Choosing a Safe for Your Airbnb or Rental Property
Running an Airbnb or rental property comes with its fair share of responsibilities—clean linens, secure access, prompt communication—but one of the most overlooked details is security. Not just for your guests, but for your business and personal belongings, too.
That’s where choosing the right safe makes all the difference.
Whether you’re storing emergency cash, sensitive documents, or providing a secure place for guests to lock away their valuables, a properly chosen safe adds a serious layer of trust and protection. Let’s break down the most important types of safes and locks that are ideal for Airbnb hosts and property managers—then we’ll show you four solid options you can install today.
Why You Need a Safe in Your Airbnb or Rental
Safes are no longer just for luxury hotels. Airbnb guests appreciate the option to securely store passports, wallets, and electronics—especially if they’re traveling internationally or sharing space with others. Meanwhile, as a property owner, you may need a safe for:
- Storing backup keys
- Holding cleaning crew cash or tips
- Securing contracts, remotes, or legal paperwork
- Keeping emergency funds locked away
- Protecting your own belongings when the space is shared
Offering a safe adds a sense of professionalism and boosts guest confidence. But not just any safe will do.
Safe Types to Consider for Short-Term Rentals
Let’s explore the best options for vacation rentals and Airbnbs:
🔒 Drop Safes
Drop safes are ideal for property managers who need staff to deposit cash, checks, or keys without accessing the full contents of the safe. These are especially useful for rental cabins, multi-unit buildings, or if you run a cleaning service with multiple employees. The front drop slot allows quick deposits without opening the main compartment.
🧱 Wall Safes
Wall safes are discreet, easy to conceal behind art or mirrors, and don't take up floor space. These are a great choice for urban apartments or compact rentals. You can install them at eye level for guest use, or at a higher location if you prefer to restrict access.
🕳️ In-Floor Safes
For maximum concealment, in-floor safes can be embedded into concrete or subflooring and hidden under a rug or piece of furniture. These are ideal for storing sensitive documents or valuables that you don't want guests to access—perfect for owner-only storage.
🧳 Multi-Compartment Safes
If you have multiple users (e.g., different cleaners, co-hosts, or guests), a multi-compartment safe allows for divided access. This setup ensures that contents are secure and separated by role or person—useful in shared homes or long-term rentals with rotating tenants.
👥 Electronic Multi-User Safes
These advanced safes can store multiple access codes for different users, which is perfect for rotating staff or frequent guests. When access changes, simply delete the old code—no need to rekey or reset the entire system.
🔥 Fireproof Safes
Not all safes are built to withstand fire, but fireproof models are an essential choice if you’re storing owner valuables, electronics, or guest belongings with sentimental value. If you live in a wildfire-prone area, this one’s a no-brainer.
Lock Types: What’s Best for Your Property?
Once you’ve chosen your safe type, the lock mechanism matters just as much. Here are the top lock options and how they serve rental owners:
✅ Electronic Locks
The most common lock for Airbnb hosts, electronic keypads offer convenience and fast access. Codes are easy to reset between stays, making them ideal for guest use. Some include backup keys for manual override.
🔍 Biometric Locks
Biometric locks use fingerprint access and are extremely fast and secure. These are better for safes used only by hosts or designated staff. They reduce the risk of code-sharing or forgotten combinations.
🔑 Keyed Locks
Simple and reliable, but not ideal for frequent guest turnover. If you’re using a keyed safe, store the key securely on-site and consider it for backup or internal staff-only safes.
🔄 Manual Combination Locks
Old-school but dependable, dial locks require no batteries and offer solid resistance to tampering. These are best for long-term storage safes that aren’t accessed frequently.
Templeton Safes: 4 Perfect Picks for Your Airbnb or Rental Property
Templeton Safes offers top-rated, commercial-grade safes built for every type of rental property. Here are four excellent options worth considering:
T701/T702 ETL-Certified Fireproof Safe
This advanced biometric safe is both fireproof and multi-user friendly, making it perfect for hosts who want to secure personal belongings without worrying about heat damage. Featuring a fingerprint scanner and an electronic keypad, it’s designed for fast access with top-level security.
✔️ ETL-certified 1-hour fire protection
✔️ Biometric + electronic keypad
✔️ Multiple user access settings
✔️ Ideal for storing laptops, documents, or valuables
T861 Compact Depository Drop Safe
Small but mighty, this drop safe is great for receiving cash or keys from guests, co-hosts, or contractors. The compact size makes it easy to install in a closet or behind a desk.
✔️ Electronic multi-user keypad
✔️ Key backup included
✔️ Perfect for storing guest tips or host cash reserves
✔️ Designed for drop-in access without unlocking
T868 Two-Door Multi-User Drop Safe
For larger rentals or properties with staff, the T868 allows two separate compartments with independent locks. This setup is perfect for keeping guest-use areas separate from staff-only compartments.
✔️ Two depository slots with separate locks
✔️ Fully electronic multi-user controls
✔️ Great for Airbnbs with shared or staff access
✔️ Segregated compartments protect privacy
In-Floor Concealed Drop Safe with Dial Lock
This in-floor model is UL-listed and designed for total discretion. Use it to store emergency cash, documents, or owner-only items that should remain unseen and untouched by guests.
✔️ Concealed design for stealth
✔️ UL-listed combination dial for reliability
✔️ Depository slot for drop-in use
✔️ Perfect for long-term rentals or remote properties
Conclusion: Smart Hosts Choose Smart Safes
A safe is more than a metal box—it’s an investment in peace of mind for both you and your guests. Whether you’re renting out a cozy cabin or managing several short-term stays across town, the right safe keeps your operations secure, organized, and guest-friendly.
Templeton Safes delivers reliable, professional-grade options to suit every rental scenario. Browse our full collection today and protect what matters most.
