# Airbnb: Need help for creative idea to pass keys to guests **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 8, 2016, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208 "2016-12-08T15:12:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![teddybound](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8e7dd6/32.png) [@teddybound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teddybound)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2016, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208/1 "2016-12-08T15:12:09Z")
Hi there, I’m at my wits end and probably someone here can help me think out of the box. I have a condo unit that I rent out for airbnb. Recently the condo has stepped up security and now require to show the condo pass to enter the premises. Otherwise, guests could only enter the premises if they are authorized by the owner, whom must be present at home (security would buzz owner at home to check). In the past I would put my condo pass in the mailbox located in the condo premises. Security would allow my guests to proceed to the mailbox to collect the pass. The condo pass has a security chip in it to access the elevator. Nowadays, I have to be physically present to pass the pass - and it is highly inconvenient since I may have to wait for hours due to late check-in at wee hours, or delayed flight etc. Any ideas how I could pass the pass to my guest easily? There are no public lockers around my condo. There is a bicycle park though - I thought of parking a bike with a trunk, but I realized most bike trunks are detachable easily? ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2016, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208/2 "2016-12-08T15:37:38Z")
Perhaps the increased security is to prevent owners from turning their condos into short term rentals. Have you checked with your HOA rules? I might be wise to do that before potentially circumventing them. ---
**Author:** ![Emergency911](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/43a26b/32.png) [@Emergency911](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Emergency911)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2016, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208/3 "2016-12-08T15:50:07Z")
Assuming renting via AirBnB is allowable with your Condo Association, could you just ask security to give the renter the pass? Maybe throw a few bucks their way for their time? If you are going against condo rules, then that probably wouldn’t work, but if I lived in the building too, I would rather have you give the card to security with a name of who is picking up the card, rather than leaving it out somewhere for a random person to come across. ---
**Author:** ![dolphinboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dolphinboy/32/330_2.png) [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2016, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208/4 "2016-12-08T16:00:42Z")
Maybe they would let you mount a combination lock box just outside of the complex that the guest can access to get the pass. ---
**Author:** ![teddybound](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8e7dd6/32.png) [@teddybound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teddybound)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2016, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208/5 "2016-12-08T16:02:27Z")
> [@Emergency911](#): > > Assuming renting via AirBnB is allowable with your Condo Association, could you just ask security to give the renter the pass? Maybe throw a few bucks their way for their time? If you are going against condo rules, then that probably wouldn’t work, but if I lived in the building too, I would rather have you give the card to security with a name of who is picking up the card, rather than leaving it out somewhere for a random person to come across. They do allow… but security wouldn’t help as they don’t want the liability… tbh, most of the time, my guests can come in usually with no problems. However, there is this guard that insist based on rules. Hence, in the long run, I should think of creative ideas now before all the guards insist on this rule. ---
**Author:** ![teddybound](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8e7dd6/32.png) [@teddybound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teddybound)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2016, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208/6 "2016-12-08T16:03:34Z")
> [@dolphinboy](#): > > Maybe they would let you mount a combination lock box just outside of the complex that the guest can access to get the pass. that’s what I thin, but unless it’s a secure lock box, it might get taken away if it is too conspicuous - I might need to bolt it to the ground! ---
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2016, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208/7 "2016-12-08T17:00:29Z")
> [@dolphinboy](#): > > Maybe they would let you mount a combination lock box just outside of the complex that the guest can access to get the pass. Yeah, I stayed in an Airbnb place in May, and this is how the owner left us the keys. The lock box was mounted inconspicuously on a wall outside the gate that surrounded the property. You wouldn’t really know it was there or what it was for unless you were specifically looking for it. ---
**Author:** ![edwards\_beard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@edwards\_beard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwards_beard)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2016, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208/8 "2016-12-08T20:08:16Z")
How far away do you live from the Condo? I’d have them call me when they’re near, have the pass in a weighted cylinder, attach the cylinder to a drone, and drop it on them like a bomb. (you said creative…not smart) ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2016, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208/9 "2016-12-08T21:02:09Z")
Use a combination realtor key box. > **[Amazon.com : Key Lock Box LB-50 - Hide a Key Outside for Your House - Realtor,...](https://www.amazon.com/Key-Lock-Box-LB-50-Combination/dp/B01CC99TIK)** > > Amazon.com : Key Lock Box LB-50 - Hide a Key Outside for Your House - Realtor, Spare Key, Contractor, Rental, Key Storage - Lockbox Combination Shackle Fence Mount, Door Knob Mount : Office Products Hook it on the fence or gate to the property. ---
**Author:** ![Chisquirrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6bbea6/32.png) [@Chisquirrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chisquirrel)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2016, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208/10 "2016-12-08T21:25:22Z")
> [@edwards\_beard](#): > > How far away do you live from the Condo? > > I’d have them call me when they’re near, have the pass in a weighted cylinder, attach the cylinder to a drone, and drop it on them like a bomb. > > (you said creative…not smart) I’m just going to go ahead and second this option. Or possibly a small trebuchet, properly calibrated and aimed for an X on the ground, with some Internet of Things controlling it. Just think, “Alexa, fire the trebuchet!” It just has a nice ring to it. ---
**Author:** ![Mr\_Downtown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Mr\_Downtown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Downtown)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208/11 "2016-12-09T04:44:22Z")
Well, you could hide the key somewhere. A classic is to put it on the right front tire of an easily identified car that will be present (so maybe not _your_ car). But you could also use a magnetic lockbox on an electrical cabinet or lamppost, or various other things that would not attract attention unless someone was instructed where to look. The key piece of info—your unit number—would not be on the keychain, as the guests would already know that. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208/12 "2016-12-09T06:13:38Z")
Get the crappiest bicycle you can find. The combination lockbox goes _ **on the frame** _ under the seat - NOT on the seat post. Lock the bike when the guest is expected and provide the guest with the location of the bike rack, a description of the bike, and the combination for the lockbox. Use a crappy bike and an\* appropriate for the bike\* lock - a crappy bike with a brand new high-end lock will attract attention - I assume the condo pass has markings on it to identify it as a “way to get into the condos across the street”. A lockbox on a crappy bike just may be the bait a thief will look into. You want to avoid attention, not attract it. ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208/13 "2016-12-09T06:22:55Z")
> [@Omar\_Little](#): > > Use a combination realtor key box. > > [Amazon.com : Key Lock Box LB-50 - Hide a Key Outside for Your House - Realtor, Spare Key, Contractor, Rental, Key Storage - Lockbox Combination Shackle Fence Mount, Door Knob Mount : Office Products](https://www.amazon.com/REALTOR-LOCK-Safe-vault-Combination/dp/B01CC99TIK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481230859&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=combination+security+box&psc=1) > > Hook it on the fence or gate to the property. This. I’m sure you can find one that will fit a card. ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 6:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208/14 "2016-12-09T06:42:32Z")
> [@Omar\_Little](#): > > Use a combination realtor key box. > > [Amazon.com : Key Lock Box LB-50 - Hide a Key Outside for Your House - Realtor, Spare Key, Contractor, Rental, Key Storage - Lockbox Combination Shackle Fence Mount, Door Knob Mount : Office Products](https://www.amazon.com/REALTOR-LOCK-Safe-vault-Combination/dp/B01CC99TIK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481230859&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=combination+security+box&psc=1) > > Hook it on the fence or gate to the property. Or to the bike rack. ---
**Author:** ![teddybound](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8e7dd6/32.png) [@teddybound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teddybound)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 6:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208/15 "2016-12-09T06:52:05Z")
> [@SeaDragonTattoo](#): > > This. I’m sure you can find one that will fit a card. This is actually a good idea! I have tried googling but I think my google skills are too lousy - could anyone help me google the same type of lock but big enough to store a credit card-sized card? ---
**Author:** ![Jesta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Jesta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jesta)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 8:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208/16 "2016-12-09T08:02:00Z")
[https://www.amazon.com/NU-SET-2085-3-Storage-Combination-Lockbox/dp/B00M0XFXAC/ref=sr\_1\_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1481270385&sr=8-3&keywords=Key+Card+Lock+Box](https://www.amazon.com/NU-SET-2085-3-Storage-Combination-Lockbox/dp/B00M0XFXAC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1481270385&sr=8-3&keywords=Key+Card+Lock+Box) or [http://www.ebay.com/itm/Key-Card-Storage-Lock-Box-Realtor-Lockbox-4-Letter-with-Hinged-Door-/370531918921](http://www.ebay.com/itm/Key-Card-Storage-Lock-Box-Realtor-Lockbox-4-Letter-with-Hinged-Door-/370531918921) ? Just searched ‘key card lockbox’ ---
**Author:** ![Ignotus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ecc23a/32.png) [@Ignotus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ignotus)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208/17 "2016-12-09T09:07:45Z")
I’d give it to the bartender in the closest pub, to hand over to the person who asks for it under the name of “Peaches”. ---
**Author:** ![Max\_Torque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Max\_Torque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Torque)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208/18 "2016-12-09T17:06:26Z")
We just sold our house, and rather than attaching the lockbox to the front doorknob, our realtor attached it to the hose bib out front. The plumbing is quite firmly attached to the house, and ours was behind a bush so it wasn’t as conspicuous. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208/19 "2016-12-09T19:38:29Z")
The bike rack is likely too large in diameter to fit a lockbox. Hence a theft-proof bike locked to the rack. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208/20 "2016-12-09T20:10:29Z")
I’m on our condo’s BoD. Our rules prohibit stuff like AirBnB. Even if our rules did not we’d be very adverse to this stuff and be using all available legit techniques within the rules to prevent / discourage owners from doing this. The OP says his condo has no rules against AirBnB. I’ll take him at his word, but I’d also expect the OP \*might \*encounter that same kind of resistance we’d put up. Which might play out as security and janitor staff pushing back, removing lock boxes, and all the rest. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208.md?page=2)