RBoy Apps RLA Replacement: The Best Alternative for SmartThings & Short-Term Rentals

If you’re looking for a reliable replacement for RBoy Apps’ Rental Lock Automator (RLA), you’re not alone. Thousands of short-term rental hosts have been left scrambling for alternatives after RBoy Apps’ tools stopped working when SmartThings shut down its Groovy platformat the end of 2022.

With no modern replacement from RBoy, many Airbnb hosts and vacation rental property managers have struggled to find a solution that matches RLA’s automation capabilities. Rental Home Automator was created specifically to fill this gap—and it’s quickly becoming the top choice for former RLA users.

What Happened to RBoy Apps and the Rental Lock Automator (RLA)?

RBoy Apps used to be a popular choice among SmartThings users, providing powerful features like:

• Auto-generating and programming guest lock codes
• Adjusting thermostats & other devices based on occupancy
• Connecting your smart home to Airbnb or Vrbo calendars

But when SmartThings deprecated its Groovy IDE, RBoy’s entire suite of apps—including RLA—became non-functional. Since then, RBoy Apps has transitioned to creating new SmartThings Edge Drivers, but this does not support calendar-based automations, which were a cornerstone of RLA’s usefulness for short-term rental hosts.

This left hosts & property managers without an equivalent replacement—especially one that integrated deeply with booking calendars to automate check-ins, check-outs, thermostat resets, and more.

Why Most RLA Alternatives Fall Short

We tested many alternatives to RLA, and nearly all of them had serious drawbacks:

❌ Hidden Costs per Device
Most alternatives charge by the device, and sometimes even per lock code. If you manage multiple locks or thermostats, the costs add up quickly.

❌ Seam.co-Based Integrations
Many providers now rely on Seam.co for device connectivity. While easy to implement, Seam currently charges per-device fees and monthly charges per lock code managed. This doesn’t work for hosts with multiple locks or thermostats at each location.

❌ Bloated Feature Sets
Some platforms bundle in guest messaging, upsells, portals, and OTA tools—features that many hosts don’t want or need, especially with Airbnb discouraging upcharges.

All we wanted was a simple, powerful, and affordable calendar-based automation tool. So we built it.

Meet Rental Home Automator: The Ideal RLA Replacement

Rental Home Automator was designed from the ground up to solve the exact problems left behind by RBoy Apps’ shutdown.

✅ SmartThings Compatibility

We fully support SmartThings and any device that integrates with SmartThings—including door locks, thermostats, switches, and water valves. You’re not locked into any specific brand or device ecosystem.

✅ Seamless Calendar-Based Automation

Our software syncs with any iCal calendar (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Google Calendar, etc.) and can act on any stay or custom event. Want to run automations based on cleaning schedules? No problem.

✅ Fast, Easy Setup

Create a location, connect your devices, and choose from pre-configured automation options—no coding or manual rule-building required.

✅ One Low Flat Monthly Fee

We charge per location—not per device—so you can connect as many locks, switches, and thermostats as you want with no extra fees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happened to RBoy Apps and RLA?
RBoy Apps stopped working after SmartThings shut down Groovy in late 2022. They have since released new Edge Drivers, but no longer support calendar-based automations.

Is Rental Home Automator a true RBoy RLA replacement?
Yes. It replicates and enhances the automation capabilities of RLA, including integration with booking calendars, which RBoy’s new solutions do not support.

Can I use Rental Home Automator with SmartThings?
Absolutely. We support any device that integrates with SmartThings.

Can I automate Airbnb lock codes?
Yes. Rental Home Automator lets you auto-generate and manage lock codes based on your Airbnb or Vrbo calendar.

Is there a free trial?
Yes, you can try Rental Home Automator free for 14 days—no credit card required.

If you’re still searching for an RBoy Apps alternative, it’s time to switch to a modern, supported, affordable automation solution. Rental Home Automator is the smartest and simplest way to keep your Airbnb running smoothly—without the bloat, bugs, or breakdowns.