How to Give Cleaners Door Codes That Only Work During Cleans

By Malachi Greb, who runs 10 short-term rental homes in Evansville, Indiana.

Why time-limited cleaner codes

A code that works all the time keeps working after someone leaves your team, and you can't tell a cleaning visit from any other visit. A code that only works during the cleaning window closes both gaps.

Step 1: Use a smart lock that supports scheduled codes

Most popular smart lock brands let a code work only on a schedule. Check your lock's app for "scheduled" or "temporary" access, and make sure the lock is online (Wi-Fi or a hub), so codes can change remotely.

Step 2: Define your cleaning window

The usual window runs from checkout to the next check-in. Add a little buffer on each side if your cleaners sometimes arrive early or run late.

Step 3: Give each cleaner their own code

Don't share one code across the team. Separate codes let you remove one person without changing everyone else's, and your lock history shows who came in.

Step 4: Update codes when bookings change

A late checkout or a same-day booking moves the window. If you set windows by hand, this is the step that gets missed.

Step 5: Remove codes the day someone leaves

Remove their code from every lock at every home, not just the one they cleaned most.

Doing it by chat

With our door code tools, you can ask "Add a code for our new cleaner at every home, only during cleaning windows" or "Remove her code from all our locks," and it's done across every home. Windows follow your bookings, so a late checkout moves the cleaner's window with it.