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Understanding Code Sharing Risks in Holiday Travel

As the holiday season approaches, many homeowners prepare for travel by sharing access codes to their homes with house sitters or friends. In a recent report released by Durin, a leader in home security technology, it was revealed that 78% of homeowners planning to travel for the holidays will share their access codes with others. However, a staggering number of them will likely never revoke those codes upon their return, raising serious security concerns.

The Findings of Durin's Report

Durin's 2025 Holiday Travel & Home Security Report surveyed 1,000 homeowners in the United States who utilize smart locks or electronic keypads for home entry. The findings indicate that holiday travel tends to accelerate a long-standing trend where homeowners lose track of who has access to their homes.

Interestingly, 22% of respondents admitted to never changing their primary access code since moving in. Despite increased urgency around security during the holiday season, 40% reported experiencing security incidents, including unauthorized entries and missing items, and only 6% of homeowners opt to create temporary codes for guests, despite 63% knowing that their smart locks support this feature.

Key Statistics with Alarming Implications

• - Code Accumulation: Approximately 26% of homeowners have shared their access codes with three or more service providers since moving in.
• - Service Provider Access: Among those who shared codes, 56% do not change them consistently, with only 32% occasionally updating, leaving a significant gap in security.
• - The One-Code Dilemma: Shockingly, 45% of respondents reported using a single code for all types of individuals in their lives, creating a visibility problem in knowing who actually has access to their homes.
• - Teen Networks: Alarmingly, two-thirds of parents confirmed their children’s friends had their home access codes. A third of parents expressed uncertainty regarding whether their kids had shared codes without their knowledge.
• - Post-trip Anxiety: One in four homeowners worries about potential unauthorized entries while they were away, with only half finding evidence that someone had entered during their absence.

The Visibility Gap

This report highlights a significant visibility gap when it comes to home access. While traditional logging systems record when someone enters a home, they fail to adequately identify who is using a code. Half of the respondents indicated a desire for better monitoring that identifies not just when, but also who enters their homes, emphasizing the need for improvement in smart home technology.

Herman Yau, CEO of Durin, pointed out the irony in how smart locks make home access easier while complicating the verification process. “Most homeowners find it challenging to remember everyone with access to their homes, especially amid the holiday rush when codes can proliferate without proper management,” he explained.

Recommendations for Homeowners

Durin suggests homeowners take proactive measures regarding their home security by auditing their current code-sharing practices. Before adding new codes for holiday help, families should assess who already has access and ensure each individual or service provider is accounted for. By being aware of who can enter their home, homeowners empower themselves to make better security choices.

For those assessing their home security practices, Durin’s Access Quotient calculator offers practical tips for managing home access codes effectively, encouraging greater awareness and control over home security.

Conclusion

As the holiday travel season draws near, homeowners must remain vigilant about their home security. By recognizing the potential risks associated with excessive code sharing and adopting more secure practices, individuals can enjoy their holidays without the anxiety of unmonitored access to their homes. To learn more about these findings, download the complete Durin 2025 Holiday Travel & Home Security Report at durin.ai/2025ReportResults.