Lockbox

In the rental market, many stages of the transaction can now be completed online: choosing a property, booking it, and completing the paperwork. But the actual move-in process often remained offline, requiring the manual handover of keys.

Before LockBox, keys were typically transferred in three ways:

• in person at a meeting
• through code on key boxes
• through management companies

Each method of key delivery presented challenges: in-person meetings required precise coordination, management companies increased costs, and code boxes relied on communication and were prone to failure in real-world situations. Traffic jams, problems with key boxes, and messaging apps delayed check-in and required additional steps from the landlord. For the partner, LockBox was essential as a way to transform the booking process into a fully digital rental experience—from apartment selection to actual move-in.

The MVP was created not as a demonstration of the idea, but as a tool to test demand. The main question of the pilot was whether landlords would be willing to connect LockBox and pay for the digital move-in experience.

The pilot was limited to one city, so the goal was not a broad launch, but rather to test the model's viability on real users and in clear conditions.

We looked at three main groups of metrics:

• use in real-life occupancies
• willingness of landlords to pay a subscription
• reduction in operating costs

The logic was simple: if landlords actually use the product in their rentals, are willing to pay for it, and the product reduces operating costs, then the model can be scaled.

I was responsible for the creation and SEO promotion of the website and web application

The promotional website addressed product promotion, search visibility, and lead generation. It featured a homepage with a product presentation and a lead generation form. I worked on SEO optimization, microdata markup, and page loading speed to ensure the website served not only as a product presentation but also as a lead generation channel.

The web application covered the tenant's key scenario: from gaining access to moving out. I implemented the main screens and product logic so that the user could navigate the entire process without having to meet the landlord in person.

The application included:

• code entry screen
• contract management with electronic signature
• eviction script
• live chat with the landlord

Special attention had to be paid to security. In a product that involves apartment access, an error in the client logic is critical: it's important to correctly handle authorization, sensitive actions, and user scenario restrictions.

A block with web application mockups

The MVP was launched as a pilot in one city, so the goal was to test key hypotheses: would the product be used in real settlements, would there be a willingness to pay, and would it produce a measurable operational effect.

At the same time, the project received external validation: LockBox completed Sber's accelerator program and continued development through collaboration with Domclick. This confirmed the product's interest from a major partner and its potential for integration into the full rental cycle.

Key metrics and success criteria

Operational efficiency

• Reduction in agent visits by 30–50%
• Reduction in check-in time by 2–3 times

Business metrics

• Increased conversion to rent
• ≥30–40% of users are willing to pay

Conclusion

The pilot demonstrated that the digital occupancy scenario could work in real-world conditions and solve a specific operational problem for landlords. Additional validation through the accelerator and partnership with Domclick reinforced the hypothesis that the model could be scaled up.