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, connected through its maker's app (no hub) or through Home Assistant (we recommend Z-Wave). 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 your lock (smart access only)

Connect the lock through its maker's app with a cloud account (see supported smart locks), or follow the Home Assistant connection guide to pull in devices.

Step 5: Import your bookings

Forward your Airbnb and Vrbo booking emails to your Staykey import address, and add each listing's calendar feed, 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.