Most reliable electronic locks for STR

Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions
2yFollow

Most reliable electronic locks for STR

Josh Carpenter
Member since 2019 · 20 posts · 9 votes

Hi all, I'm setting up my first STR, a beach condo in Ocean City, MD. I live 3-4 hours away, so I'm putting together some local resources. But I also want to be able to change door codes remotely, and unlock remotely if someone is having trouble. Having a dedicated code for cleaners or other service personnel would be great too. I see a lot of locks on the market, but would like to know if anyone has any recommendations or brands to avoid.

Thanks in advance, I'm really grateful for all the wisdom-sharing in this forum!

Josh

0Reply
228 views

Most Popular Reply

Dewayne Perry
Member since 2019 · 15 posts · 13 votes
2y

I use the Schlage Encode for the exact scenarios you mentioned. I also connect it with RemoteLock so anytime a guest makes a reservation, a door code is automatically created for them equal to the last four of their phone number. The cleaners and handyman have their own door code as well and I make sure their door code is invalid between the hours of 10pm-5am, just as a sanity check sense there's no reason for them to access the property at that time.

8Reply
See this reply in the discussion

27 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Debra Cuesta
    Member since 2024 · 1 post · 6 votes
    2y

    I use Yale. It has all the things you mentioned.  Ended up getting a bridge that helps the signal from the router to the door (if too far it drains the battery and that's your worst nightmare). Have a lockbox with key available as backup 

    6Reply
  • Dewayne Perry
    Member since 2019 · 15 posts · 13 votes
    2y

    I use the Schlage Encode for the exact scenarios you mentioned. I also connect it with RemoteLock so anytime a guest makes a reservation, a door code is automatically created for them equal to the last four of their phone number. The cleaners and handyman have their own door code as well and I make sure their door code is invalid between the hours of 10pm-5am, just as a sanity check sense there's no reason for them to access the property at that time.

    8Reply
  • JD MartinBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
    2y

    I use and like the Schlage Encode. Good battery life, strong motor, works excellent. Replaced a Kwikset that was really lousy.

    Podcast Guest on Show #243
    Skyline Properties
    View Page
    5Reply
  • Lisa Graesser
    Rental Property Investor · The Villages, FL · Member since 2017 · 341 posts · 398 votes
    2y

    Schlage encode, we use lithium batteries which makes a huge difference for time between needing to change the battteries.

    Batteries change between Sept-Nov '23 and all locks read at 100% today. I have read from other that if you are near the ocean the salt air can affect the lock.

    5Reply
  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    2y

    Schlage Encode is the most used and recommended lock for STR's.

    I saw were Airbnb announced direct integration with this one lock.

    3Reply
  • Joseph Harr
    Virginia Beach, VA · Member since 2017 · 68 posts · 26 votes
    2y

    @Josh Carpenter

    I've used August Smart locks on mine. A few issues every now and then but works fine 99.9% of the time. Airbnb integration works well. Gets get a code and instructions as soon as they book. Lithium batteries last a long time. I also have a lockbox with a key as a backup.

    2Reply
  • Neil Fernandes
    Investor · WI · Member since 2023 · 24 posts · 11 votes
    2y

    I have used the following 

    1. Kwikset Halo [was on discount in my local Costco]- Does a decent job and have so far not had issues. 

    2. Eufy smartlock [amazon] - No issues here too. 

    Both need a decent wifi connection to work and I can remotely change the codes. I just have a generic one for me and the cleaner and then change the codes based on the guest phone number. You can set notification's so that you know who is going in and out of the house but that just becomes information overload.

    2Reply
  • Josh Carpenter
    OP
    Member since 2019 · 20 posts · 9 votes
    2y

    Wow, thank you so much everyone! I'll put the Schlage Encode at the top of my list, and take a look at the others mentioned as well.

    1Reply
  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    2y

    My 2 cents. We have the Schalge Connect. It is similar to the Encode but uses Z Wave for integration vs WiFi.

    We use the Samsung SmartThings Z wave hub for all control. It connects to the Emerson Sensi thermostat as well.

    Z Wave radios use far less energy than WiFi which mean battery life is much better. We get about a year out of our batteries.

    WiFi has a longer range and is easier to integrate vs Z Wave.

    It has been 100% reliable over the last 7 years.

    2Reply
  • Account Closed
    Rental Property Investor · New Braunfels, TX · Member since 2022 · 409 posts · 408 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Dewayne Perry:

    The cleaners and handyman have their own door code as well and I make sure their door code is invalid between the hours of 10pm-5am, just as a sanity check sense there's no reason for them to access the property at that time. 

     The cleaners and handyman shouldn’t have any access at all during a guests stay unless it’s an emergency and the guest knows about it. 

    2Reply
  • Trent Reeve
    Atlanta · Member since 2022 · 712 posts · 642 votes
    2y

    i started with a Halo lock. batteries never lasted even a month. switched to Schlage Encode and zero problems

    1Reply
  • Sarah KensingerPro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · OH · Member since 2023 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    Yale Assure all the way! Of course, with the key entry option so if the lock fails, there is a lockbox with a key to access the home.

    [email protected]330-557-3021
    1Reply
  • Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
    Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2y

    +1 for Schlage Encode.

    We also use Lynx that generates a unique code for each guest only good for the hours/days of their stay

    [email protected]813-563-0877
    Vacation Rentals of Florida53 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
  • Dewayne Perry
    Member since 2019 · 15 posts · 13 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Lisa Graesser:

    Schlage encode, we use lithium batteries which makes a huge difference for time between needing to change the battteries.

    Batteries change between Sept-Nov '23 and all locks read at 100% today. I have read from other that if you are near the ocean the salt air can affect the lock.


     To be honest that actually sounds concerning. Is it really the case that not even 1% of the batteries have been used? Or more likely that the device is not able to read the life of the battery? 

    1Reply
  • Greg Strunak
    Member since 2024 · 23 posts · 10 votes
    2y

    We just installed a eufy, it works great remotely as well as for guest. 

    1Reply
  • Jeremy Jareckyj
    Real Estate Agent · Salt Lake City, UT · Member since 2020 · 490 posts · 205 votes
    2y

    schlage encode is by far the best.. kwikset halo for a  more affordable option 

    1Reply
  • Josh Carpenter
    OP
    Member since 2019 · 20 posts · 9 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Dewayne Perry:

    ... I also connect it with RemoteLock...

    Thanks for this tip @Dewayne Perry! How much does RemoteLock cost? The website makes you contact sales, so I'm guessing it might not be feasible for a single unit.

    1Reply
  • Dewayne Perry
    Member since 2019 · 15 posts · 13 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Josh Carpenter:
    Quote from @Dewayne Perry:

    ... I also connect it with RemoteLock...

    Thanks for this tip @Dewayne Perry! How much does RemoteLock cost? The website makes you contact sales, so I'm guessing it might not be feasible for a single unit.


     It’s so annoying when a website doesn’t list the price publicly. It’s definitely feasible even for just one unit. I think I pay something like $6 a month per lock. 

    1Reply
  • Josh Carpenter
    OP
    Member since 2019 · 20 posts · 9 votes
    2y

    Thanks again everyone for the suggestions! From reading the description for the Schlage Encode, it was a little unclear if it requires some kind of hub... Will it work with just my Wi-Fi? Does it require Alexa or Google Home? And if so, what are people's experiences with reliability in an STR, Google vs Alexa? I use both at home, and generally find Alexa to be a little better, but maybe in the context of an STR there's something I don't know.

    Thanks again!

    0Reply
  • Trent Reeve
    Atlanta · Member since 2022 · 712 posts · 642 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Josh Carpenter:

    Thanks again everyone for the suggestions! From reading the description for the Schlage Encode, it was a little unclear if it requires some kind of hub... Will it work with just my Wi-Fi? Does it require Alexa or Google Home? And if so, what are people's experiences with reliability in an STR, Google vs Alexa? I use both at home, and generally find Alexa to be a little better, but maybe in the context of an STR there's something I don't know.

    Thanks again!


     Encode doesnt need a hub. I dont use one. works fine with just wifi.

    1Reply
  • January Johnson
    Real Estate Agent · Emerald Coast, FL · Member since 2016 · 820 posts · 486 votes
    2y

    LOTS of people in beach markets like mine report the Schlage Encode has issues with the humidity/moisture.  I don't use them - I'm just reporting.

    0Reply
  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Josh Carpenter:

    Thanks again everyone for the suggestions! From reading the description for the Schlage Encode, it was a little unclear if it requires some kind of hub... Will it work with just my Wi-Fi? Does it require Alexa or Google Home? And if so, what are people's experiences with reliability in an STR, Google vs Alexa? I use both at home, and generally find Alexa to be a little better, but maybe in the context of an STR there's something I don't know.

    Thanks again!

    Our Encode uses wifi.
    Not sure but there may be a Encode version that uses a hub. I've heard this type is even better on battery life.
    2Reply
  • Dewayne Perry
    Member since 2019 · 15 posts · 13 votes
    2y

    The Schlage encode connects directly to WiFi. There’s not a version that connects to a hub. 

    1Reply
  • Jonathan StyerBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Columbus, OH · Member since 2018 · 330 posts · 396 votes
    2y

    Hi @Josh Carpenter

    For our locks, we've opted for the Schalge Encode, and it's been an absolute game-changer for us. Not only does it offer top-notch security features to keep our properties safe, but it also provides convenient smart technology that streamlines access control.

    Styer Real Estate Professionals4.941 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
  • Josh Carpenter
    OP
    Member since 2019 · 20 posts · 9 votes
    2y
    Quote from @January Johnson:

    LOTS of people in beach markets like mine report the Schlage Encode has issues with the humidity/moisture.  I don't use them - I'm just reporting.

    Thanks @January Johnson, that's good to know! I'll definitely keep an eye on that and maybe put a little sealant around the edges. This is definitely at the beach, but it will at least be well covered in the particular location I'm using it.

    0Reply
Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
Log InJoin for Free