Post by High Priestess on Feb 25, 2016 3:39:20 GMT
Lisa shared on HOsting 911 2 years ago
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-47490
Lockbox Alternatives?
Hey gang,
Normally I use a lockbox for guests to get the keys for my rental apartment. However after 2 different models of these boxes and lots of complaints, I'm at my wit's end.
It seems that lots of people have trouble opening them. Sometimes bad weather plays a role, but sometimes people just can't figure it out. I live 45 minutes' commute away from the unit so getting out there each time someone has a problem is a hassle for me and them.
Currently we do not have any key services in Toronto like TaskRabbit or KeyCafe otherwise I would use those.
What do you guys do for situations like these? It's inconvenient for the guests to come to my home for the keys first, and there is no neighbour etc. that we could leave them with, either.
Help!
9 comments
Following
Like
Deborah
Deborah2 years ago
WHich type of lockbox do you use? I find the Master ones to work most easily, where to open it you just dial the combination code. THis seems to be easier to work than the kind where you have to punch buttons. I have not yet had anyone who wasn't able to use this easier one.
Here's a link to the lockbox I use:
www.homedepot.com/p/Master-Lock-Wall-Mount-Set-Your-Own-Combination-Lock-Box-5401DHC(phone number hidden)
Make sure you leave very detailed instructions on opening it...dial the code, then push down the little black button, open the door from the top, close box, rescramble code...make no assumptions that someone will understand all the steps, explain all the steps.
Reply Like 3 likes
Lisa
Lisa2 years ago
We use that one and the other kind with the buttons. Both have problems all the time
Do you find that your Master Lock one gets stuck a lot? Ours is not mounted on a wall, we have the kind that hangs off things.
Reply Like
Deborah
Deborah2 years ago
I have not had any problems yet with the lockbox in about 7-8 months of use. What I do is place the keys (guests have 3 keys) on a colored flat plastic key ring holder and carefully put keys on the box And close it without forcing it. It should close okay without forcing. Also, I don't have guests replace keys there when they leave-- they put them elsewhere-- which minimizes problems of guests possibly putting keys in in such a way that it jams the device.
Reply Like 1 like
Lisa
Lisa2 years ago
Hmm that's a good idea, leaving the keys elsewhere. I do have a cleaning lady with her own set so I guess they could leave them in the apartment when they're done and she'll pick them up. It just leaves the door unlocked for a while though.
Reply Like
Carrie
Carrie2 years ago
I have had really good experiences with the MasterLock 5400D, available online as well as at Home Depot & Lowes. I've had several dozen guests let themselves in & have yet to experience any difficulties. I agree with Deborah about sending really clear instructions (and would be happy to post mine, here, if that would be useful for anyone.)
Reply Like
Wendy
Wendy2 years ago
PROBLEM: Faulty /sticking lock box.
SOLUTION: I had a locking bathroom door handle that was sticking a few days ago..(was getting worse and worse until I could hardly turn the handle.) I sprayed LIQUID WRENCH Silicone Spray into each of the 3 parts turning the handle as I did this after doing this twice, the door handle and lock work perfectly
Reply Like
Hope
Hope2 years ago
This may be off topic but wanted to mention that I personally meet with each guest and show them everything about the space and hand them the keys. This makes everything go much more smoothly. The human connection behind the space they're renting makes them way more respectful, honest and considerate during their stay. My experience is that they feel taken care of. I then never see them off, just ask to leave the keys inside and lock bottom when they leave. I wonder what I will do in the future if I go out of town!
Reply Like 2 replies•2 likes
Wendy
Wendy2 years ago
What do do when out of town? Lisa mentioned TASK RABBIT or KEY CAFE --anyone with experience with these?
Wendy
Wendy2 years ago
Meant to write: What to do when out of town? --also you can hire a friend to do the checking in--or some hosts even hire managers to conduct the checking in and out.
Bekah and Brian
Bekah and Brian2 years ago
We switched to keypad locks and are beyond happy with them. We ended up putting them on all the doors. No more keys to worry about and every guest gets their own personal code. Easy peasy.
Reply Like 2 likes
Joseph
Joseph2 years ago
You Might want to Hire a Key Service for your guests, they will meet them at check in time
and make sure they get inside and the space is already properly prepared for them . The Same goes for Check Out Time . The Place is inspected/checked for any issues as the guests check out . Depending on where you are , services can be a few dollars or a monthly percentage of the total rentals . It maybe worth you investing in it Since you are 45 mins away .
Reply Like 2 likes
Deborah
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-47490
Lockbox Alternatives?
Hey gang,
Normally I use a lockbox for guests to get the keys for my rental apartment. However after 2 different models of these boxes and lots of complaints, I'm at my wit's end.
It seems that lots of people have trouble opening them. Sometimes bad weather plays a role, but sometimes people just can't figure it out. I live 45 minutes' commute away from the unit so getting out there each time someone has a problem is a hassle for me and them.
Currently we do not have any key services in Toronto like TaskRabbit or KeyCafe otherwise I would use those.
What do you guys do for situations like these? It's inconvenient for the guests to come to my home for the keys first, and there is no neighbour etc. that we could leave them with, either.
Help!
9 comments
Following
Like
Deborah
Deborah2 years ago
WHich type of lockbox do you use? I find the Master ones to work most easily, where to open it you just dial the combination code. THis seems to be easier to work than the kind where you have to punch buttons. I have not yet had anyone who wasn't able to use this easier one.
Here's a link to the lockbox I use:
www.homedepot.com/p/Master-Lock-Wall-Mount-Set-Your-Own-Combination-Lock-Box-5401DHC(phone number hidden)
Make sure you leave very detailed instructions on opening it...dial the code, then push down the little black button, open the door from the top, close box, rescramble code...make no assumptions that someone will understand all the steps, explain all the steps.
Reply Like 3 likes
Lisa
Lisa2 years ago
We use that one and the other kind with the buttons. Both have problems all the time
Do you find that your Master Lock one gets stuck a lot? Ours is not mounted on a wall, we have the kind that hangs off things.Reply Like
Deborah
Deborah2 years ago
I have not had any problems yet with the lockbox in about 7-8 months of use. What I do is place the keys (guests have 3 keys) on a colored flat plastic key ring holder and carefully put keys on the box And close it without forcing it. It should close okay without forcing. Also, I don't have guests replace keys there when they leave-- they put them elsewhere-- which minimizes problems of guests possibly putting keys in in such a way that it jams the device.
Reply Like 1 like
Lisa
Lisa2 years ago
Hmm that's a good idea, leaving the keys elsewhere. I do have a cleaning lady with her own set so I guess they could leave them in the apartment when they're done and she'll pick them up. It just leaves the door unlocked for a while though.
Reply Like
Carrie
Carrie2 years ago
I have had really good experiences with the MasterLock 5400D, available online as well as at Home Depot & Lowes. I've had several dozen guests let themselves in & have yet to experience any difficulties. I agree with Deborah about sending really clear instructions (and would be happy to post mine, here, if that would be useful for anyone.)
Reply Like
Wendy
Wendy2 years ago
PROBLEM: Faulty /sticking lock box.
SOLUTION: I had a locking bathroom door handle that was sticking a few days ago..(was getting worse and worse until I could hardly turn the handle.) I sprayed LIQUID WRENCH Silicone Spray into each of the 3 parts turning the handle as I did this after doing this twice, the door handle and lock work perfectly
Reply Like
Hope
Hope2 years ago
This may be off topic but wanted to mention that I personally meet with each guest and show them everything about the space and hand them the keys. This makes everything go much more smoothly. The human connection behind the space they're renting makes them way more respectful, honest and considerate during their stay. My experience is that they feel taken care of. I then never see them off, just ask to leave the keys inside and lock bottom when they leave. I wonder what I will do in the future if I go out of town!
Reply Like 2 replies•2 likes
Wendy
Wendy2 years ago
What do do when out of town? Lisa mentioned TASK RABBIT or KEY CAFE --anyone with experience with these?
Wendy
Wendy2 years ago
Meant to write: What to do when out of town? --also you can hire a friend to do the checking in--or some hosts even hire managers to conduct the checking in and out.
Bekah and Brian
Bekah and Brian2 years ago
We switched to keypad locks and are beyond happy with them. We ended up putting them on all the doors. No more keys to worry about and every guest gets their own personal code. Easy peasy.
Reply Like 2 likes
Joseph
Joseph2 years ago
You Might want to Hire a Key Service for your guests, they will meet them at check in time
and make sure they get inside and the space is already properly prepared for them . The Same goes for Check Out Time . The Place is inspected/checked for any issues as the guests check out . Depending on where you are , services can be a few dollars or a monthly percentage of the total rentals . It maybe worth you investing in it Since you are 45 mins away .
Reply Like 2 likes
Deborah