Show Experts Agree Smart Locks Revamp Property Management

IoT smart locks let landlords control and monitor access remotely, automate check-ins, and tighten security, turning key management into a digital workflow. In my experience, the shift from physical keys to connected locks cuts admin time and improves guest satisfaction.

How IoT Smart Locks Work

At CES 2026, Lockly unveiled three Matter-ready smart locks and a property-tech platform aimed at landlords. The devices connect to Wi-Fi or Thread networks, letting a cloud service relay lock status, grant temporary access codes, and log entry events in real time.

When a guest books a stay, the property manager creates a digital key that expires at checkout. The lock receives the credential over the internet, verifies it locally, and unlocks without any mechanical key. I have watched this process eliminate the need for lockboxes, which were a common source of lost or stolen keys.

Key components include:

• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for nearby provisioning.
• Thread or Wi-Fi for remote commands.
• Secure Element chips that store encryption keys isolated from the main processor.

These layers follow industry-wide IoT security standards, making it harder for hackers to spoof a lock. As the New York Times notes, modern IoT devices increasingly embed hardware-based security, which reduces reliance on software patches alone.

Because the locks are Matter-compatible, they can be managed alongside other smart home devices - lights, thermostats, and cameras - from a single app. I appreciate that a single dashboard lets me see who entered the unit, when, and for how long, all without stepping foot on the property.

Streamlining Tenant Access and Screening

Key Takeaways

• IoT locks replace physical keys with time-limited digital credentials.
• Remote provisioning cuts check-in time by up to 80%.
• Access logs help verify tenant behavior and reduce disputes.
• Integration with screening platforms adds an extra security layer.
• Matter compatibility ensures future-proof device ecosystems.

When I first switched to smart locks, the biggest win was eliminating the 15-minute walk to a lockbox for each new tenant. Instead, I generate a one-time code that expires after the lease ends. The guest receives the code via email or SMS, and the lock verifies it automatically.

Many tenant-screening services now offer API hooks that feed background-check results directly into the lock provisioning workflow. If a prospective renter fails a credit or criminal check, the system simply does not issue a digital key. This reduces the risk of unauthorized entry before the lease even starts.

Access logs serve as an impartial record of who entered the unit and when. In a dispute over a missing item, I can pull the timestamped entry data and present it to both parties. The logs are stored in encrypted cloud storage, complying with data-privacy regulations.

Below is a quick step-by-step guide I use for each new short-term rental guest:

1. Run the tenant through a background-check platform.
2. Upload the reservation dates to the lock management portal.
3. Generate a temporary digital key that expires at checkout.
4. Send the key to the guest via the booking app.
5. Monitor entry events in real time and receive alerts for forced attempts.

This workflow reduces administrative overhead and improves guest experience, especially for properties that turn over multiple guests per week.

Boosting Rental Income with Automation

According to the Smart Locks Market Size report, the global smart lock market is projected to reach $2.5 billion by 2036, indicating strong investor confidence in the technology. Landlords who adopt IoT locks often see higher occupancy rates because the hassle-free check-in process appeals to tech-savvy travelers.

In my portfolio, units equipped with smart locks command a 5-10% premium over comparable listings that still rely on traditional keys. The premium stems from guests valuing privacy and convenience, and from the ability to offer instant self-check-in.

Automation also reduces turnover costs. Traditional key exchanges require staff time or a third-party lockbox service, each costing $10-$20 per stay. By switching to digital keys, I eliminate those fees entirely.

Furthermore, the real-time alerts for forced entry or low battery let me address maintenance issues before they affect bookings. A lock that signals a low battery 48 hours in advance avoids a situation where a guest cannot enter because the lock died.

Here’s a simple cost-benefit snapshot:

While the upfront hardware price is higher, the long-term savings on staffing and the ability to charge a premium quickly offset the expense.

Integrating with Remote Property Management Platforms

When I added a smart lock to a multi-unit building, the biggest question was whether it would play nicely with my existing property-management software. The answer was yes, thanks to open APIs and Matter compatibility.

Most leading platforms - like Guesty, Hostaway, and Lodgify - offer native integrations that sync reservation calendars directly to the lock’s access schedule. The synchronization happens in the background, so I never have to manually update codes.

Here’s how the integration typically flows:

1. Reservation is created in the PMS (Property Management System).
2. PMS pushes check-in/check-out dates to the lock’s cloud service via API.
3. The lock generates a digital key that matches the reservation window.
4. Guest receives the key through the booking app or email.
5. After checkout, the key auto-revokes and the lock resets to a locked state.

Because the communication uses encrypted HTTPS endpoints, the data remains secure throughout the process. I have also linked my smart lock data to an IoT dashboard that aggregates energy usage, temperature, and occupancy, giving me a holistic view of each property’s performance.

For landlords with multiple properties, a centralized console lets me toggle access for all units with a single click - useful when a maintenance crew needs temporary entry across the portfolio.

Security and Privacy Considerations

Security is the first concern that comes up when I talk about IoT locks with other landlords. A poorly designed lock could become a backdoor for intruders, undermining the very purpose of the upgrade.

Matter, the industry standard championed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance, mandates end-to-end encryption and device attestation. Lockly’s new platform adheres to these standards, meaning the lock proves its identity to the cloud before any commands are accepted.

In addition to encryption, I always enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on the management portal. This adds a layer of protection against credential theft. If a device’s firmware is compromised, the vendor typically pushes OTA (over-the-air) updates to patch vulnerabilities - something traditional mechanical locks can never do.

Privacy-wise, the lock only logs entry events and battery status; no video or audio is recorded. The data is stored in the vendor’s encrypted cloud and is subject to GDPR and CCPA compliance, as highlighted by the New York Times coverage of IoT privacy safeguards.

To further protect tenants, I configure the system to delete access logs after 90 days, unless a dispute requires longer retention. This balances legal needs with privacy expectations.

Future Outlook for Property Tech

The convergence of sustainability, smart technology, and evolving regulations is reshaping short-term rental operations. As the Short-Term Rental Trends report notes, guests increasingly seek eco-friendly experiences that are also tech-enabled.

Smart locks are a cornerstone of that vision. By eliminating the need for physical keys, they reduce metal waste and simplify key-replacement logistics. Moreover, they integrate with energy-management systems that turn off lights or adjust thermostats when a unit is unoccupied, delivering both cost savings and a greener footprint.

Looking ahead, I expect three developments to dominate:

1. Biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition) combined with IoT connectivity, offering hands-free entry.
2. Edge-AI processing on the lock itself, enabling real-time anomaly detection without sending data to the cloud.
3. Standardized rental-mode APIs that let any property-management platform request temporary access without custom code.

These trends will make it even easier for landlords to manage dozens of units from a laptop or smartphone. The key takeaway is that smart locks are no longer a novelty; they are becoming an operational necessity for modern landlords.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I install a smart lock on any door?

A: Most modern smart locks are designed for standard 2-in-3-quarter inch deadbolts and can be retrofitted without drilling new holes. Always check the manufacturer’s compatibility chart for your door thickness and backset.

Q: How secure are IoT locks against hacking?

A: When a lock follows Matter standards, it uses end-to-end encryption and hardware attestation, making remote spoofing extremely difficult. Regular firmware updates further protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Q: What happens if the lock loses power?

A: Most smart locks include a backup battery that lasts 6-12 months. They also retain a mechanical key override, so you can still access the unit in an emergency.

Q: Can I integrate the lock with my existing security camera system?

A: Yes, because Matter-compatible devices can share automation rules. For example, you can set a camera to start recording when the lock reports a forced entry attempt.

Q: Is there a cost benefit for long-term rentals?

A: Long-term rentals benefit from reduced key-replacement expenses and lower administrative overhead. Over a year, the savings on lock-box fees and staff time often offset the initial hardware investment.