are. In a lot of ways the world's "internet of things" aren't quite ready for prime time. IOTs are NOT a plug and play kind of experience.

    I am using Yale locks on my house and my STR unit, with both of them connected to a SmartThings hub, which by the way has been discontinued. Sigh... Like I said this IOT industry is rapidly changing and is not yet at the plug and play stage but, so far, my hub and locks are still working and I they do exactly what I want them to do.

    1Reply
  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    3y

    The Schlage Encode is probably the most popular one.

    I have  lockbox with keys in it at one property and it never needs batteries or has a fault to keep it from working. 

    Never had a complaint with it either as once people have the keys they don't have to remember their code till checkout time.

    I do also have one of the schlage encode locks and it is easy to setup new codes and use.

    1Reply
  • Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
    Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Jonathan Bienenfeld:

    Hi All,

    Working on putting together my first STR. Looking for recommendations for best lock system to install to allow entry for guests and cleaning crew or other service people. Many thanks in advance for your help!


     Hey Jonathan - We use Schlage Encode AND also put a lockbox with keys hidden somewhere (i.e. side of house on a pipe or something).  Murphys Law states that one day that lock will fail (or your wifi) and you will have a guest locked out.  At 1 AM.  On a Sunday.

    [email protected]813-563-0877
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    1Reply
  • Eliott Elias
    Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2021 · 9k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    3y

    I used an august lock.

    0Reply
  • Lauren Kormylo
    Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ and Rehoboth Beach DE · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    I have the same setup as @Andrew Steffens.  Encode, with a discreet lockbox for emergencies.  I also program about spare 10 codes that I can use for repair people, or guests if the internet goes out for awhile, and I'm unable to program any new codes to the last 5 digits of the guest's phone number.  It's important for battery longevity to make sure the deadbolt works freely without rubbing on the frame when it locks.

    2Reply
  • Jim Hudelson
    Member since 2020 · 34 posts · 19 votes
    3y

    We use the Schlage Encode.  As Lauren stated it's paramount that the deadbolt turns freely into the receiver.  Being that the deadbolt is engaged and dis-engaged by the batteries it does go through batteries.  They are easy to replace.  We replace ours about 3 times a year on a moderate use rental (200 nights a year).  The app shows battery strength level so it's easy to monitor.

    This is a wi-fi device that you connect to your homes wireless network.  If power goes out (or the router fails) the locks continues to work but you would no longer have access to it via the App.  Entry codes that are already stored continue to work.  So, the lock is basically a stand alone device that you connect to via an app and program codes into.  The app also makes it real easy (almost scary easy) to open the lock from your phone with the app.

    I like this lock.  It's dependable.  It's easy to program codes into (and they can have start/stop dates and times), and it records all activity that you can access via the app.  I have found that the times that it records are not always accurate, but good enough.  Guests have not had problems operating these locks.  We send them pretty explicit instructions prior to check in  but it's actually very easy and intuitive from the guest perspective.

    One more thing to be aware of is that, like most apps, after some set amount of time (to which you are not privy to) it decides to make you re-enter your login credentials.  This can be maddening.  Like, you just started your European vacation and you forgot to bring your lists of passwords with you and a guest is standing at the door and can't figure out how to get in.  So ... keep your password handy.

    0Reply
  • Brooklyn McCarty
    Investor · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 754 votes
    3y

    Schlage 100%

    0Reply
  • Jim MuellerPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Central NY · Member since 2019 · 31 posts · 21 votes
    3y

    Like a lot others have said. Schlage Encode with a lockbox for the key in case of problems. We also always use Energizer Ultimate lithium batteries and put dielectric grease on all the battery connections. 

    0Reply
  • Kristin Moore
    Real Estate Agent · Boston, MA · Member since 2016 · 25 posts · 9 votes
    3y

    Thanks for everyone who responded. I was also wondering this question for my MTR. Along these lines, I was also wondering, do you all buy a schlage encode for both the front and the back door of the property if they will both get a good amount of use as the "primary" entry? Then I'm assuming you would just use the same code for each device per guest/contractor? I'm guessing that the devices don't talk to one another, aka realize they are paired on the same house? Thanks!

    0Reply
  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Kristin Moore:

    Thanks for everyone who responded. I was also wondering this question for my MTR. Along these lines, I was also wondering, do you all buy a schlage encode for both the front and the back door of the property if they will both get a good amount of use as the "primary" entry? Then I'm assuming you would just use the same code for each device per guest/contractor? I'm guessing that the devices don't talk to one another, aka realize they are paired on the same house? Thanks!

    Just one for the front door. No other doors at our place have smart locks.
    2Reply
  • Matt Mertz
    Leander TX · Member since 2020 · 179 posts · 150 votes
    3y

    We're setting up an MTR now and we're only concerned with the front door lock (Schlage Encode). 

    It's the same for STRs.  You can't put a remote lock on every backdoor.  Just worry about the front door and keep the backdoor keys to yourself.

    As a backup you can put a physical lockbox on the front porch for the front door (Schlage Encode) deadbolt.

    1Reply
  • Anna StrausbaughBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Boise, ID · Member since 2018 · 119 posts · 70 votes
    3y

    Hi! We opted for the Yale lock because it works with all of our Nest stuff for the house. It's one system for everything. We have a Nest thermostat to monitor the temp in the house and Nest security cameras on the exterior. The Encode is the most popular for STR's though, but we like having everything connected under one app for the whole "Smart Home" experience. Hope this helps!

    [email protected]208-890-5236
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