How does key handover via smart locker work for Airbnb guests?

Book a box nearby, place the key inside and close the door. Then send your guest the correct link or QR code, for example by WhatsApp, email or Airbnb chat. The guest opens the box with their code and picks up the key independently. Many locations are accessible around the clock. You can see the opening hours directly during booking.

How much does key handover cost?

One-time booking for the first 24 hours: XS €2.99, S €3.99, M €4.99, L €5.99. Each additional usage day costs €0.99. If the key should be returned later, you can choose a booking with return. You always see the prices before booking.

Which box size do I need for my keys?

For a single key, XS is usually enough. If you also want to hand over letters, documents or small items, choose S, M or L depending on the size. Available sizes are shown directly during booking. Important: Everything must fit completely inside the box and the door must close without pressure.

How secure is key handover via smart locker?

The handover is technically secured. The box is opened with individual access details, such as a code, QR code or link. Many partner locations have additional security measures, such as access control or video surveillance. Important: Only share codes and links with the right person.

What cancellation rules apply and what if the guest does not arrive?

You can cancel as long as the booking has not yet been used. We refund the amount paid minus already incurred reservation, partner, payment-processing and technical-handling costs. These costs are €2.99 for a one-time booking and €3.99 for return bookings. Once the box has been opened or a key has been dropped off, picked up or returned, automatic cancellation is no longer possible. If your guest does not arrive, you can pick up the key yourself or extend the booking where an extension is available. Details are set out in the [Terms and Conditions](/terms-and-conditions) and the [Cancellation Policy](/cancellation-policy).

What happens if the box is defective or occupied on site?

If the box cannot be used on site, please contact support immediately or use the partner hotline shown at the location. We will review the case and, where possible, look for a suitable solution. If use was not possible due to a technical issue that you did not cause, we refund the booking amount according to the Terms and Conditions.

How do I hand over keys to tradespeople, cleaners or several people in a row?

Choose a booking with return if the key should be placed back later. You put the key inside and send the right link or QR code to the tradesperson, cleaner or service provider. They pick it up and return it later – no appointment on site and no permanently handed-out key. Whole chains work too. Airbnb example: you put the key in, the cleaning team picks it up, cleans, and puts it back, and your guest picks it up the same day. At checkout the guest puts it back, the cleaning team picks it up again, cleans, and returns it, and you collect it after your trip. A box is never reserved for the whole time – it's free again after every pickup. For a chain like this you have two ways: Book separately: each handover as its own booking. In the example that's four bookings – a little more expensive, but full control over every time window. With return: an outbound trip and its return sit in one booking. Depending on the direction, you choose “Round trip” (you drop off first) or “Pick up & return” (you pick up first). In the example two bookings are enough instead of four – usually cheaper. You don't have to book everything up front – just set up each step shortly before it's needed.

Does key handover also work at night or in English?

Yes. Many locations are accessible around the clock. The instructions work with a code or QR code and are easy to understand for international guests. The interface and emails can be used in English. Still, check the opening hours of the selected location before booking.

What makes gegenstand.de different from KeyNest?

gegenstand.de starts at €2.99 for the first 24 hours. The exact comparison depends on the provider, location and booking period. With gegenstand.de, the key is stored in a partner box or at a partner location. Many locations are accessible 24/7 and the booking is handled directly online.

Can I also use the box for other purposes?

Yes. You can also use gegenstand.de for [Kleinanzeigen sales](/classifieds-ebay-handover), [borrowed-item handovers](/borrowed-items-handover) and [luggage storage](/luggage-storage). Depending on the booking type, you can drop something off, pick something up or book a use with return. You choose size, location and price directly during booking.

Locations

Key handoff by box

Keys in a box near you. Your guest or worker picks up.

Give access without being there

For Airbnb, landlords, agents and private key handovers.

For Airbnb & Booking

Let guests check in

Guests pick up the key themselves. No waiting, no stress.
Works with international guests and late arrivals
Booking from €2.99 for the first 24 hours

For agents & landlords

Have the place shown

Prospects view on their own. You save yourself the trip.
Coordinate workers between tenants, no scheduling stress
Independent move-in even for remote tenants

For private & service providers

Let tradespeople in

Book a box, put the key in, send the link to the recipient.
Recipient picks up themselves, no need for you to be there
With “Round trip” or “Pick up & return”, the key is safely back in the box after use.

How the key handoff works

Pick a box

Book a box online. 1240+ locations, many of them 24/7. You get your code and handoff link right away by email.

Put the key in

Open the box with your code, put the key in, close the door. The box stays locked until your recipient opens it.

Share access

Forward the link or download the QR code as an image and send it via WhatsApp, email, SMS or Airbnb/Booking chat. Your recipient picks up with their own code.