How to Host Airbnb Remotely without headaches

The sky is the limit in terms of possibilities for remote hosting on Airbnb. Because I'm a computer geek, I like to have tedious tasks automated.

Smart locks

One of the best things you can do is install a smart lock. To be honest, I actually dislike referring to them as "smart" because they're simply dumb computer programs. Anyway, moving on.

For those who don't know what a smart lock is, it's a device that can be programmed to lock and unlock your door without having to hand over a key.

This is a time-saver, a headache mitigator, and truly necessary in any remote Airbnb setup.

The installation cost can be expensive, but it's worth the investment. I'm using a Nuki Pro 4, and after all the firmware updates, it's awesome. I have a keypad so that guests simply enter their code and the door unlocks. What's great is you can set up a code for each person and even schedule a time when that code is active or inactive.

I no longer worry about lost keys because there aren't any. I know when people are coming and going, and I'm aware of when the door is open and closed. It's really a nice thing to have, especially if you live remotely from your property.

Presence sensors

Another awesome tool that I've deployed is presence sensors. They're similar to having cameras in your unit, but they're not cameras. These are inexpensive devices that detect movement much like motion sensors, but more accurately. At any time, I know when someone is in my place. While it's not necessary, it does give me peace of mind knowing if someone is there.

Temperature and humidity sensors

Knowing the indoor environmental conditions in your place is important. At one point, I had an issue with too much humidity. The place was stuffy, and I wouldn't have known about it if it hadn't been for those sensors.

Smart plugs

These are plugs that can be turned on and off remotely. Are you someone who checks to see if the stove is off multiple times? Well, say goodbye to that. I've installed them in my properties because if someone happens to leave an appliance on, I can shut it off. I can also see the power usage, which is a nice feature.

I could go on and on about the devices you can use to automate your space, but I'll save that for another post.

If you're not tech-savvy, don't worry. There are guides out there that can help you figure this stuff out or if you need help you can email directly: john@directbnb.rentals