RemoteLock Setup Guide: Smart Lock Integration for Vacation Rentals

Key handoffs are one of the biggest operational pain points in short-term rentals — and one of the easiest to eliminate. Smart locks with automated access code management remove the coordination entirely. Guests get a unique code before check-in, the code works for exactly their stay window, and it expires at checkout without any action required from you or your team.

RemoteLock is one of the leading cloud-based access control platforms in the STR industry. It connects to your property management system, works with over 30 lock hardware brands, and provides centralized management for access across your entire portfolio. This guide covers the full setup process from hardware selection through OwnerRez integration.

Why Smart Lock Integration Matters for STR

Guest experience: Guests want seamless check-in. A unique code delivered ahead of arrival, with clear instructions, removes friction from the very first moment of their stay. No waiting for someone to show up with a key, no lockbox combination shared on a sticky note.

Operations: For property managers with multiple properties across different locations, physical key management is a logistical liability. A centralized access platform means you can manage every property's access from one dashboard, remotely generate codes for vendors, and pull access logs if there's ever a dispute.

Security: Per-booking codes that auto-expire at checkout mean previous guests can't access a property after their stay. You can also generate temporary codes for cleaners, maintenance vendors, or inspection visits — all tracked in the system.

RemoteLock Overview: What the Platform Does

RemoteLock is a cloud-based access management platform designed for the hospitality and property management market. Its core functions for STR operators:

• PMS integration: Connects to OwnerRez, Guesty, Hostaway, and other major PMSes to receive booking data
• Automatic code generation: Creates a unique access code for each confirmed reservation
• Code delivery: Works with your PMS messaging templates to include codes in guest communications
• Code lifecycle management: Codes activate at check-in time and expire at checkout
• Multi-property dashboard: Manage access for your entire portfolio from one interface
• Access logs: Track who accessed each property and when
• Vendor access: Generate temporary codes for cleaners, maintenance, inspections

How Does RemoteLock Integrate with OwnerRez?

RemoteLock and OwnerRez integrate via direct API. Here's how the flow works:

1. Guest books a reservation in OwnerRez (via any channel or direct booking)
2. OwnerRez sends booking data to RemoteLock via API
3. RemoteLock generates a unique access code for that reservation window
4. The code is passed back to OwnerRez as a booking field
5. OwnerRez includes the code in your configured email/SMS templates (check-in instructions)
6. Code activates at your configured check-in time, expires at checkout time

The integration requires setup in both platforms. See our complete OwnerRez setup guide for details on template configuration. And for the full picture of how RemoteLock fits into your tech stack, see our guide to managed IT for STR operators.

Compatible Smart Lock Hardware

RemoteLock supports 30+ lock brands. The most commonly used with STR properties:

Schlage Encode: Wi-Fi connected, no hub required, built-in alarm, strong build quality. One of the most popular choices for STR.

Yale Assure: Clean aesthetic, touchscreen, Z-Wave or Wi-Fi versions, very reliable.

Kwikset SmartCode: More affordable entry point, widely available, solid reliability.

August Smart Lock: Works with existing deadbolts, good for properties where full lock replacement isn't practical.

For new installations, Wi-Fi connected locks (Schlage Encode, Yale Assure Wi-Fi) avoid the need for a Z-Wave hub and simplify setup considerably. For properties with existing locks, consider the retrofit options. CoHost Pro helps clients select the right hardware for each property as part of our STR technology services.

RemoteLock Setup: Step-by-Step

Step 1 — Create your RemoteLock account and add your property/device. Download the RemoteLock app and pair your lock following the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 2 — In RemoteLock, navigate to Integrations and connect to OwnerRez using your OwnerRez API key.

Step 3 — Configure code format: decide on code length (6-8 digits recommended), whether to use booking confirmation number patterns or random codes, and check-in/checkout buffer times.

Step 4 — In OwnerRez, add the RemoteLock access code field to your check-in instruction message template. Test with a sample booking.

Step 5 — Run a full test: create a test reservation in OwnerRez, verify the code appears in RemoteLock, verify the code is included in the confirmation/check-in email, test the code on the physical lock.

Troubleshooting Common RemoteLock Issues

Code not generated: Check that the OwnerRez-RemoteLock integration API connection is active. Re-authenticate if needed. Verify the booking is in "confirmed" status.

Code not appearing in guest email: Check your OwnerRez message template — the RemoteLock variable needs to be added to the template body. Confirm the template trigger is set correctly.

Code not working on lock: Check lock battery level (most common cause). Verify the lock's time is synced (Wi-Fi locks sync automatically; Z-Wave locks need hub time sync). Confirm the code is being entered within the valid access window.

Lock offline: Wi-Fi connectivity issue at the property. Check router status. Remote troubleshooting is limited for connectivity issues; have a backup access plan (lockbox with property manager code) for guest arrivals.

RemoteLock also pairs directly with Turno for cleaning automation — you can generate temporary access codes for your cleaners automatically for each turnover, eliminating key coordination with your cleaning team entirely. Combine this with PriceLabs for dynamic pricing and you have a fully automated STR operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RemoteLock and how does it work for vacation rentals?

RemoteLock is a cloud-based access control platform that manages smart locks for vacation rentals. It integrates with your PMS to automatically generate unique access codes for each booking, deliver them to guests, and expire them at checkout — no manual key handoffs required.

Does RemoteLock integrate with OwnerRez?

Yes. RemoteLock has a direct integration with OwnerRez. When a booking is confirmed, OwnerRez triggers RemoteLock to generate a unique code for that reservation. The code is included automatically in your guest communication templates and expires at checkout time.

What smart locks are compatible with RemoteLock?

RemoteLock supports over 30 lock brands and models including Schlage Encode, Yale Assure, Kwikset SmartCode, August, and many others. The platform works with both Z-Wave and Wi-Fi connected devices, giving you hardware flexibility.

Can CoHost Pro set up RemoteLock for my properties?

Yes. CoHost Pro handles full RemoteLock deployment including account setup, device provisioning, OwnerRez integration, code format configuration, and guest communication template setup. Smart lock deployment is included in our tech stack implementation service.