Smart Lock for Short-Term Rental: Automatic Check-in Guide

Automatic check-in in short-term rental means guests enter without a physical key: they receive a digital key that activates at check-in and expires at check-out, or a single-use PIN via Keypad. For Airbnb and short-term rental hosts, this removes the requirement to physically meet guests for key handover and logs every entry and exit automatically.

How a smart lock works for Airbnb

The smart lock mounts to the inside of the existing cylinder and lets you manage access digitally. Two methods are most common in short-term rental:

• Digital key: A time-restricted key is assigned to the guest, active from check-in and expiring at check-out. The guest opens the door from their phone.
• Single-use or time-limited PIN: A PIN code via Keypad 2 gives contactless entry without requiring the guest to install any app.

In both cases, physical key handover is eliminated. Access ends automatically when the stay is over.

What automatic check-in delivers for the host

• No key meeting: Guests arrive independently at any hour; the host does not need to be present
• Automatic access timing: The digital key activates at check-in, expires at check-out. PINs expire after the stay or after one use
• Full access log: Every door open and close recorded with user name and timestamp — useful for dispute resolution and security oversight
• Remote management: Access is created, adjusted, or revoked from a phone, from anywhere

For detailed access management options, see guest access management.

Which Nuki product is right for short-term rental?

Remote management requires the lock to be connected to the internet.

Smart Lock Pro (5th Gen)

Smart Lock Pro 5th Gen has built-in Wi-Fi, so remote access works without a Bridge. Matter compatible, stainless-steel body. Manage door access directly over the internet — practical for properties with high guest turnover.

Nuki Bridge for locks without built-in Wi-Fi

If the smart lock does not have built-in Wi-Fi, the Nuki Bridge connects it to the internet. This enables remote control, notifications, and smart home integration. A connectivity layer is required to define access before a guest arrives and to receive arrival notifications.

Keypad for guests who don't want a phone app

Keypad 2 supports PIN, fingerprint, NFC card, digital wallet, and Apple Watch tap. A single-use or time-limited PIN is the simplest option for guests who prefer not to install an app.

Setting up short-term rental automation

For hosts managing more than one property, the access setup can be automated end to end:

1. Mount the smart lock on the door's inside cylinder
2. Connect to internet (built-in Wi-Fi model, or Bridge)
3. For each reservation, create a digital key or timed PIN active from check-in to check-out
4. Monitor entry/exit logs from the phone

For reservation and access automation in short-term rental, Nuki Smart Hosting integrates directly with Airbnb, Smoobu, Guesty, and other PMS platforms (69 EUR/lock/year, 30-day free trial).