Smart locks can make it easier to welcome family, service providers, and renters without handing out a physical key. The key is to give each guest the right access for the right amount of time, then remove it when the visit ends. Before setting anything up, check your lock’s app for options such as unique user codes, start and end times, and entry notifications. A little planning helps keep arrivals simple and access controlled.
Create a Separate Code
Use a unique code for each guest instead of sharing your own everyday code. In the lock’s app, look for an option to add a user or guest, then follow the prompts to create a code. Choose a code that is easy for the guest to enter but not based on public information, such as a street address or birthday. Keep the code private and send it through a method you trust.
If your lock supports one-time or limited-use codes, consider them for a short visit or a scheduled delivery. For guests who may return, a separate recurring code can be easier to manage. Avoid reusing an old guest code for someone new; removing it and creating a fresh one makes it clearer who currently has access.
Set an Access Schedule
Set a start and end time that match the visit. For an overnight guest, allow enough time for arrival and departure rather than restricting access to a narrow window. For a cleaner or contractor, use the appointment period if the lock supports it, and confirm the schedule accounts for any expected delays.
Check the time zone and date settings in the app, especially if you manage a rental from another location. Some locks apply schedules according to the phone or lock’s local time. After saving the schedule, review it in the app and make sure the guest knows when the code will work and what to do if it does not.
Make Arrival Straightforward
Send guests the entry instructions before they arrive. Include the door they should use, how to wake the keypad if needed, and whether they must press a check mark or lock button after entering the code. Keep the instructions brief and avoid sending information they do not need, such as your personal account login.
Test the code at the door before the visit when possible. Confirm that the keypad responds, the code works, and the door closes and locks properly. If guests need help, provide a backup plan, such as a contact number or an approved spare key location. Do not assume the app will send a notification unless you have checked that feature and enabled it.
Review and Remove Access
After a visit or rental stay, remove the guest code or let its scheduled expiration take effect. Then check the app’s user list to confirm the code is no longer active. If a guest reports a lost phone or a code shared beyond the intended group, disable that access promptly and create a replacement if needed.
For recurring visitors or rentals, keep a simple record of who has a code, why they have it, and when it should expire. Review active users regularly, particularly after a change in household staff or a rental turnover. Orlando Smart Locks can help homeowners choose and set up a guest-access system that fits their doors and routines.
Guest access works best when every code has a clear purpose and expiration. Create separate codes, set realistic schedules, test the entry process, and remove access when it is no longer needed. If you want help configuring a smart lock for visitors or renters, contact a qualified installer to review your setup.