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What Is a Digital Lockbox, and How Does It Work?

Digital lockboxes make showings faster, safer, and far more flexible.

Audience: prospective renters + current residents curious about self-showing technology

A digital lockbox is a secure device used to store a home’s key and provide time-limited, trackable access to verified renters during scheduled showings. Instead of meeting an agent at the door, you receive a one-time access code that works only during your selected appointment window.

Quick answer 👍

A digital lockbox:

  • Holds the home’s key securely

  • Releases the key with a one-time, time-limited code

  • Works only during your scheduled showing window

  • Requires ID verification before access

  • Logs every entry for safety

  • Integrates with ShowMojo and Tenant Turner

  • Helps reduce missed appointments and delays

Digital lockboxes support our most convenient feature: self-showings.

What a digital lockbox actually is 🔐

A digital lockbox is typically a small, tamper-resistant metal device mounted near the door.
Inside it: the key to the home.

It opens only when:

  1. You schedule a showing

  2. You verify your identity

  3. The system issues a time-limited access code

  4. Your code is entered correctly during your assigned window

Codes expire instantly after your showing.

How digital lockboxes work step-by-step 🗝️

1. Schedule your showing

Most MoveZen homes use one of these systems:

ShowMojo overview:
https://movezen360.com/whats-showmojo-and-is-it-crazy-to-give-them-my-credit-card/

Tenant Turner overview:
https://movezen360.com/tenant-turner-and-showmojo-overview/

Both systems support digital lockboxes when the home qualifies for self-showing.

2. Complete ID verification

You’ll confirm your identity before receiving any access codes.

Verification helps protect:

  • You

  • The property

  • Current residents

  • Our owners

  • Our team

3. Receive a secure access code

Your code is:

  • Unique to you

  • Valid only for your showing window

  • Logged by the platform

  • Designed to expire immediately afterward

This prevents unauthorized access.

4. Locate and open the lockbox

The showing system sends detailed instructions, such as:

  • Where the lockbox is mounted

  • Gate and parking details

  • Any special entry notes

  • Steps for entering the code

Once the code is entered, the box releases the key inside.

5. Tour the home at your own pace 🏠

You can explore the home freely during your scheduled window.
Please keep the key with you and lock doors while inside.

6. Return the key and secure the lockbox

Before leaving:

  1. Make sure all exterior doors are locked

  2. Place the key back in the lockbox

  3. Close and secure the lockbox

  4. Confirm the box reset (most lockboxes auto-reset after closure)

Your code will stop working immediately after your time ends.

Why digital lockboxes are safe 🔐✨

Digital lockboxes help prevent:

  • Unauthorized entry

  • Lost or copied keys

  • Untracked access

  • Scams involving fake “agents”

  • Schedule bottlenecks

They also provide:

  • Verified access linked to real identities

  • Tamper alerts

  • Automatic expiration for all codes

More safety and scheduling info:
https://movezen360.com/whats-showmojo-and-is-it-crazy-to-give-them-my-credit-card/

When digital lockboxes aren’t used 🚫

Some homes cannot support lockbox access due to:

  • Current occupancy

  • HOA requirements

  • Certain community gate systems

  • Insufficiently safe mounting locations

  • Owner preference

  • Complex home layouts or safety factors

In these cases, you'll book an agent-led showing instead.

FAQs ❓

Does the lockbox stay on the property permanently?
It stays only while the home is being shown and is removed once leased.

Can someone else use my code?
No. Codes are tied to your ID verification and work only during your time slot.

Do I need an app to open the lockbox?
No. Just follow the instructions sent via ShowMojo or Tenant Turner.

Is a digital lockbox the same as a smart lock?
No. A digital lockbox stores a physical key; a smart lock replaces the door hardware entirely.

What if I arrive early or late?
Early: your code won’t work yet.
Late: your code will expire and you may need to reschedule.

Related resources 🔗

How to use the self-showing lockbox:
https://movezen360.com/how-do-i-use-the-self-showing-lockbox/

ShowMojo safety & credit card myths:
https://movezen360.com/whats-showmojo-and-is-it-crazy-to-give-them-my-credit-card/

Tenant Turner vs. ShowMojo overview:
https://movezen360.com/tenant-turner-and-showmojo-overview/

Schedule a showing:
https://movezen360.com/rental-showing-schedule-central/

General application and screening info:
https://movezen360.com/application-acceptance-qualification-general-faq/

Browse MoveZen homes:
https://movezen360.com/