Edinburgh's Airbnb hosts reach a 'new low' in key lock box location

Eagle-eyed Edinburgh Evening News readers have uncovered two new Airbnb key lock boxes on a wall surrounding a children's play area.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

In recent times the city’s Airbnb hosts have been using temporary padlock key-storing devices attached to railings in city parks to avoid legal issues.

But these new lock boxes appear to be permanent, having been secured onto a low wall – just inches above the pavement – in the centre of Dean Village.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

An angry resident said: “We noticed two lock boxes have appeared on the public wall that surrounds the children’s playground near the lamp post at the bottom of Dean Path.

The two lock boxes on the wall surrounding the play area in Dean VillageThe two lock boxes on the wall surrounding the play area in Dean Village
The two lock boxes on the wall surrounding the play area in Dean Village

"Not only do they spoil the look of the area, but they have also left the mess behind after drilling into the wall.”

Lock boxes allow Airbnb guests to enter a code to access a physical key. These boxes are usually installed on a door or a wall near the premises being let out.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.