Security is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — parts of setting up a short-term rental. Done well, it protects your property, supports guest safety, and reduces stress for you as a host. Done poorly, it creates friction, confusion, or unnecessary guest concerns.
This STR security essentials checklist focuses on smart, practical security systems that work well in real short-term rentals. These are tools that help you manage access, monitor activity appropriately, protect against damage, and maintain control of owner-only spaces — without making guests feel watched or uncomfortable.
Everything below reflects what experienced hosts rely on to protect their properties while still delivering a smooth guest experience.
How to Use This STR Security Essentials Checklist
This page is designed as a setup and reference guide for hosts and owners, not a guest-facing security plan.
Use this checklist when:
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Setting up a new short-term rental
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Upgrading outdated locks or cameras
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Adding owner-only storage or closets
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Improving safety without adding friction for guests
This guide focuses on:
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Smart access control
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Exterior monitoring only
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Energy and environmental protection
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Owner-only security where appropriate
Core STR Security Essentials (Must-Haves)
If you’re equipping a short-term rental from scratch, start here. These are the security items that deliver the most value with the least complexity.
Core essentials include:
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Smart lock for the main entry
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Video doorbell
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Smart thermostat
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Owner-only lock for restricted areas
Access Control: Smart Locks That Work for STRs
Managing guest access efficiently is one of the biggest advantages of smart locks in short-term rentals. Keyless entry reduces lost keys, simplifies turnovers, and allows you to generate unique codes for each stay.
Smart WiFi Deadbolt for Main Entry
A WiFi-enabled smart deadbolt allows you to:
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Create and delete guest codes remotely
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Track entry activity
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Eliminate physical key exchanges
Models like the Schlage Encode are popular with hosts because they don’t require a separate hub and integrate well with STR workflows.
Lever-Style Keyless Lock (Alternative Entry Option)
For secondary doors or hosts who prefer a lever-style handle, a keypad lock with a lever offers:
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Easy access for guests
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Fewer mechanical parts than traditional handles
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A clean, modern look
Video Doorbells: Visibility Without Intrusion
A video doorbell is one of the most useful security tools for short-term rentals. It helps confirm arrivals, monitor deliveries, and resolve disputes — all without monitoring interior spaces.
Recommended Doorbell Options
Common host-favorite options include:
Best practices:
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Exterior-facing only
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Clear disclosure in your listing
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No interior cameras
Exterior Cameras & Floodlights
Exterior cameras provide an added layer of protection, especially for:
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Driveways
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Side yards
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Backyards or docks
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Detached garages
Floodlight cameras combine lighting and monitoring, which can deter issues before they happen.
Floodlight Camera Options
Popular STR-friendly choices include:
Choose systems that:
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Clearly face public or exterior areas
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Avoid capturing neighboring properties
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Are disclosed in your house rules
Smart Thermostats: Security Through Control
Smart thermostats aren’t just about energy savings — they protect your property from damage caused by extreme temperatures.
Why Smart Thermostats Matter for STRs
They allow you to:
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Set temperature limits
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Monitor usage remotely
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Prevent freezing or overheating
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Reduce excessive energy use
Recommended Smart Thermostat Options
Reliable options for short-term rentals include:
Choose a model that integrates with your existing ecosystem and allows remote control.
Environmental Safety: Smoke & CO Monitoring
Smoke and carbon monoxide safety is critical in any rental. Smart listeners provide alerts even when you’re not on-site.
Smoke & CO Listener
Devices like the Ring Alarm Smoke & CO Listener:
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Monitor existing detectors
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Send alerts to your phone
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Add peace of mind without replacing hardware
Owner-Only Security: Protecting Restricted Areas
Every short-term rental should have at least one locked owner-only space for supplies, tools, or personal items.
Keypad Locks for Owner Closets
Keypad locks are ideal for:
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Owner closets
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Storage rooms
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Utility spaces
They prevent guest access while avoiding physical keys that can go missing.
Power & Reliability: Solar Accessories
For exterior cameras and doorbells, solar panels can reduce maintenance and improve uptime.
Solar Panel Options
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Ring Solar Panel
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Solar chargers compatible with Google Nest cameras
These are especially useful for:
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Outdoor cameras
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Hard-to-reach mounting locations
STR Security Best Practices
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Never place cameras inside the home
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Clearly disclose all exterior cameras
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Use the same lock and camera ecosystem when possible
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Test devices regularly
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Keep guest-facing security simple and unobtrusive
STR Security Essentials Checklist (Complete List)
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Complete Short-Term Rental Essentials (Room by Room)
Use the links below to access the complete checklist for each space.
Short-Term Rental Essentials Hub
STR Kitchen Essentials Checklist
STR Bedroom Essentials Checklist
STR Outdoor Essentials Checklist
STR Game Room Essentials Checklist
STR Coffee Bar Essentials Checklist
STR Furniture Essentials Checklist
STR Living Room Essentials Checklist
STR Household Essentials Checklist
Final Thoughts
Good security in a short-term rental should feel invisible to guests but invaluable to hosts. When you choose reliable systems and keep them simple, security becomes part of a smooth operation — not a source of stress.
Use this checklist as a foundation, adjust it to fit your property, and revisit it as your STR grows.
Last Updated 1/6/2026