Could not agree more. In fact, anytime I have unnecessarily done something to feel like I have the upper hand with a guest (not often, but, hey, I’m human), it has come back to bite me on the arse.
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I have six cottages here in a summer colony and they were built in the early 50’s so some of the locks are quite difficult/impossible to replace now - so i make sure that guests only get COPIES of keys and I have the originals.
If any of those keys get lost or taken by guests, I’m not that concerned. The only time I had an issue was about 15+ yrs ago, when I didn’t have copies of keys for one unit because the lock was a ASSA (Swedish) lock and getting copies here was impossible because that key type isn’t used in USA locks. When one key got lost, I had to contact friends in Sweden and work with a locksmith there to get some blanks bought/sent to me.
i think the OP here went overboard on charges to guest and I don’t see why some of those locks needed to be replaced had host had proper BACKUP keys because the chances of the keys being misused that far away is minuscule at best.
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Search this forum for “keys mailbox” and you’ll see what a bad idea it is. This isn’t the guest’s fault. This is the host’s fault. Implement a self checkout process that isn’t broken.
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It might not be that bad. My father-in-law paid over 300€ for a new lock on his place in Germany when my sister-in-law lost the key, so 600€ for 3 locks isn’t out of the question.
I think you’re extremely lucky that it cost you only 115€. Get a key-lock-box installed near the front door and do it before this happens again. If that’s not allowed, then figure something else out, but don’t expect Airbnb to pay you out again for your broken checkout process.
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Not sure if this is possible at your residence but an idea, that turned out to be the same price as a professional lock change, for us at least …
After one guest lost a key, we decided on this route (at our own expense), rather than a lock change. We now have electronic locks with a key back up in case of battery failure or a guest that can’t figure things out. I have a lockbox next to the door with spare keys for my caretaker. I don’t give out that code to guests (but will if there is a problem with the electronic lock). I also have a master lockbox hidden with all the keys to the house so if I happen to go to the house without my set, I have a spare to anything.
Yes - if you are counting that is three sets of keys - I’m neurotic, haha, but I will not be changing locks again anytime soon.
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But… we’re not a support group, are we?
8d
Donna_Jack:
The stated goal of this forum is to connect hosts to hosts to offer support…
You can’t have it both ways. The OP was out of order and was rightly told so. If she’d made a mistake and didn’t know what to do, many of us would support her with advice and encouragement and refrain from berating her for being a sub-standard host.
@KKC To be clear: I have no wish whatsoever to re-open previous disagreements. Blame current British politics. It’s made me realise how important it is to hold people to account for the things they have previously said. I am not comparing you to Boris, good grief. I’d rather have you as our PM. Probably… !
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I’ve nothing helpful to add to what’s been stated so I’m backing out of this thread.
I only replaced one of the lock cylinder myself. I bought two bike lock for the expensive baby stroller of the following guests. Because I didn’t and still don’t know who is in possession of the missing keys.
I thought they might have forgotten to drop the keys in the mailbox because they were in a rush to the airport. I wish they had the keys (rather than having dropped them in the wrong mailbox) so I wouldn’t have to waste time and money to replace the locks. I’ve never imagined them taking the keys with bad intent.
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Are your electronic locks for outdoor use. If yes, would you share the brand and model with me please?
Thanks for your reply. Can I have the brand and model of your keyless lock please?
Is your keyless entry lock for outdoor use?
Sounds like it’s time to replace the locks with modern ones? If it were me, I’d do that so I have a master key that can open everything. As an alternative, I’d replace front door locks with combination locks so that you can change the combination after each guest.
As I said, due to type of locks and custom doors involved, replacing them is not really possible from what I’ve been told. I have unique tags for each one so master key isn’t really a need and i’ve been using these keys/locks for decades.
And I don’t see need for changing combinations as 85-90% of my guests are repeats and some have been coming for many years and are friends now. Combo locks are more needed in places where you have numerous overnight guests, whereas here, they stay for week or two or more.
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Things may be different there as while here in US, I have gotten a typical simple house key copied for $1.50 or so but when I was in Sweden for aunt’s funeral and went to locksmith to get some more blanks for my unique Swedish ASSA lock, I found that if I was getting a copy of that key made there, it would have been around $10-12 USD but I was able (because i was taking them out of country) to buy blanks for about $3 each (I think) and have it cut in US for less than $2.
I have not read all the answers …but why did you even have to replace door locks? They are tourists …they left. Ptobably never coming back. This whole things with them not leaving keys is very strange …and you have no copies ?
To pay 1100$ is so excessive.
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I believe this is a violation of the review guidelines which states that you’re not allowed to mention resolution cases. Contact another airbnb agent
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Miyima, absolutely, glad to. I have Schlage locks, the Connect series, I think. However, if that doesn’t work in your locale, there are a bunch out there now. There are a few posts on here regarding locks but I haven’t checked in a while so I don’t know how old those posts are, but if you search the forum I’m sure someone has chimed in. People are good for that on here, haha. If I can help, just let me know. 
Best wishes to you, this rental stuff has some tough knocks sometimes but it’s a good experience most days 
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