How to automate access and security in holiday rentals

Running a holiday let means repetitive chores: handing over keys at odd hours, checking everything was switched off, worrying about leaks while the property is empty. Technology takes care of much of it — as long as it’s done respecting guests’ privacy and the rules.

1. Keyless entry

• An electronic lock on the apartment door with a unique code per booking, valid from check-in to check-out time.
• Separate codes for cleaning and maintenance, limited to set hours.
• An opening log: you know when guests arrived and when cleaning finished.
• Backup: an emergency mechanical key and low-battery alerts.

More in electronic locks.

The building entrance and shared areas

In an apartment building, access to the entrance, garage or pool belongs to the owners’ association (comunidad). Temporary credentials or intercom codes should only be installed with the association’s approval and within its rules (see access control for residential buildings).

2. Protecting the empty property

• Flood sensors with a shut-off valve.
• Connected smoke detectors that alert your phone.
• Temperature sensor to catch air-conditioning or fridge failures.
• Door contacts to confirm the property was closed after check-out.

3. Energy under control

• Setpoint limits: guests adjust temperature within a sensible range.
• Open windows: climate pauses.
• Departure: at check-out time, or when the code expires, everything switches off.
• Scheduled water heater so there’s hot water on arrival.

4. Guest Wi-Fi

A guest network separate from management devices (lock, exterior entrance camera, automation), with a password rotated regularly. Good Wi-Fi is one of the things guests value most (see improving Wi-Fi).

5. Privacy: what not to do

Measure	Appropriate?
Cameras inside the property	No — it breaches guests’ privacy
Camera on your own exterior entrance, with notice	Possible, limited to what’s essential
Noise sensors that only measure level, no audio recording	Possible, with guests informed
Lock opening log	Yes, as management data
Recording conversations or audio	No

Worked example: a two-bedroom apartment on the coast

• An electronic cylinder with keypad and an automatically generated code per booking.
• A cleaning code valid 11:00–15:00 on changeover days.
• Water sensors under the sink, washing machine and water heater, with a shut-off valve.
• A connected smoke detector in the living room.
• Air conditioning limited to 22–27 °C and switched off at check-out time.
• Separate guest Wi-Fi and a technical network for management devices.
• A dashboard on the owner’s phone showing door status, technical alarms and consumption.

Common mistakes

• Reusing the same code for every guest.
• Cameras inside the property “for security”.
• Installing a reader at the building entrance without the association’s permission.
• Management devices on the same network as guests.
• Forgetting that automation doesn’t replace guest-registration duties or regional regulations.

Conclusion

An automated holiday rental offers hassle-free arrivals, lower consumption, leak protection and remote control, with fewer trips for the owner. The key is combining temporary access, technical alarms and energy limits — without invading guests’ privacy, and while meeting legal obligations.

Domolife integrates access control, home automation and networking for rental properties. Tell us about your case.