Announcing Our New Integration With KeyNest — Our First Key Locker Platform
Until now, Seam has focused on digital access — supporting smart locks, mobile keys, and access control systems in larger buildings. But many short-term rental properties still rely on physical keys, often handing them off manually or using basic key lock boxes.
These key handoff methods are increasingly under pressure. Cities like Florence, Paris, and Dublin have begun banning or removing lock boxes from public spaces, citing safety, regulatory, and aesthetic concerns. Yet for many owners, installing a smart lock still isn’t an option — due to cost, building constraints, or personal preference.
Today, we’re excited to open up a new category of access with our first integration with a key locker platform: KeyNest.
KeyNest operates thousands of 24/7 key collection points across cities — widely adopted throughout Europe and now expanding in the U.S. and Canada. With this integration, Seam enables property management platforms to automate key handoffs, just like they do with smart locks — bringing physical key workflows into the same access infrastructure.
How it works
Through Seam’s Automations, or the Access Grants and Access Codes APIs, applications can now enable the following flow:
- The property owner or manager drops off a key at any KeyNest location (check the KeyNest location map).
- When a reservation is created, Seam generates an access code for the locker holding the key or a magic link which the PMS delivers to the guest via their usual channels (e.g. SMS, email).
- Following the location instructions included by the owner in the rental description, the guest retrieves the key at the specified KeyNest location within the reservation-window time.
- After checkout, the guest returns the key to the same KeyNest location, and access is revoked.
Why it matters
With KeyNest, access automation is no longer limited to properties equipped with smart locks. This integration allows PMSs and operators to offer automated, time-bound key pickup and return — even in scenarios where smart locks aren’t viable. It's especially valuable for:
- Short-term rentals where installing a smart lock isn’t feasible or desirable
- Multifamily buildings needing recurring or temporary access for cleaners, maintenance, or visitors
- Operators looking to eliminate manual handoffs and comply with new city regulations on keyboxes
Now, access can be automated — without a smart lock. This feature is available via Seam’s standard access APIs, alongside integrations with leading smart lock providers.
2025.10.14 Changelog
New
- Ecobee user-set temperature ranges: We now report and observe min and max temperature ranges set by users on Ecobee thermostats.
- Timezones for Seam Console timestamps: In the Settings tab of the Seam Console, you can now select the timezone of timestamps shown across the Seam Console. Each timestamp also now identifies the applicable timezone.
- Visionline ACS user support: You can now manage externally created Visionline users which are linked to existing Visionline credentials.
- Improved Pagination on Seam Console for the Devices page: The Devices page in Seam Console will load faster and search faster even for workspaces with thousands of devices.
- Updating
customer_keyon Connected Accounts: We added the ability to add acustomer_keyto existing Connected Accounts using/connected_accounts/update. Please note that changing the customer_key for a connected account once assigned is not supported.
Changed
- Sensi thermostat set points: We have improved our Sensi thermostat integration accuracy and time of response for temperature set points.
Fixed
- Automatic refresh of client sessions: Client sessions will automatically refresh when they expire if requested from
/client_session/get_or_createwhen using a Publishable Key. This mainly affects users of Seam Components and ensures users will not encounter an expired session.