Vacation Rental Management for busy people!

Compare time-set keypad locks (eRentalLock,ResortLock,Kaba)

There are 3 popular lock providers that target the Vacation Rental industry with a focus on being able to provide different lock codes for each guest without the need for internet access to the lock. These "time-controlled" locks operate without the need to change anything on the lock after installation. See here for a summary of the 3 lock types.

The different time-controlled lock products work in similar ways:

1. The locks themselves know the current date and time
2. The Owner uses a provided mechanism/program to generate a lock code that encodes the permitted entry period (the arrival and departure dates/times)
3. Each lock has a unique serial number that ensures the codes are different even if the date/times are the same
4. When a code is entered at the lock the lock decodes it and will only open if the current date/time is within the dates/times specified when then code was generated

So, let's compare the 3 providers...

Kaba - see website

Two lock types to choose from (latch and deadbolt). Two finishes - Chrome or Brass.

Pros

1. Popular, well known
2. Code generation is Web-based (not locked to a PC)
3. Web interface allows integration with management tools
4. Short 6 digit code

Cons

1. Most expensive locks ($549 at www.ilco.com)
2. Monthly charge ($15) for access to web-based code generation tool
3. No time-of-day flexibility - the times are all preset

Resort Lock - see company website - Free Shipping here

Three lock types to choose from (latch and mortise). Two lock finishes - Silver and Brass.

Pros

1. Low/Medium priced locks (~$299-$449)
2. No ongoing fees after purchase
3. Code generation is Web-based (not locked to a PC)
4. Web interface allows integration with management tools (eg. MyVRZone.com)

Cons

1. Entry code is 10 digits (however a simpler 4-digit code can be generated by the guest per stay)

eRentalLock - see company website - Free Shipping here

Three Lock types to choose from (latch, deadbolt and mortise). Two lock finishes - Silver and Gold.

Pros

1. Lowest cost locks ($279-$429)
2. No ongoing fees after purchase
3. Code generation can be Web-based as well as PC-based - since Oct09
4. Web interface allows integration with management tools (eg. MyVRZone.com) - since Oct09
5. Both Deadbolt and Mortise options available

Cons

1. Entry code is 10 digits (however a simpler 4-digit code can be generated by the guest per stay)

Conclusions

The Kaba locks are targeted at situations where check-in/out times are the same and pre-set or will grant access based upon a whole calendar day. This is OK for those that have on-site management that can monitor check-in times but generally not OK for individual owners. The locks are the most expensive and have ongoing fees but are probably the most robust due to the testing and certification that they have.

The ResortLock and eRentalLock locks are more suited to individual VR owners as the access is restricted to the hour and so can prevent access before and after the rental period. In addition, they are lower priced and have no ongoing fees  - and we know how we like ongoing fees! MyVRZone can also offer you free shipping on these locks.

If you need to be able to generate access codes from wherever you are for last-minute bookings or to extend/change the access times then the web-based ResortLock or eRentalLock solutions will be able to provide the most flexibility. In addition, if you are using the MyVRZone.com management system then the ResortLock and eRentalLock codes will be obtained automatically for you - whenever you change a reservation - so the code will always be up-to-date.

If you are more choosy then eRentalLock has more options for you to choose from with latch, deadbolt and mortise options.

Find your lock with free shipping here.