Do you rent out an apartment or a villa on Airbnb or Booking in Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir, Saïdia or Al Hoceima? Handing over the keys is often the most complicated part: guests arriving late, delayed flights, lost spare keys… A smart lock for an Airbnb rental in Morocco replaces the key with an access code, a card or the app, and lets you organise self check-in. In this guide, we explain how a keypad lock for short-term rentals works, which features to check before buying and which model to choose for your property.
Contents
Why a smart lock for short-term rentals?
For an owner renting by the night or by the week, a traditional key always causes the same problems: you have to be there (or send someone) for every arrival, keys get lost, and nothing guarantees that a previous guest hasn't made a copy. A smart lock solves most of these issues:
- No more handing over keys in person: the guest gets in with their code, at their arrival time, even at 2 a.m.
- Fewer risks from lost or copied keys: you change the access instead of replacing the cylinder.
- Separate access for each person: guests, cleaner, maintenance worker, family.
- Remote monitoring on Wi-Fi connected models: you can see the lock's activity from your phone.
- A more attractive listing: "self check-in" is a feature many guests appreciate.
It is particularly useful for owners who manage their property remotely, for example Moroccans living abroad who rent out their apartment during the summer, or those who own a home in a different city from their own.
Temporary codes and per-guest access: how does it work?
The principle is simple: instead of giving everyone the same code, you create dedicated access for each guest, then delete it after they leave.
One code per guest, deleted after the stay
Keypad locks let you store several codes. For example, the X5 Pro Wi-Fi smart lock accepts up to 150 PIN codes, 200 fingerprints and 200 RFID cards, with each access managed separately. So you can assign one code to the guest, another to the cleaner, and delete the guest's code at check-out.
Temporary codes from the app
Depending on the model and the app used (Tuya Smart / Smart Life, NGTeco Home…), some locks also let you remotely create time-limited or single-use codes. This feature depends on the model and the app version: if it is an essential criterion for your business, ask us to confirm on WhatsApp before ordering.
With or without Wi-Fi?
A lock connected to Wi-Fi lets you manage access and monitor activity from your phone, wherever you are. Without a connection, codes are programmed directly on the lock. For a rental managed remotely, you therefore need a decent Wi-Fi signal at the front door: if that is not the case, see our guide Weak Wi-Fi: router, extender or Wi-Fi bridge.
| Access method | Benefit for rentals | Point to watch |
|---|---|---|
| PIN code | Easy to send to the guest by message | Delete or change after each stay |
| RFID card | Practical for cleaning staff | Deactivate if lost |
| Fingerprint | Ideal for the owner and the team | Registered on site: not well suited to guests |
| Smartphone app | Remote management and monitoring (depending on model) | Requires stable Wi-Fi |
| Mechanical backup key | A solution if the batteries are flat | Leave it with a trusted person, never hidden near the door |
Organising self check-in step by step
- Before arrival: create the guest's code and test it yourself (or have the person who does the cleaning test it).
- The day before or on the day: send the instructions via the platform's messaging: exact address, floor, photo of the door, code and how to enter it on the keypad.
- Have a plan B: a reachable phone number and a backup key with a trusted person nearby.
- During the stay: on a connected model, you can check the lock's activity in the app if in doubt.
- At departure: delete the guest's code; the cleaner then enters with their own code or card.
Brico MIM tip: never reuse the same code from one guest to the next and avoid obvious codes (1234, year of birth, apartment number). Also check the batteries before each high season: flat batteries in the middle of August mean a guest stuck outside the door.
If you choose a lock with a camera, state it clearly in your listing: rental platforms generally require any recording device to be disclosed, and the camera must only film the entrance, never the inside of the property.
Which models to choose for an Airbnb rental?
Here are the locks from our smart locks collection best suited to short-term rentals, with the information given on their product pages:
| Model | Unlocking methods | Connection / app | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NGTeco Digital Lock | Fingerprint, code, RFID card, app | Wi-Fi, NGTeco Home | 1 390 DH |
| X5 Pro Wi-Fi (Tuya) | Fingerprint, code, card, key, smartphone | Wi-Fi, Tuya Smart / Smart Life | 1 690 DH |
| M1 Pro black | Fingerprint, code, camera and indoor screen | Tuya | 2 390 DH |
| K5 CAM | Code, built-in camera | Tuya | 2 790 DH |
| SWC2 with camera (Ferri) | Face ID, fingerprint, code, card, app, key | App, built-in camera | 3 400 DH |
Best value for money: X5 Pro Wi-Fi
The X5 Pro (from 1 690 DH) is designed for this type of use: its product page explicitly mentions short-term rental properties and welcoming Airbnb / Booking guests. It can be controlled remotely via Tuya Smart or Smart Life with no subscription, runs on 4 AAA batteries (12 to 18 months of battery life depending on use) and comes with mechanical backup keys.
On a small budget: NGTeco
The NGTeco digital lock (1 390 DH) combines fingerprint, code, RFID card and the NGTeco Home app over Wi-Fi, with a USB Type-C port for emergency power. A good choice for a studio or a small apartment.
For a villa or a high-end property: SWC2 with camera
The Ferri SWC2 (3 400 DH) adds facial recognition and a built-in camera, with a 4200 mAh rechargeable lithium battery and a backup key. Its product page presents it as suitable for holiday rental apartments.
Installation, power and security
Before ordering, check that your door is compatible (thickness, opening direction, existing lock): everything is explained in our guide installing a smart lock: compatibility and fitting. To compare all models and prices, also see our smart lock buying guide for Morocco.
For locks offered with the "With installation" option, fitting is at the same price: our team calls you after the order to set a day that suits you. A few security rules to keep in mind:
- Keep an administrator access that only you know and never share it.
- Keep the mechanical backup key in a safe place, never under the doormat or in a visible box.
- Replace the batteries or recharge the battery before they are completely flat.
- Remind guests to close the door properly when leaving, and check it in the app if your model allows.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give a different code to each guest?
Yes. Keypad locks store several codes (up to 150 on the X5 Pro, for example). You create one code per stay and delete it when the guest leaves.
Does a smart lock work without Wi-Fi?
Generally yes: the keypad, fingerprint and card work directly on the lock. Wi-Fi is mainly used for remote management and monitoring from the app, which is very useful if you don't live on site.
What happens if the batteries run flat during a stay?
Depending on the model, you can open it with the mechanical backup key or power the lock temporarily (cable or USB Type-C port). Hence the value of leaving a backup key with a trusted person near the property.
Do you deliver everywhere in Morocco?
Yes, Brico MIM delivers to every city in Morocco, with cash on delivery.
Equip your rental with a smart lock
Choose your model, with or without installation, delivered everywhere in Morocco with cash on delivery.
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