The best smart locks for renters are the ones that mount over the lock you already have, leave the outside of the door untouched, and come off in ten minutes when you move. The August Home Smart Lock 3rd Generation is the one we would put on our own door first, because it clamps onto the interior thumb turn and never touches the exterior cylinder your landlord still has a key for.
That constraint is the whole category. Most leases treat a changed lock as an alteration, and a drilled door is the fastest way to lose a security deposit. So every pick below is judged on one axis before anything else: can you install it, live with it, and remove it without leaving evidence, while the original key still opens the door on move-out day?
We compared eight locks that cover the real renter situations: a budget no-drill mount, a fingerprint option, a lever handle for doors with no deadbolt, a Matter over Thread model for Apple Home, and a full deadbolt replacement for the tenants whose landlord approves it in writing. For the broader picture, our guide to the best smart locks overall covers the non-rental picks too.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Renters in 2026
Three of these eight earned a badge because they solved a renter problem better than anything else in the group. The August wins on reversible installation, the Schlage wins when written permission is on the table, and the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE wins on connectivity without a hub purchase.
August Home Smart Lock 3rd Gen
- Fits over your existing deadbolt
- About 10 minute no-drill install
- Auto Lock and Auto Unlock with DoorSense
- Original key keeps working
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
- Replaces the deadbolt entirely
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no bridge
- Up to 100 revocable access codes
- Works offline on the keypad
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi
- Fingerprint and passcode entry
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no hub
- Matter over Thread support
- Up to 18 months battery life
Best Smart Locks for Renters in 2026
Everything you can decide at a glance is below. The right-hand column of the thinking is simple: if your landlord has not approved a deadbolt swap in writing, only the retrofit mounts are still on the table for you.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| August Home Smart Lock 3rd Gen |
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| Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt |
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| ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi |
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 eufy Security Smart Lock C220 |
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 TEEHO TE012W WiFi Fingerprint Lock |
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 CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 |
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 eufy Security Smart Lock C33 |
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 ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint WiFi |
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1. August Home Smart Lock 3rd Generation: Best Overall Retrofit for Renters
Pros
- Interior-only retrofit keeps the exterior cylinder and original keys working
- About 10 minute install on most single cylinder deadbolts with no drilling
- Auto Lock with DoorSense only throws the bolt once the door is closed
- Auto Unlock works reliably when the phone screen is active
Cons
- Guest accounts cannot use the Auto Unlock feature
- Bluetooth only operation limits remote features without the separate Wi-Fi bridge
- Included plastic adapters can be too short for offset double cylinder deadbolts
This is the lock we keep coming back to, and after living with a retrofit-style install on a rented unit ourselves, the reason is boring and reliable. The motor sits behind the deadbolt on the inside of the door and grips your existing thumb turn. Nothing is drilled, nothing outside the door changes, and the landlord’s key still works while you are still there and after you are gone.
Installation is genuinely about ten minutes on a standard single cylinder deadbolt. You screw the mounting plate, clip the motor housing over the thumb turn, seat the DoorSense sensor on the frame, and pair the app. The box includes the lock, the DoorSense sensor, four AA batteries, and the adapter and mounting hardware.
Two features carry more weight in a rental than they do in a family home. Auto Lock with DoorSense only throws the bolt once the door is physically closed, so the classic dead giveaway of a smart lock, a bolt that never fully engaged while you were halfway down the stairs, essentially goes away. Auto Unlock gets rid of the phone-in-hand-at-the-door moment as long as the screen is active.
The honest limitation is around guests. Auto Unlock is an owner-account feature, so a roommate, dog walker, or sublet guest on a guest account has to use the app or Auto Lock instead of walking straight in. For a shared apartment, that is worth knowing before you buy, and it is the single most repeated complaint across the 3700-plus reviews this lock has accumulated.
What we liked about the install and the app day to day
The Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options mean you can check door state from the couch on the same network, and add a bridge later if you decide you want remote unlock from the office. The activity history in the app answers the question every renter asks, which is whether the door was opened and when, without asking a neighbor to watch the hall.
Removal is the reverse of installation, and there is no adhesive to scrape off. Unclip the motor, unscrew the plate, put your original thumb turn back on, and the door is exactly as the landlord left it. Photograph the hardware on install day and the move-out conversation becomes short.
Where it is the wrong choice
If your unit already has a double cylinder deadbolt with an offset interior thumb turn, the included plastic adapters can be too short to reach the turn cleanly, and that is a fit check worth doing before you order. If you plan to hand the door to a sublet and want their fingerprint or keypad entry on the outside, this lock cannot do that because it deliberately has no exterior hardware of its own.
Also expect to buy the separate Wi-Fi bridge if you want to unlock from off site, which changes the system cost. For more on how these compare, our roundup of the best smart locks for apartments goes deeper on the apartment-specific fit checks.
2. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt: Best for Tenants With Written Permission
Pros
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no separate bridge for remote control
- Supports up to 100 revocable access codes for housemates and service providers
- Works entirely offline on the touchscreen keypad if the internet is down
- BHMA certified with a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen and forced-entry alarm
- Installs with a screwdriver and no hardwiring
Cons
- Replaces the deadbolt entirely so the door is drilled and modified
- Exterior one-touch locking requires touching the touchscreen
- Fingerprint-resistant coating needs regular wiping to stay responsive
This is the pick for the renter whose landlord said yes in writing, and it is also the one property managers themselves point to. It carries the largest review base in our group at more than 13k reviews, which means failure modes are well documented rather than surprising.
Everything good about it comes from what it replaces. You get a keypad on the outside, a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen, and a mechanical backup key, so the person who owns the property can still let themselves in. Up to 100 revocable access codes is the number that matters for a shared unit, where each roommate and each cleaner can have their own.
Connectivity is the quiet strength. Wi-Fi is built in, so there is no bridge to buy later and no extra device to plug into someone else’s outlet in a shared apartment. When the internet is down the keypad still works, which means a network outage never becomes a lockout.
Fit is straightforward and well documented: doors from 1-3/8 inch to 1-3/4 inch thick, with either a 2-3/8 inch or 2-3/4 inch backset. Four AA batteries are included and the manufacturer quotes up to six months of typical use, with a low battery indicator on the lock and in the app. A limited lifetime mechanical and finish warranty comes with it, plus a limited three-year electronics warranty.
Why property managers keep pointing at it
The reason it shows up so often in landlord and short-term rental conversations is code volume and offline reliability. A landlord can issue a dated code to a tenant rather than rekeying between occupants, and a tenant can hand the same code to a dog walker without passing on a physical key.
Installation is screwdriver work with no hardwiring, which keeps the electrician conversation out of it. In a rental context the only caveat is the obvious one, and we will not bury it: the door gets drilled.
Where the retrofit logic breaks down
It is a full deadbolt replacement, so your existing lock and faceplate come out. If the lease says no alterations, or the deposit language covers hardware changes, this lock is the wrong answer regardless of how good it is.
One-touch locking from the exterior needs a deliberate touch on the screen, and the anti-fingerprint coating needs regular wiping or the keypad starts dropping inputs. For date-based code scheduling, our best smart locks for Airbnb guide goes deeper into turnover access.
3. ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi: Best for Matter and Seven Ways In
Pros
- Seven unlock methods in one unit including fingerprint and passcode
- Built-in Wi-Fi means remote control and eKey sharing with no separate hub
- Stores up to 50 fingerprints and 50 access codes with activity history
- About 10 minute screwdriver-only installation with no wiring
- Matter over Thread support keeps the lock inside the Apple Home or Matter ecosystem
Cons
- Door position sensor is not included with this model
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only so it will not join a 5 GHz-only network
- Matter over Thread remote access requires a separate Thread Border Router hub
The Bolt SE is the one to look at if your household runs Matter and you want fingerprint entry without handing anyone a key or a code. It supports up to 50 fingerprints and 50 passcodes, and that fingerprint-first approach is the part renters actually care about, because you can let a cleaner in without creating a credential you have to remember to delete.
Seven unlock methods are available: fingerprint, passcode, app, web portal, eKey sharing, voice, and two mechanical keys. Battery life is quoted at up to 18 months on the Thread low-energy mesh, which is the longest interval in this group. The body is ANSI/BHMA certified zinc alloy with IP65 weather resistance, and it installs in about ten minutes with a screwdriver.
It is a full deadbolt replacement, so treat it with the same permission caveat as the Schlage. The box includes the lock, two emergency keys, and an installation kit. Connectivity is Bluetooth, Matter, and Wi-Fi, with voice control through Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant.
The Wi-Fi radio is 2.4 GHz only, and the manufacturer recommends a router within about 70 feet of the door. If your building has a 5 GHz-only network, this is a dealbreaker and you should find out before ordering, not after.
Why Matter matters in a rental
Matter over Thread is a better fit for renters than it looks at first glance. It means the lock can sit in Apple Home or another Matter app without being tied to one vendor cloud, and if you move out and uninstall the app, you are not leaving a device that keeps talking to somebody else’s account.
The catch is that Thread remote access still wants a Thread Border Router somewhere in the home. If you already have one, the lock slots in. If you do not, that is another purchase to weigh against the value of the fingerprint reader.
Where it falls short
There is no door position sensor on this model, so the lock cannot tell you the door is still ajar. That is the feature reviewers most often wish was there, and the sibling model in the same family includes it. The fingerprint reader also occasionally needs a second touch, which is the cost of a compact scanner.
4. eufy Security Smart Lock C220: Best for Fingerprint Without a Hub
Pros
- Fingerprint entry in under a second means no key or code handed to a guest
- Self-learning fingerprint recognition improves accuracy with each touch
- Built-in Wi-Fi gives app-based remote control with no separate bridge
- Six unlock methods including app
- keypad
- key
- Apple Watch and voice
- Roughly 15 minute install with no drilling on most standard deadbolts
Cons
- Full deadbolt replacement rather than an over-the-deadbolt retrofit
- Fingerprint module occasionally needs a second touch in cold or wet conditions
- Fingerprint enrollment is tied to the eufy Security app ecosystem
The C220 sits in the middle of this group: a proper exterior deadbolt with a fingerprint reader, built-in Wi-Fi, and no extra hardware to buy. For a renter with written approval who wants a fingerprint and nothing else to think about, it does the job cleanly.
Six unlock methods are supported, and the fingerprint path is the one that changes daily life. A dog walker, a cleaner, or a friend never gets a code, so there is no code to leak and no code to remember to delete at move-out. The self-learning recognition is claimed to get more accurate with each touch rather than drifting.
Fit is the part to check first. It installs in about 15 minutes with no drilling on most standard deadbolts, and it fits bores under 54mm by removing the spacer. The box includes two keys, eight AA batteries, both the exterior and interior assemblies, and the install sets and mounting plate. Battery life is quoted at roughly 8 months of typical use.
What works well in a shared unit
Built-in Wi-Fi with no bridge means remote unlock and temporary guest codes work out of the box, which is the piece that most often gets discovered at checkout as a surprise extra purchase. The lock is BHMA Grade 3 certified and IP53 rated, and it is rated to operate from -22F to 158F, which covers the range most exterior apartment doors see.
Scheduling and the activity log both live in the eufy Security app, and the app also ties into the eufy doorbell ecosystem if you already run one. If your building has a shared entry that is landlord controlled, this only covers your unit door, which is worth being clear about before you buy.
Where the weak spots are
It replaces the deadbolt, so it needs the same written approval as any replacement. The fingerprint sensor sometimes needs a second touch in cold or wet weather, which matters in a stairwell in January.
All fingerprints live inside the eufy app account, and that account has to be cleaned up carefully at move-out. If the next tenant needs access, you either leave credentials behind or you are there with a screwdriver again.
5. TEEHO TE012W: Best Value Pick With Fingerprint Entry
Pros
- Five entry methods at the lowest cost point in this roundup
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no hub gives remote unlock for dog walkers or cleaners
- Installs in 10 to 15 minutes with a screwdriver and no drilling
- Break-in detection locks the unit for 3 minutes after 10 wrong PIN attempts
- Anti-peeping password lets you enter extra digits to hide your real code
Cons
- 8 AA battery consumption runs higher than expected with Wi-Fi active
- Interior housing has a plastic feel compared with metal competitors
- Alexa routines do not work reliably even though basic voice unlock does
This is the pick when the budget is the deciding factor and you still want a fingerprint reader and remote access. Reviewers with more than 770 ratings consistently frame it the same way, that they replaced a costlier brand and got a lock that was both cheaper and more reliable, which is not a common outcome in this category.
Five unlock methods cover app, fingerprint for up to 20 users, passcode for up to 100 codes, two backup keys, and voice. The app uses AES-128 encryption with data stored locally, and the anti-peeping password is a genuinely useful feature in a building where someone could watch your shoulder while you type.
Fit is where this one is friendlier than most. It fits door thickness from 1-3/8 inch to 2 inches, backset of 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch, and bores of 54mm or 38mm, on either door swing direction, with a 2-year warranty behind it.
Why reviewers like it
Remote unlock over built-in Wi-Fi without a hub is the headline. That alone puts it ahead of most of the retrofits in this roundup, where remote access means buying a separate bridge first. Break-in detection, which locks the unit for 3 minutes after 10 wrong PIN attempts and sends an alert, is a nice layer that costs nothing extra.
It is BHMA Grade 3 certified and IP55 weather resistant, which is more than adequate for an exposed unit door. Auto-lock is adjustable from 10 to 180 seconds, or you can use one-touch lock in 2 seconds.
Where to be careful
Eight AA batteries with a constantly active Wi-Fi radio is the combination reviewers complain about most, and it is worth budgeting for twice-yearly changes. The interior housing feels plasticky next to zinc alloy rivals, and the app developer being overseas leaves some owners unsure about long-term support.
It is also a full deadbolt replacement. Nothing about it protects the door the way the August or the Sesame 5 do, so this only makes sense with approval in hand. If you want a keypad-first comparison, our best smart locks with keypads roundup has the details.
6. CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5: Budget Pick That Leaves the Deadbolt Alone
Pros
- Mounts over the existing deadbolt with strong 3M tape so there is no drilling
- Keeps the high-security deadbolt already installed instead of replacing it
- Auto lock timer adjustable from 3 seconds to 1 hour prevents lockouts
- Works with iPhone
- Apple Watch
- NFC tags and widgets plus Alexa
- Google and Siri
Cons
- Bluetooth pairing has been reported as unstable on some phone models
- Mobile app reliability is the most common complaint
- No built-in Wi-Fi so remote access needs the separate Hub3 bridge
The Sesame 5 is the cheapest way to add app control to a door you are not allowed to change, and the install method is the least invasive we tested. It mounts on the interior over your existing deadbolt using strong 3M tape, sets of which are included along with two CR123A 1800mAh batteries, a metal base adapter, receiver parts, screws, and a screwdriver you probably will not need.
Because it mounts over the deadbolt rather than replacing it, the high-security hardware your building already specified stays in place. For a landlord conversation, that is the single easiest thing to explain, and the manufacturer says it works with 99% of keys, with custom 3D-printed adapters available on request when yours is the exception.
Long-term owners report roughly seven years of use on the Sesame line with nothing more than battery changes, and the auto-lock timer from 3 seconds to 1 hour is a genuine safeguard against locking yourself out on the way to the bins.
Why it earns its slot
It is one of only two locks here that leave the door unaltered, and it is regularly recommended for rental apartments and vacation rentals for exactly that reason. SesameOS 3 runs a free Bluetooth API with an open-source app and Matter support, which is unusual at this end of the market.
Control works from iPhone, Apple Watch, NFC tags and widgets, and it plays with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. The auto-lock is adjustable enough to set a short delay for the hallway and a long one for the night.
Where the app layer is the weak point
When something goes wrong with this lock, it is almost never the motor, it is the pairing. Some owners report unstable Bluetooth pairing, and newer iPhones are not always detected during setup. The strict return policy makes that worse, because the working hardware is treated as the failure point even when the app is the problem.
There is no built-in Wi-Fi. Remote access needs the separate Hub3 bridge, and a motor failure has been reported after about three years of daily use on one long-running unit. Plan for a firmware-dependent feature set and keep a physical key in the plan.
7. eufy Security Smart Lock C33: Best for Doors Without a Deadbolt
Pros
- Fingerprint reader sits on the lever grip so a touch while grabbing the handle works
- Lever and latch hardware suits doors that have a handle instead of only a deadbolt
- Scheduled auto-lock removes the nightly locked-or-not check
- About 15 minute install with no drilling on either door swing direction
Cons
- Fingerprint success rate is inconsistent for some users
- Auto lock cannot be disabled without also disabling the scheduled night lock
- Privacy switch blocks outside code and fingerprint entry whenever it is turned on
Most of this roundup assumes a deadbolt. This one does not, which makes it the answer to the single most common renter question we found: what do I do if my apartment has no deadbolt, just a knob or a jimmy-proof door. Instead of a deadbolt, it supplies a lever handle with a latch, so you get a complete locking point on a door that had none you could use.
The fingerprint reader is built into the grip, so the unlock gesture is simply touching the handle as you reach for it. That is the cleanest entry flow of any lock here. Built-in Wi-Fi handles remote status and temporary guest codes with no bridge, and the scheduled auto-lock ends the nightly walk-back-to-the-door check.
It is BHMA Grade 3 and IP53 rated, powers from eight AA batteries, and installs in about 15 minutes with no drilling on either door swing direction. Owners report solid outdoor durability, including several months of direct sun and rain on an exposed side door.
When a lever handle is the right answer
Garage, side, office, and basement doors are where this format makes the most sense, and older buildings with a knob instead of a deadbolt are the other. In those cases the alternative is asking permission for a drilled installation, which is a much harder conversation than swapping a lock you already own.
Multiple entry methods are supported: fingerprint, keypad code, and physical key, with anti-peeing password entry and a backlit keypad for night arrivals. Support runs 24/7 with 18-month coverage behind the hardware.
Where the trade-offs bite
The fingerprint reader is the weak point, with a success rate that some users describe as failing roughly one attempt in five. The PIN and physical key always remain, which is why the lock still works despite that.
The auto-lock and privacy switch logic is also fiddly. Auto lock cannot be turned off without also losing the scheduled night lock, and the privacy switch blocks outside code and fingerprint entry entirely. It is a full handle-and-latch installation, so it still needs permission.
8. ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint WiFi: Best for Apple Home With a Door Sensor
Pros
- Included door sensor confirms whether the door is actually latched
- Seven unlock methods including fingerprint
- passcode
- app
- geofence auto unlock and voice
- Apple Home certified with a HomePod or Apple TV as hub for remote control
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no bridge supporting permanent
- scheduled and one-time access sharing
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 certified and IP65 weather resistant
Cons
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only so it will not join a 5 GHz-only network
- Remote Apple Home automations need a HomePod or Apple TV acting as hub
- Full deadbolt replacement means the existing lock and faceplate must come out
This is the Bolt with the door sensor, and that one addition is the reason it sits here rather than overlapping with the Bolt SE. The sensor confirms whether the door is actually latched, so you can check from the couch before you leave the house instead of turning around on the stairs.
Seven unlock methods are supported, including a geofence auto unlock that opens the door as you approach, plus one-time and scheduled access sharing for guests, cleaners, and service providers. The lockout mode is a genuinely useful rental feature, because it disables passcode and app unlocking while you are away.
It is Apple Home certified, so you can unlock from iPhone or Apple Watch, and a HomePod or Apple TV can act as the hub for remote control and automations. It also works with Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, and IFTTT for people who are not in one ecosystem.
The build is ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 certified with IP65 weather resistance, eight AA batteries for up to a year of typical use, and a screwdriver-only installation with no wiring. Two emergency keys are in the box with the sensor and eight batteries.
Why the door sensor changes behaviour
On a rental, knowing the door is genuinely shut is worth more than knowing the bolt threw, because a propped door looks identical to a locked one from the app. Door-left-open alerts and a latched-versus-unlatched readout take that guesswork out, and it is the most-cited reason owners recommend this model over its sibling.
Scheduled and one-time codes are the other quiet win. A house-sitter, a delivery service, or a cleaner gets a code that expires, and you revoke it from the app without changing anyone else’s.
Where it costs you
It sits at the top of this group, and you pay partly for the sensor. The Wi-Fi radio is 2.4 GHz only, with a recommended router distance of about 70 feet, and remote Apple Home automations need a HomePod or Apple TV in the loop. It is also a full deadbolt replacement, and the fingerprint reader occasionally misreads on a first touch.
For a plain deadbolt comparison without sensors or biometrics, our best smart deadbolt locks roundup covers that category on its own.
Do You Need Your Landlord’s Permission?
Generally, yes. Most leases treat a lock change as an alteration to the unit, and the prevailing view among landlords is that a tenant has no automatic right to install their own deadbolt. Getting the answer in writing takes one message and removes almost all of the deposit risk.
Send these seven questions before you buy anything: Does the lease or building rules prohibit installing a lock? Is written approval required, and does email count? Does the approval cover an interior-only retrofit, or only a full replacement? Will the original key and cylinder need to keep working at move-out? Who pays to rekey or restore the door if required? Are there approved installers? How much notice is required before removal?
A short version that works: I would like to install a smart lock on my unit door. It is a single reversible retrofit, it takes about ten minutes, it leaves the exterior hardware and your key working, and I will remove it and restore the original parts before I move out. Please confirm this is approved in writing and let me know if anything needs to change.
Send that, then photograph the existing hardware before you touch anything. On the August and the Sesame 5, removal restores the door exactly. On any of the replacement deadbolts, you also need permission for the drilling itself, and the approval should say so explicitly.
How to Remove It Without Losing Your Deposit
Plan the exit before you install. The order matters, because deleting digital credentials while the lock is still powered and testable is far safer than trying to remove the hardware first and discovering an account still has access to a door that is no longer there.
The sequence we recommend: delete every guest user, passcode, and fingerprint you created. Remove the lock from your smart home platform and unlink the hub or bridge. Revoke app permissions and sign out of the account. Only then unpower the lock, remove the hardware, reinstall the original deadbolt or lever, and check that the property key still turns smoothly. Finally, photograph the restored door and email the property manager the same day.
Two details catch people out. Fingerprints and PINs can persist in a cloud account after the hardware is gone, so removing the lock from the app is not the same as erasing the data. And restoring the original hardware does not guarantee a deposit refund, which is the honest part almost every renter guide leaves out.
What If Your Apartment Has No Deadbolt?
You have four routes, and they are not equally good. First, check whether the interior lock is a standard single cylinder with a thumb turn, because a retrofit mount like the Sesame 5 may still fit even where an exterior retrofit would not.
Second, replace the knob with a lever-and-latch set such as the eufy C33, which gives you a real locking point, a keypad, and a fingerprint on a door that never had a deadbolt. That is an installation rather than a retrofit, so permission still applies. Third, use a portable padlock or a door bar for a storage cage, gate, or interior room where nothing may be drilled at all. Fourth, treat a smart doorbell as a partial substitute when what you really want is to see who is standing there, not to unlock anything.
For a jimmy-proof door, measure before you order anything. Check door thickness, the interior lock style, the backset, and whether the retrofit housing collides with the handle, trim, or door stop. Our apartment smart lock guide walks through the measurements in more detail.
How to Choose a Renter-Friendly Smart Lock
Decide retrofit against replacement first, because it eliminates half the options immediately. A retrofit clamps onto the interior thumb turn and leaves the exterior alone. A replacement removes the deadbolt, changes the faceplate, and drills the door. If you do not have written approval, the choice is already made for you.
Then check the door. A retrofit needs a standard single cylinder deadbolt, enough clearance for the interior housing against the handle and trim, and a door thickness inside the manufacturer range. A replacement needs a bore of 54mm or 38mm, a backset of 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch, and a thickness between 1-3/8 and 1-3/4 inch for most models in this roundup.
Next, sort out connectivity. Bluetooth alone gives you local unlocking and nothing else. Built-in Wi-Fi gives remote unlock and access sharing with no extra purchase. A hub or bridge, whether a Wi-Fi bridge, a Hub3, or a Thread Border Router, adds a device to buy, mount, and eventually remove. If you rent, every extra box is another thing to account for at move-out.
Then think about power. Eight AA batteries with an active Wi-Fi radio drains faster than four AA in a Bluetooth-only design, and the Thread mesh models quote the longest intervals at up to 18 months. Whatever you choose, confirm there is a mechanical key override, because a dead battery should never be a lockout.
Finally, decide how access is handed over. Shared units need per-person codes, not one shared code. Short-term rentals need dated codes that expire. A sublet needs a way to wipe every credential in one action at the end. Locks with fingerprint readers remove the code problem entirely, which is why they keep showing up as the renter answer.
Smart Lock Downsides Every Renter Should Know
Smart locks are not always a good idea for renters, and the reasons are worth stating plainly. Battery drain is the first, since Wi-Fi radios are hungry and an 8-AA lock can need attention twice a year.
Lockout is the second. If the app, the hub, or the account fails, you are locked out of a door you are not allowed to modify, and a locksmith visit is the answer. The fix is always the same, which is to keep a working mechanical key and to test it before you need it.
Connectivity dependence is the third. Some features simply stop when the internet does, and remote unlock depends on someone else’s server staying online. Dependence on a single vendor account is the fourth, and it matters more at move-out than during the lease.
Resale and tenant relations are the fifth. A unit with an unfamiliar smart deadbolt can narrow the pool of people who want to live there, which is one reason property managers are cautious. And the same forum threads that praise keyless entry also carry a rising complaint about landlords installing app-controlled locks without consent, which tells you access ownership is becoming a real conversation between tenants and landlords.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my locks without telling my landlord?
Generally no. Most leases treat a lock change as an alteration to the unit, and landlords usually require written approval. Send a short written request that names the device, states it is reversible, and confirms the original key keeps working. Approval should also say whether a retrofit is covered or only a full replacement, and whether you must restore the original hardware at move-out.
Can you have a smart lock without a deadbolt?
Yes. If the interior lock is a standard single cylinder with a thumb turn, an over-the-deadbolt retrofit such as the CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 can mount with 3M tape. If there is no usable interior lock, a lever-and-latch set such as the eufy C33 gives you a keypad, fingerprint, and a real locking point. Both are installations, so get written approval first.
What should I do if my apartment doesn’t have a deadbolt?
Measure the door and inspect the interior lock first. Confirm whether it is a single cylinder with a thumb turn that a retrofit could grip. If it is not, swap the knob for a lever-and-latch smart lock. For gates, storage cages, or rooms where nothing may be drilled, use a portable padlock or a door bar. A smart doorbell covers seeing visitors, not unlocking.
What are the downsides of smart locks for renters?
The main ones are battery drain, lockout risk, and dependence on an app or cloud service you do not control. Wi-Fi models drain 8 AA batteries faster than Bluetooth-only designs. If the account fails you are locked out of a door you cannot modify, which is why a working mechanical key matters. A smart lock can also narrow the appeal of a unit to the next tenant.
What happens if smart lock batteries die?
The behaviour depends on the design. Most locks in this roundup give low battery warnings in the app and on the keypad, and every one of them keeps a mechanical key override for exactly this case. A dead battery should not lock you out permanently. If your lock also has a USB emergency power port, a portable battery can bring it back long enough to open the door.
Do smart locks work without WiFi?
Yes, but with fewer features. Bluetooth-only locks such as the August Smart Lock and the CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 still unlock locally from your phone when you are standing at the door. Remote unlock, access sharing, and activity history need either built-in Wi-Fi or a separate bridge. Keypad models like the Schlage Encode also work offline on the touchscreen.
Can I remove a smart lock without damaging the door?
A retrofit leaves no mark at all, because it clamps onto the interior thumb turn with screws only. A full deadbolt replacement leaves a new bore hole and faceplate, which is why it needs written approval and why you should ask whether the original hardware must be reinstalled. Photograph the existing lock before you start and again after you restore it.
What is the best smart lock for an apartment building?
For the unit door, an interior-only retrofit is the safest answer, and the August Smart Lock 3rd Generation is the one we recommend. For the building entrance, a personal lock rarely helps, because that door is landlord controlled and the master key lives with property management. Check your lease and building rules before assuming your unit lock protects the whole building.
Our Top Smart Lock Picks for Renters in 2026
Eight locks, one rule: if you cannot modify the door, install a retrofit, and if you can, only after written approval. The August Home Smart Lock 3rd Generation is the best smart lock for renters in 2026 because it mounts over what you already have, keeps the landlord’s key working, and lifts off in minutes at move-out.
The CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 is the cheapest version of the same idea, the eufy C33 covers doors with no deadbolt, and the Schlage Encode is the pick for tenants whose landlord signed the form. Whatever you choose, photograph the hardware, ask in writing, and delete every credential before you remove a single screw.
There are people who love playing video games, and then there are enthusiasts who devote their lives to gaming.
Corey has been playing games since The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy III were still young.
Today, he blends his passion and experience to write reviews that can help others choose the best components in the gaming arena.