For a landlord, selecting the right lock is simple: it needs to be dependable, easy to change between tenants, and user-friendly when resetting the lock. However, the type of lock on the entrance door influences much more than the operations of the owner. It determines the guests' experience of the house during their entire visit and eventually gets written about in the reviews.

 

So here is how the four most commonly used entry systems are ranked from the guest experience perspective.

 

#4 – Smart Lock/Keypad Lock

 

If we consider all of the advantages from a business point of view, then the remote-access lock wins over any other type. It allows for unlocking the accommodation from any location; no need for physical keys and hassle to pass them between you and your guests. If everything goes well, the guest will never even see this particular feature of your house.

 

However, the reality is that there are many aspects of such lock that may put your guests on edge. For example, while it sounds great that you can unlock a room whenever you need to, the possibility that you can do it scares people. Will the landlord show up in the middle of the night? Are there any dangers associated with the use of such locks?

 

The more educated visitors are, the more likely they are to mention this particular feature in a negative way in a review. In case safety is what you need for good ratings, smart locks are unlikely to help.

 

#3 – Electronic Lock Box

 

An electronic lock box may also seem like a better alternative to the ordinary lock. The fact that the person receiving the keys can leave them inserted in the lock in order not to give anyone an opportunity to open them externally sounds very assuring. On the other hand, it's possible to bypass this particular type of lock by using special software and some additional equipment. So once again, if you want the best for your guests, you'll have to think twice before choosing this option.

 

#2 – Standard Lock Box

 

The standard lock box seems to be a better solution to the problem of key distribution. It doesn't cost a lot and doesn't have any advanced features that can be easily compromised. There is no need for any app or battery in order to activate this mechanism, which is very convenient for both sides.

 

While this option appears to be quite safe in general, there is one thing that might be overlooked – it's extremely easy to find videos online where people demonstrate how to open this particular lock in just a couple of minutes. While it's unlikely that someone will break into your property this way, there is still something unsettling for the visitors regarding the lack of safety.

 

#1 – The Illuminated Cipher Lock Box

 

The illuminated cipher lock box is a great way to solve the issue of key distribution and create a comfortable environment for the guest. It doesn't require any advanced technology to operate – it's just like any other lock, but the fact that it features illuminated digits is very convenient.

 

The main reason why this option is better than the standard lock box is its safety. It doesn't feature a mechanical part that can be easily bypassed and is very difficult to manipulate. There are neither batteries nor any wires in the lock, so there is no threat to the safety of the property.

 

For your guests, it means only one thing: you care about their safety, which is a nice gesture indeed. The feeling that you're taken care of creates a positive impression of your hosting.

 

The Review You Never Want to Get

 

There is hardly anything worse for the reputation of your Airbnb house than poor reviews. Even the most beautiful images, competitive prices, and impeccable condition won't save your listing if there are too many bad reviews. And one of the reasons why guests complain on the internet about your property is usually related to the issue of safety.

 

Some phrases you can find in the negative reviews include:

 

"The house was great but I couldn't get rid of the idea that my landlord could unlock the door at any time. This smart lock put me on guard."

 

"A very pleasant apartment except that the lock box seemed to be easily accessible and we felt that we weren't totally safe inside it."

 

The main thing to remember is that this type of complaint is based not on actual experiences but rather on a feeling of unease and concern about safety. As you can see from the examples above, there are no real events described in the negative reviews; just emotions.

 

The bottom line is that the guest's feeling concerning security plays a huge role in their general satisfaction with your property. People tend to pay attention to those features of a house that make them nervous. And as a result, instead of writing positive comments, they mention some issues with safety and security.

 

The good news is that this kind of problem is quite easy to avoid. All the people need to feel comfortable at home – and this is achieved easily when guests feel completely secure in their surroundings.

 

The Bottom Line

 

Even though it seems insignificant at first glance, choosing a certain kind of lock box can influence the safety of your property significantly. It will either contribute to the guests' well-being or create unnecessary concerns that may later lead to bad reviews.

 

In order to make your guests feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible, consider getting the illuminated cipher lock box. It costs not much more than other alternatives, yet provides better security than any of them. After they entered the code and received the key, the guests will simply ignore this feature of your house, which is exactly what you want.