Schlage encode stopped working, guest locked out temporarily

[James Nelson]

I have 2 Schlage encode locks at my beach house and they both simultaneously crapped out within a few hours of each other. I think it was due to either getting wet or condensation because there was water in them when I opened them up. I have a manual lockbox but I forgot to put the new key in there after switching the locks out. I live an hour and a half away so I had to drive and unlock the door for the guest. They were locked out for about an hour and a half and they had an infant with them. What kind of compensation would you offer the guest, if any, and are there any better locks out there for hot, humid weather conditions that are rain resistant? 

[Dave Stokley]

If it's a property I own I would have said "I'll be there in 90 minutes. Would you want to go out to a nice dinner and let me pick up the tab?" If it's a property I'm managing for someone else I'd probably offer a cash refund of roughly the cleaning fee and eat the cost myself.

I've never had a weather-related problem with a Schlage (or any other smart lock) but we're in Ohio (some on the water though).

[Jon Martin]

1-2 hours is rough, I would comp them at least half a night stay. Also, plus 1 on having a backup lockbox. 

On a side note, is there no remote app for the Schlage Encode where you the owner can unlock it? If not, score one for the August, and maybe look into that.

[Dave Stokley]

Quote from @Jon Martin:

1-2 hours is rough, I would comp them at least half a night stay. Also, plus 1 on having a backup lockbox. 

On a side note, is there no remote app for the Schlage Encode where you the owner can unlock it? If not, score one for the August, and maybe look into that.

There is definitely an app, but it doesn't do much good if the lock is dead.

[John Underwood]

Quote from @Jon Martin:

1-2 hours is rough, I would comp them at least half a night stay. Also, plus 1 on having a backup lockbox. 

On a side note, is there no remote app for the Schlage Encode where you the owner can unlock it? If not, score one for the August, and maybe look into that.

 There is an app for the schlage encode. I imagine that didn't work either if they had water in them.

[John Underwood]

I'm sure they know you had to drive 1.5 hours each way to fix this.

What there mad? Happy to see you? Appreciative of the drive you.just made?

What were they doing while you were driving? Were they sitting outside in the heat waiting? Where they out to dinner or doing something fun?

I'd need to.know these answers before I could give you your answer. 

I would have probably figured this out in person and made any restitution on the spot.

I would only put the smart lock on one door if possible. 

[Andrew Steffens]

I would have felt them out.  Some people would just be appreciative of you coming out ASAP and be understanding.  Some would want the stay to be free.  Generally speaking 1/2 night if I could not comp something else like the pet fee or a late check out etc.

[Nathan Gesner]

First, it's important to gauge their mood. Maybe they were planning to head straight to the beach and don't care? If they were upset, I would offer to send them to dinner or some tourist destination while I drive over to make the repair.

Consider this: https://www.build.com/product/summary/512014?uid=493948&...

I've used these on my personal house and STR and they've never failed. Batteries last several years, but if you swap them out once a year you'll never go dead. Easy to change codes or have multiple codes.

Lock has a key backup. Put the key in a manual lock box like this: https://www.grainger.com/product/2XLC5?gucid=N:N:PS:Paid:GGL...

If the electronic lock ever fails, give guests the code to your manual lockbox so they can retrieve the key and gain entry while you travel over to fix.

[Colleen F.]

@James Nelson We had a failure due to low battery so you must have that backup key. Thankfully ours was only our son.  Bet you won't forget that  key box key again. Comp them something but the suggestion to have a meal on you while waiting is a good one.  Depending on the per night cost you should probably comp them what a locksmith would have cost. Call it an incovenience discount.

Schlage camelot is good for us and has not had a problem. It is mechanical so requires a manual code change. Not sure if making one lock mechanical might solve the issue.  Sounds like a failure of the batch of lock you got or an issue with lock change allowing water in. I believe August lock is installed on the interior.

[Dan Slaughter]

I've recently had problems with my Schlage Encode also in a beach market.  Replaced one at 10 months and the replacement only lasted two months, June and July.  Heat and humidity are getting in through the lock and the A/C inside is creating condensation inside the lock then shorting out the electrical components.  I've recently put a bead of silicone around the outside face plate, put a sticker over the outside keyhole, and put a silica packet inside the battery box.   I'm hoping this cuts down on the condensation inside.

[Sarah Kensinger]

I know some hosts get moisture packs and place them inside with the batteries to absorb any water or condensation. I'm not sure if it's a good idea or not but may be worth a try for you.

[Michael Baum]

I think that is a good idea @Sarah Kensinger. You will have to look at them regularly and swap them out, but it could cut down on problems.

I have never had this issue with our Schlage locks.

[Chris Mury]

I had nothing but problems with my Schlage Encodes. Had to replace multiple faulty battery trays that led to guests being locked out.

I've since switched to the Yale Assure Wi-fi (the model with a key) and they've been 100% reliable.

[Patricia Steiner]

Forgive me for starting here...I have a back-up system at my vacation rentals to avoid situations like this; I witnessed it when I walking a listed property and those poor folks had driven 18 hours to start their vacation to only be locked out for hours. I later saw their review and they killed that owner.  I recommend discounting the nightly rate if not waiving it for the first night. It may sound drastic but saving yourself/the property from a scathing review is more costly.

That backup system is a key coded box for each unit containing a physical key.  It's a must-have.  Each unit has a key box which is located on the property so lock-outs are never an issue.

Hope this helps...

[Jim Mueller]

We use dielectric grease on all batteries in electric locks, garage door opener touchpads, etc in SWFL. This has help tremendously with moisture. 

[Pete Appezzato]

I'd recommend always putting an extra physical key hidden somewhere on the property or n a coded keybox to avoid this. 

Years ago, in NYC, I used to hide a key in a magnetic key box outside attached to the underside of metal stairs.  It was there for at least a year but we never had to use it.  Being a great host is anticipating the issues in advance and preparing for them even before they happen.