Airbnb: manage arrivals without handing over keys in person

1. Map the journey from the street

List each access point: gate, shared entrance, intercom, floor and apartment door. Equipping the last door does not necessarily solve the earlier stages. Check the address, apartment identification and the chosen control without relying on the host's own phone.

Nuki distinguishes a Smart Lock from an Opener. Its documentation says an Opener needs a Bridge for remote access and cannot connect through a Smart Lock's integrated Wi-Fi module (Nuki — Remote Access). This does not establish universal intercom compatibility. Have the relevant equipment and any necessary permissions for shared areas checked.

2. Choose manual sharing or automation

Nuki says digital permissions can be sent manually by phone or Nuki Web without Smart Hosting. The reviewed page, however, associates integration with platforms such as Airbnb and PMS systems for automated management with the Smart Hosting service (Nuki Smart Hosting). A smart lock plus Remote Access is not, by itself, a booking integration.

On 17 October 2026, the supplier page displayed €69 per year per lock after a 30-day trial, automatically renewing until cancelled (Nuki Smart Hosting). This dated supplier price is not a TFK quote and must be checked before subscribing. Compare manual administration with your actual needs; Remote Access and Nuki Web prerequisites are separate considerations (Nuki App & Web ; Nuki — Remote Access).

3. Match permissions to the stay

Avoid reusing the same access indefinitely for every guest. Nuki documents individual permissions and, with Smart Hosting, access valid during the stay (Nuki App & Web ; Nuki Smart Hosting). Check creation, start time and expiry in your configuration before the first real arrival.

Plan exceptions: early arrival, an extension, cancellation, cleaning access and late departure. Decide who can change permissions and who answers when that person is unavailable. A changed reservation is not proof that every device received the update: check the outcome rather than assume flawless automation.

4. Write instructions guests can follow independently

Explain the route in order, distinguishing the shared entrance from the apartment, the control to use and the help contact. Explain how to close and lock up when leaving. Do not publish a code in a public listing or photograph; use appropriate channels and avoid unnecessary personal data.

Airbnb says guests can find arrival details in their reservation and should contact the host if details are missing less than 48 hours before arrival (Airbnb — check-in information). Prepare messages in advance and have someone unfamiliar with the apartment review them. Flexible arrival does not mean guests may enter before the property is ready (Airbnb — self check-in).

5. Plan backup and respect privacy

Decide what happens if a guest loses their phone, Internet is unavailable or the lock has no power. Backup needs to be locally workable, with a reachable person and a compatible key where the installation allows. This preventive guide does not replace the existing Airbnb emergency guide or constitute an on-call support contract.

Nuki's documented log records actions, not certain physical presence of every guest (Nuki — data protection). Inform affected people and limit use to the relevant purpose (CNIL — RGPD). Airbnb says hosts must obtain the guest's permission before entering during a stay except in an emergency (Airbnb — privacy). A digital opening permission does not remove that requirement. Finally, fitting a lock does not establish that your Paris rental is legally authorised: that is a separate matter.

Your checklist

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Useful sources

• Nuki App & Web

  Primary documentation checked 2026-10-17. Manufacturer statement, not independent field testing.

• Nuki — Remote Access

  Primary documentation checked 2026-10-17. Manufacturer statement, not independent field testing.

• Nuki Smart Hosting

  Primary documentation checked 2026-10-17. Manufacturer statement, not independent field testing.

• Nuki — data protection

  Primary documentation checked 2026-10-17. Manufacturer statement, not independent field testing.

• Airbnb — self check-in

  Primary documentation checked 2026-10-17. French-language source.

• Airbnb — privacy

  Primary documentation checked 2026-10-17. French-language source.

• Airbnb — check-in information

  Primary documentation checked 2026-10-17. French-language source.

• CNIL — RGPD

  Primary documentation checked 2026-10-17. French-language source.

• TFK — Nuki installation

  Primary documentation checked 2026-10-17.

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