Running vacation rentals in Palm Beach County can be lucrative, but guest turnover creates security challenges you won’t find with traditional tenants. Keys disappear, codes get shared, and coordinating with cleaners between bookings becomes a logistical puzzle.
Most landlords start with regular keys, then realize this creates more problems than it solves. Here’s what works for securing short-term rentals in West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, and Boca Raton.
Why Physical Keys Don’t Work for Short-Term Rentals
Physical keys cause constant headaches. Guests drop them at the beach, leave them in rental cars, or pack them in luggage by mistake. Sometimes you get a panicked midnight call. Other times you find out three days after checkout that the key is missing.
Each lost key means rekeying the locks before your next guest arrives. That’s $75 to $150 per lock. With multiple turnovers each month during peak season, costs add up fast. And there’s always that nagging question about whether the last guest made a copy.
How Keyless Entry Solves These Problems
Keyless entry for vacation rentals eliminates most of these headaches. You generate a unique code for each booking that only works during their stay. The code stops working automatically at checkout time.
Guests get their code via text or email, punch it into the keypad, and they’re in. No apps to download, no Bluetooth pairing, no confusion. This matters because your guests range from tech-savvy millennials to retirees who prefer things simple.
Popular Types of Smart Lock Systems
| Lock Type | How It Works | Best For |
| Keypad Only | Enter code on physical keypad | Simple installations, all guest ages |
| Bluetooth | Unlock via smartphone app nearby | Tech-comfortable guests, backup codes available |
| WiFi-Connected | Full remote control from anywhere | Multiple properties, remote management |
WiFi models let you manage rental property keys remotely. Change codes, check if doors are locked, and get alerts from your phone. This becomes valuable if you manage properties from out of state or handle several rentals across Palm Beach County.
Smart Locks That Handle Florida’s Climate
Florida’s humidity and salt air destroy cheap locks fast. If you’re running an Airbnb in Florida, you need weather-resistant keypads and solid construction.
August WiFi Smart Lock integrates with most vacation rental platforms and handles coastal weather well. Schlage Encode has built-in WiFi and a touchscreen that stands up to beachfront conditions. Yale Assure Lock SL offers a clean look without an external keyhole. RemoteLock focuses on rental properties and includes a dashboard for managing multiple units. Kwikset Halo works without extra hubs and generates up to 250 codes.
Most of these install with basic tools. If you’re setting up multiple properties, getting help from someone who handles commercial lock installations for property managers saves time.
Managing Access from Anywhere
Being able to control who gets in and when matters. Early arrivals can’t use their code until check-in time. Late checkouts don’t leave your property vulnerable because codes deactivate automatically.
Cleaning crews get their own codes that work only during scheduled windows. Same with maintenance people who need temporary access. Activity logs show exactly who entered and when. Physical keys can’t give you that kind of accountability.
What You’ll Spend on Smart Locks vs. Rekeying
A decent smart lock for short term rental use runs $200 to $400 per door. Installation adds $100 to $200 if you hire someone, less if you do it yourself. For a typical rental with two exterior doors, expect to spend $600 to $1,200 upfront.
| Scenario | Traditional Keys | Smart Locks |
| Initial Cost (2 doors) | $0 (already installed) | $600-$1,200 |
| Per Rekey (2 locks) | $150-$300 | $0 |
| Monthly (4 turnovers) | $600-$1,200 | $0 |
| Annual Cost | $1,800-$3,600+ | $600-$1,200 (first year only) |
If you rekey locks between tenants even occasionally, smart locks pay for themselves within months. Add in hidden costs like key copies for cleaners, emergency replacements, and your time dealing with lockouts. The numbers favor keyless systems.
Beyond the Front Door
Change codes between every guest. Most systems do this automatically, but double-check. Some property managers use patterns like arrival dates, which guests could figure out or share.
Owner closets and storage areas need separate locks with different access. Your smart lock code won’t help if guests can walk into the utility room where you store supplies. Key fobs work well for shared spaces like pool gates or fitness rooms in condo buildings.
Cameras, Safes, and Backup Plans
Outdoor cameras pointed at entrances help, but Florida law requires disclosure. Mention them in your listing and house rules. Keep cameras focused on doors and walkways, not windows or interior spaces.
In-room safes give guests a place for valuables and reduce theft complaints. A hidden lockbox provides backup access if your smart lock battery dies. Share that location only with trusted local contacts.
Handling Multiple Properties
Once you manage three or more rentals, a central dashboard becomes necessary. You need to see all your locks in one place, generate codes across properties at once, and coordinate cleaning schedules.
These platforms sync with property management software. A new booking comes in, the system generates the code and sends it to the guest. Cleaners get notified and receive access right after checkout. Less manual work means fewer mistakes.
Florida Regulations to Know
Florida landlord-tenant law gets complicated with vacation rentals. Stays under 30 days follow different rules than longer-term tenants. This affects security deposits, access rights, and what you can do if problems arise.
Check your HOA or condo association rules before installing anything. Some buildings restrict smart locks, especially in communities with master key systems. Your insurance company might offer discounts for keyless entry too.
Getting Everything Set Up
Most people can install one or two smart locks themselves. If you’re setting up multiple properties or dealing with older doors that need prep work, getting help from someone who does residential lock work makes sense.
Some situations don’t work well with smart locks. Historic properties with restrictions, buildings with unreliable WiFi, or doors that need custom fitting might need different solutions. A professional evaluation helps you figure out what will work for your property.
Final Thoughts
Vacation rental security looks different from regular residential properties. The turnover creates challenges that traditional locks can’t handle well. Smart locks solve most of the daily headaches.
Start with one property to see how it works for your operation. Test different code delivery methods with guests. Figure out what your cleaners need. Then scale up if it makes sense.