Setting Up Your First Property

Adding Your First Property

Properties power your stays and guest links. Set them up once and reuse defaults on every booking.

Step 1: Add the property

1. Open Properties from your dashboard.
2. Click Add Property and provide:
   • Name: A friendly label guests will recognize.
   • Address: Full address for directions and time zone detection.
   • Time Zone: Critical for code start/end times—double-check this.
   • Property Type: House, condo, apartment, etc.

Step 2: Pick an access mode

Staykey supports three access modes. Pick the one that matches your current hardware — you can upgrade later without reconfiguring the property:

• Static codes — one fixed code per property, shared with every guest. Zero hardware, zero hub. Most hosts start here.
• Smart access — unique, time-bound codes written to a smart lock via Home Assistant (we recommend Z-Wave). Adds hardware but removes all manual code work.
• Portal only — no code on file; guests get a portal with Wi-Fi, check-in details, and the local guide, and you handle entry some other way.

See the setup guide for the full comparison.

Step 3: Set operational defaults

• Check-in/out times: Drives guest link visibility windows and lock code timing.
• Access code policy: Choose code length/format that matches your lock.
• Default stay devices: Select devices that appear for every new stay (locks, thermostats, switches).

Step 4: Connect to Home Assistant (smart access only)

Follow the Home Assistant connection guide to pull in devices.

Step 5: Connect your booking calendar

Add your Airbnb and VRBO iCal feeds so stays, codes, and guest links are created automatically. See setting up booking import.

Step 6: Verify with a test stay

• Create a one-day stay for yourself.
• Open the guest link and confirm devices and instructions are correct.
• Enter the generated lock code on the device to ensure it syncs.

Need a hand? Contact support or walk through the full onboarding checklist.