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

Book a box nearby, place the key inside and close the door. Whoever is collecting gets the pick-up code or QR code — by WhatsApp, email or Airbnb chat, for example. The box opens with that code and the key comes out. 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 go back in the box later, choose “Twice” (two uses) when booking. 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 codes: drop-off code, pick-up code or QR code. Many partner locations have additional security measures, such as access control or video surveillance. Important: Only share codes and QR codes with the right person.

What cancellation rules apply?

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 €1.99 for a booking with one use and €2.99 for bookings with two uses. Once the box has been opened or a key has been dropped off or picked up, 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 “Twice” (two uses) if the key should be placed back later. Each use has its own drop-off and pick-up code — who gets which code is up to you. Whole chains work too: the cleaner collects and returns the key, the guest picks it up the same day, and at checkout it runs the other way round. A box is never reserved for the whole time — it is free again after every pickup. Two ways: Book separately: each handover as its own booking — pricier, but full control over every time window. With “Twice”: both uses in one booking, each with its own codes — usually cheaper. You do not have to book everything up front: set up each step shortly before it is 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 two uses. You choose size, location and price directly during booking.

Leave keys in a box

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

Give access without being there.

Key left in a smart locker for tradespeople or friends

For Airbnb & Booking

Your guest lands late, you don't have to wait up. The key's in a box around the corner, and they grab it with a code.

Person carrying documents with papers flying around

For agents & landlords

Viewings, tenant changes, tradespeople: you don't have to be there. Prospects get the key from the box themselves.

For private & service providers

The tradesperson comes, you're at the office. Key in the box, code sent, they're in. With ‘twice’ it's safely back afterwards.

How it works with the key.

Book a box

You book a box nearby online, from 1670+ locations. Your code and QR arrive by email.

Drop it in

You open the box with the drop-off code and put the key inside. It stays locked until the pick-up code arrives.

Send the code

You forward the pick-up code or the QR code by WhatsApp, SMS or email. The key is collected with it.

What a box costs for the key.

Once

One use · 24 hours included

After that: +€0.99 per additional 24 hours

XS€2.99

H 8.5 · W 17 · D 40 cm

S€3.99

H 8.5 · W 41 · D 61.5 cm

M€4.99

H 18 · W 41 · D 61.5 cm

L€5.99

H 36.5 · W 41 · D 61.5 cm

For keys an XS or S box is usually enough.

Find a box

“You get the drop-off and pickup code and decide yourself: you drop off and someone picks up — or someone drops off for you and you pick up. Always at the same location.”

Twice

Two uses at the same location · 24 hours each included

After that: +€0.99 per additional 24 hours and use

XS€4.99

H 8.5 · W 17 · D 40 cm

S€5.99

H 8.5 · W 41 · D 61.5 cm

M€6.99

H 18 · W 41 · D 61.5 cm

L€7.99

H 36.5 · W 41 · D 61.5 cm

For keys an XS or S box is usually enough.

Find a box

“One booking, four codes — the pairs come one after the other. Who drops off and who picks up is up to you: so your key can come back. Same location, same or different box.”

Monatsfach

Your own box · fixed code

Open and close as often as you like.

XS49,99 €/ month

H 8.5 · W 17 · D 40 cm

S59,99 €/ month

H 8.5 · W 41 · D 61.5 cm

M69,99 €/ month

H 18 · W 41 · D 61.5 cm

L79,99 €/ month

H 36.5 · W 41 · D 61.5 cm

The box is yours alone for the whole month.

Request

“One code that stays yours — we change it when you ask. The box is at your disposal all month: open and close it as often as you like.”

1670+ locations across Germany.

Berlin Hamburg Munich Cologne Frankfurt Düsseldorf Leipzig

Find a box