8 Best Smart Locks for Rentals
A rental turns into a security headache fast when keys go missing, tenants change, or a cleaner needs access before a new lease starts. The best smart locks for rentals solve those everyday problems without creating new ones. For landlords and property managers, the right lock is not just about convenience. It is about controlling access, reducing rekey requests, and keeping the property secure between occupants.
What makes a smart lock a good fit for a rental
A smart lock for a primary residence can be very different from one that works well on a rental. In a home you live in every day, you might tolerate a few extra app settings or a lock that depends heavily on your phone. In a rental, reliability and turnover control matter more.
The first thing to look for is flexible access management. You should be able to add and remove user codes remotely — ideally without needing someone on-site. When a tenant moves out, the ability to change access from your phone in under a minute matters more than having dozens of advanced features.
Battery life and backup entry are also more important for rentals. A tenant locked out at midnight because of a dead battery is your problem too. Locks that warn you about low battery well in advance, and that still allow entry through a mechanical key or code when power runs low, reduce that risk significantly.
The 8 best smart locks for rentals by use case
There is no single best model for every rental. The right pick depends on whether you manage a condo, a single-family home, or a property with frequent guest turnover.
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
For many landlords, this is one of the strongest all-around choices. It has built-in WiFi, a durable keypad, strong name recognition, and straightforward code management. You do not need a separate hub for basic remote control, which keeps setup simpler.
Its biggest advantage is dependability. Schlage hardware has a reputation for being more substantial than many consumer-grade smart locks. That matters in rentals, where locks get used hard and not always gently. If your priority is a proven keypad deadbolt that balances remote features with solid physical security, this is often near the top of the list.
The trade-off is battery use. Built-in WiFi can drain batteries faster than Bluetooth-only models, so budget for more frequent replacements or set a reminder to check levels between tenancies.
🏆 Best for: Long-term rentals needing reliable keypad + remote accessYale Assure Lock 2
Yale offers a clean design, a touchscreen keypad, and solid app integration. It works with multiple smart home platforms, which can matter if you are trying to connect locks across several properties in one system.
The main consideration is choosing the right configuration from the start. Yale offers several versions, and not every one fits rental needs equally well. If you want remote management, make sure the model and connectivity setup actually support it without extra guesswork.
🏆 Best for: Multi-property landlords wanting platform integrationAugust Wi-Fi Smart Lock
August is a strong option when you want to keep the existing exterior hardware. Because it mounts on the interior side of many doors, the outside can still look more traditional. That can be useful in condos, HOA communities, or buildings where exterior hardware changes are restricted.
This style can also be a good fit for landlords who want smart control without replacing the entire lockset. However, for rentals, August makes the most sense when the existing deadbolt is already in excellent condition and correctly aligned.
The limitation is that it is less ideal when you need a highly visible keypad for tenant convenience unless you add accessories. For a short-term rental or vacation property, that can be a meaningful drawback.
🏆 Best for: HOA/condo properties with hardware restrictionsLockly Secure Pro
Lockly uses a different approach to keypad entry: the digits shuffle positions on the touchpad each time, which prevents code patterns from being visible through wear or smudging. That is a thoughtful security detail for rentals where multiple people may observe the entry process.
It also supports access scheduling, which is helpful if you need to limit when certain codes are valid — useful for cleaners, maintenance, or short-term guests. The hardware quality is solid and the app is reasonably straightforward.
🏆 Best for: Short-term rentals and Airbnb-style propertiesKwikset Halo
Kwikset Halo is a practical mid-range option with built-in WiFi and a touchscreen keypad. It handles the core tasks well: remote code management, access history, and app-based control without needing a hub. For landlords who want a simple, cost-effective solution without compromising on the basics, Halo delivers.
Keep in mind that Kwikset hardware is generally considered lighter than Schlage. For a property with heavy daily use or a demanding environment, that difference can show over time.
🏆 Best for: Budget-conscious landlords wanting WiFi without a hubUltraloq U-Bolt Pro
Ultraloq is popular because it packs in many access options, including keypad, app, fingerprint, and mechanical key. For certain rentals, especially furnished units or properties with frequent turnover, that flexibility can be useful.
Its biggest selling point is convenience for multiple user types. A tenant may prefer a code, a property manager may use the app, and maintenance may use a temporary credential. That kind of layered access can work well when managed carefully.
Still, fingerprint readers are not always the main feature a rental needs. They can be handy, but in most landlord-tenant situations, reliable code management matters more than biometric entry.
🏆 Best for: Furnished rentals and properties with varied user typesSchlage Encode Plus
The Encode Plus adds Apple Home Key support to Schlage‘s already solid Encode platform, allowing tap-to-unlock via iPhone or Apple Watch. For tech-forward tenants in upscale rentals, this can be a distinctive convenience feature without sacrificing the rock-solid Schlage hardware quality.
For landlords managing premium properties where tenant experience is a differentiator, the Encode Plus provides a polished entry solution. The trade-off is a higher price point compared to the standard Encode.
🏆 Best for: Premium rentals targeting Apple ecosystem usersWyze Lock Bolt
The Wyze Lock Bolt is the most affordable entry on this list and a compelling choice for landlords managing multiple lower-budget units who still want smart access features. It offers fingerprint, keypad, and mechanical key entry with a clean, easy-to-use app.
The main limitation is Bluetooth-only connectivity on the base model — remote management requires a separate gateway. For landlords willing to add that piece, it delivers surprising value. For single-property landlords on a tight budget, it is worth serious consideration.
🏆 Best for: Budget rentals and landlords managing multiple low-cost unitsFeatures that matter more than brand names
When comparing the best smart locks for rentals, do not get distracted by flashy features first. Start with the basics that affect everyday use.
A keypad is usually more practical than phone-only entry. Tenants do not always want to pull out an app, and cleaners or contractors may not need permanent app access. A keypad also helps when someone has a dead phone battery or limited app familiarity.
Audit trails can be useful, but they are not equally necessary for every property. For a short-term rental or a unit with many service visits, access logs can help. For a standard long-term rental, the bigger priority may simply be fast code changes between tenants.
- Remote code management — add or delete codes from anywhere
- Reliable keypad — more practical than app-only entry for most tenants
- Low battery alerts — prevent lockouts before they happen
- Mechanical key backup — essential safety net for all rentals
- Access scheduling — limit when certain codes are active
- Durable hardware — rental locks need to handle hard daily use
Installation matters more than many owners realize
Even a well-reviewed lock can perform poorly if the door is misaligned, the deadbolt binds, or the frame has shifted. Rentals often have doors that have seen years of use, paint buildup, weather changes, or rushed hardware replacements.
Before installing a smart lock, the door should close cleanly and the deadbolt should extend without resistance. If the lock has to force the bolt into place every time, battery life suffers and mechanical wear increases. This is one reason a professional locksmith is often the right call, especially for occupied units or turnovers with tight timelines.
For property owners in places like Rockville, Silver Spring, or Bethesda, that local on-site support becomes especially helpful when you are coordinating tenant access and cannot afford repeat visits for preventable fit issues.
When a smart lock may not be the right answer
Not every rental should get one. In a building with strict hardware rules, limited connectivity, or a door that needs structural correction first, a smart lock may be the second step, not the first. Some landlords also need a broader access plan, especially for small multifamily properties where common doors, unit entry, and staff access all need to work together.
There is also the question of user fit. A tech-heavy lock can be a poor match if your typical tenant wants something simple and familiar. In many cases, the best answer is a dependable keypad deadbolt with remote code management, not the model with the most features.
Need Smart Lock Installation in Montgomery County?
Multi Locksmith LLC installs and services smart locks for landlords and property managers throughout Montgomery County. Same-day service available.
📞 Call 240-706-4799How to choose with confidence
If you want the shortest path to a good decision, focus on four things: dependable hardware, easy code control, backup entry options, and compatibility with the actual door on the property. That narrows the field quickly.
For most long-term rentals, Schlage Encode and Yale Assure Lock 2 are strong starting points. For retrofit situations, August deserves a look. For feature-heavy setups, Lockly and Ultraloq may fit. The best choice depends on how the property is used and how much complexity you are willing to manage.
A smart lock should make rental access easier, not add another problem to solve between tenants. Choose the lock that fits the property, install it correctly, and keep the system simple enough that everyone who needs the door can use it without stress.