According to Statista, the rate of burglaries in the US was 269.8 cases per 100,000 of the population in 2022. It's a decrease from the previous years, and could be a direct result of the tremendous home security measures property managers take.
Security is one of the most important things a resident considers before renting your property, so you want to invest in the best safety technologies. You may already have surveillance and door cameras, so the next thing you'd want to consider is the best smart lock for rental property.
Let's tell you more about these locks.
What Are Smart Locks?
Smart locks are keyless systems for locking and unlocking doors through various technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or even biometrics.
Most systems have an accompanying app that lets you set security settings like fingerprints, voice commands, and pins. You can also remotely track when doors open and how much time people spend inside.
In addition, smart locks make it possible to improve your smart home systems as they can connect to other smart home devices. Once you connect to the smart app, you can access and optimize your smart devices to improve property management (more on this below!)
These locks are ideal for rental properties because they offer better security and convenience compared to traditional mechanical locks. The fact that you can use smart locks remotely is one of the best things about them - you can let someone in even if you're far away!
There are two main types of smart locks:
Adaptive Smart Locks
These are retrofit devices that you can add to existing deadbolts and door hardware. You do not need to remove your current lock, so installation is straightforward and non-invasive. Adaptive smart locks are perfect if you want to upgrade to smart technology without altering the physical appearance or integrity of your property's doors.
Native Smart Locks
These locks require you to completely replace your existing lock system. This type involves a full installation process, including new deadbolts, strike plates, and internal mechanisms. Native smart locks often offer more features and a higher level of smart home integration. However, they are more noticeable compared to traditional and adaptive smart locks.
For both types, you benefit from enhanced security as you can easily change access permissions and track entries without traditional keys. This way, smart locks eliminate the risk of lost, stolen, or copied keys. You also can issue temporary access codes for guests or maintenance personnel.
In short, the best keyless locks streamline property management even when you're not around. You can still choose from various smart lock designs. The main ones are:
- Keyless smart locks that require PINS, wireless connections, or biometrics to open doors.
- Retrofit smart locks that use the existing mechanical keys to open doors.
- Hybrid smart locks that include a physical key option as a backup to the electronic features.
In most cases, the best smart locks will support all three designs.
Benefits of Smart Locks for Rental Property
These are the best smart home devices for security, and their benefits are manifold. Here are some:
1. Enhanced Security
Security is your main concern when looking for the best door lock for rental property. That's why you want to avoid traditional locks that elevate the risk of picking or tampering.
Smart locks offer better security since they use encryption and authentication technologies. Here's more:
- Access control: Smart locks allow you to manage who enters your property and when without the need for physical keys. You can grant access remotely and mitigate the risks associated with lost or copied keys.
- Audit trails: The perfect smart lock keeps records of every action, including details like who accessed the property and when. This is a powerful feature you can use to monitor access from your app, and from anywhere.
- Custom access codes: When you manage a property, you understand too well the number of people you have to let through the front door. For this reason alone, you need the best keyless door lock for rental property to issue temporary access codes for guests, maintenance workers, or emergencies. You will easily add users and revoke the codes after so non-residents don't have long-term access to your property!
- Enhanced door security: Smart locks often come with built-in safety features like PINs that make it difficult for unauthorized entry. The probability of someone randomly guessing a correct four-digit PIN is very low (1 in 10,000), which discourages tampering.
- Smart security technology: You will easily integrate your keyless locks with other security devices like cameras and alarms. As such, you create a more robust security system that you'll likely manage from a single point.
2. Convenience and Flexibility
After security, the biggest advantage you enjoy with smart locks is convenience and flexibility. The locks offer remote access and virtual keys, so you and your residents can grant or revoke property access remotely. For a property manager, this is invaluable if you have multiple rental properties.
In addition, you mostly won't deal with physical key exchanges, so you'll reduce the logistical burden, especially during resident turnovers or when providing access to service personnel.
3. Improved Property Management
Smart locks integrate smoothly with home automation systems, so you can manage access controls and security settings remotely. This means you can adjust permissions or lock settings from anywhere, making your property management tasks easier.
You will also get instant security alerts in case of suspicious entry. With the best smart lock for rental property, you can track who accesses the property in real time.
Plus, since you can integrate the smart lock with other smart devices on your property, you can coordinate multiple aspects of property management - from security monitoring to energy management - through a single platform.
4. Better Resident Experience
Smart locks enhance the resident experience in multifamily properties through seamless, keyless entry and personalized access controls.
This technology means residents can manage access via their smartphones for a sense of autonomy and modern convenience. They can also effortlessly control the lock on their apartment doors, generate temporary codes for guests, and integrate these controls with other smart home devices for a unified home management system.
In short, residents will feel safer with smart locks, and the fact that they enjoy smart home features like security, adjusting thermostats, and controlling lights is a good reason for their satisfaction and repeat business.
What to Consider When Choosing a Smart Lock
Here are tips to guide you when choosing the best smart door locks for rental property:
1. Compatibility With Existing Hardware
One critical factor to consider when choosing a smart lock is its compatibility with your existing door hardware.
Not all smart locks fit all door setups, so you want to verify whether you can adapt a particular model to the locks you already have installed. To do so, check the bolt's alignment, the door's type and size, and any pre-existing deadbolt configurations.
Installation also varies between models. Some smart locks are designed for easy DIY installation, especially the adaptive locks that require only a screwdriver and a few minutes to retrofit your existing deadbolt.
On the other hand, native smart locks need a new deadbolt setup or more complex arrangements, so they may require professional installation. Native locks will also lead to more damage to your door frame.
2. Ease of Installation
When choosing your ideal smart lock, you also want to consider ease of installation. This includes whether you can install the locks yourself or need a professional to help.
In the case of adaptive smart locks, the installation process is easy, as you don't need to replace your current hardware. You can install the new locks yourself, depending on the number of units you manage.
If you’re buying native locks, you might have to do some drilling and wiring, and the smart locks may require a hub to connect to your home network or integrate directly via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. As such, the installation would need a few extra steps and, in some cases, qualified professionals for large-scale installations.
3. Remote Access Capabilities
When getting smart locks, consider their remote access capabilities, which enhance convenience and security.
Remote access allows you to lock and unlock doors from anywhere via a smartphone app, which is particularly useful if you need to grant access to guests or service providers when you're not at home.
Most smart locks connect to your home Wi-Fi network or a dedicated hub using technologies like Z-Wave or Zigbee. This often requires the smart lock to be paired with a compatible Wi-Fi bridge or a proprietary app provided by the lock manufacturer.
Additionally, remote access can include features like setting up temporary access codes, receiving notifications when someone enters your home, and checking the lock status remotely to ensure your home is secure. The best models will also utilize Bluetooth.
4. Integration With Smart Home Platforms
When selecting a smart lock, consider its integration with existing smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. This integration allows seamless operation within your broader home automation system to enrich routines and use voice control for enhanced convenience.
Quick tip: You want to choose a lock that supports your platform to ensure compatibility so you can streamline your smart home setup.
6 Best Smart Locks for Rental Property
Here are our top six picks for the best smart locks for rental property:
1. August Smart Lock Pro
The August Smart Lock Pro is one of the best smart locks on the market for rental properties. It’s an adaptive lock that fits well into existing deadbolts (but they must be single-cylinder). The lock works with Alexa for voice control, and you also have to get the August app to configure security settings.
It's a reliable lock, but it only comes in two colors - silver and dark gray.
Features
- Easy installation with only a screwdriver.
- Uses voice control for auto lock and auto-unlock features.
- Uses the existing deadbolt and mechanical key system.
- Supports Bluetooth.
- Wi-Fi bridge (2.4 GHz).
- Connects to other smart devices through the Z-wave radio frequency.
- Uses 2 AA batteries.
Best For
The August Smart Lock Pro is a great choice for all types of rental properties, thanks to its simple profile and easy installation.
2. Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt
The Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt comes in several finishes: matte black, aged bronze, satin brass, bright chrome, and satin nickel. It’s one of the best smart locks for rental properties because of its reliable security features, including an ANSI Grade 1 rating, which denotes the best quality in locks.
The Schlage Encode is another complete deadbolt smart lock that's easy to install with only a screwdriver. However, it does not have an auto-unlock feature, which could be limiting for one of the best landlord locks.
Features
- Easy to install and adapt to existing deadbolts.
- Comes with a durable keypad (fingerprint-resistant and capacitive touchscreen) and works with a mechanical key.
- Connections include voice control (Alexa), Bluetooth (for setup only), Wi-Fi (no bridges or hubs), and Z-wave.
- Uses 4 AA alkaline batteries.
- Compatible with Ring.
- Easy to use Schlage Home app.
Best For
The Schlage Encode Smart Lock is ideal for property managers who need up to 100 access codes per lock. This flexibility makes the lock ideal for a rental property with tens of residents who need different codes to gain entry.
3. Yale Assure Lock SL
We love the Yale Assure Lock SL because it comes in three designs you can choose from depending on the size of your rental property. You can get the keyless touchscreen, touchscreen with key, or keypad with key smart lock.
The smart lock will replace your current deadbolt but only fit doors with a thickness of 1-¾" to 2-¼". If your doors are thinner, you will need a different installation kit. The Yale Assure Lock SL doesn’t support Bluetooth.
Features
- A native smart lock for single-cylinder deadbolts.
- Available in three designs: a touchscreen keypad, a touchscreen with a key, or a keypad with a mechanical key.
- Remote control through a Wi-Fi connection.
- Remote locking and unlocking.
- Uses 4 AA alkaline batteries.
Best For
The Yale Assure Lock SL is good for rental properties on the Airbnb platform. It comes with Airbnb software that makes it hassle-free to generate and grant new access codes to residents.
4. Kwikset SmartCode 888
Want to automatically lock or unlock your door from anywhere? We recommend getting the Kwikset SmartCode 888. Available in a stunning polished brass finish, the smart lock lets you configure the security settings of your front door easily using the Home Connect technology.
Features
- Easy adaptation to the current deadbolt using a screwdriver.
- Long battery life - the lock uses 4 AA alkaline batteries.
- You can rekey your lock for easy resident changes.
- Easy-to-use keypad.
- Supports Wi-Fi, Alexa, and Z-Wave protocol for smart home integration.
- Integrates with Ring.
Best For
The Kwikset SmartCode 888 is the perfect smart door lock for rental properties with a high resident turnover. This is because you can rekey the smart device to change access codes in seconds.
5. Lockly Secure Pro
The Lockly Secure Pro may be one of the most secure smart locks for rental properties for several reasons, but the fingerprint reader takes the win. It’s a 6-in-1 smart door lock that also allows you to rekey in a few seconds when you change residents.
It automatically locks and fits most deadbolts on doors 1 3/8" to 2" thick.
Features
- As a 6-in-1 smart door lock, this Lockly unlocks six ways: fingerprint reader, PIN, QR code, smartphone scanner, voice control, and a mechanical key.
- A Patented PIN Genie numeric keypad that scrambles the numbers after you enter your unlock PIN.
- You get real-time updates whenever the door opens or closes.
- Rekeying capability.
- Also uses Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HomePlug frequency protocol.
- Long battery life with 4 AA batteries.
Best For
The Lockly Secure Pro is ideal for all types of rental properties. It’s an adaptive lock that automatically locks doors and opens them using any of six simple methods, including a fingerprint scanner.
6. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is another smart door lock for rental properties, offering several direct ways to unlock a door. It also meets the ANSI Grade 1 Standard and is a waterproof lock, so it guarantees durability regardless of the number of residents you serve.
While the smart lock fits most standard doors without changing deadbolts, the battery tends to drain fast. It uses 4 AA batteries.
Features
- Easy installation to the existing deadbolt.
- A 7-1 keyless door lock unlocks through the fingerprint, smartphone app, keypad, auto unlock, mechanical key, and Apple Watch.
- Works with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and IFTTT.
- Real-time notifications when the door opens.
- Add and remove users remotely.
- Set opening timelines for guests.
- Limit entry by date and hour for Airbnb residents.
- Uses 4 AA batteries and comes with a micro USB for emergency charging.
Best For
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is ideal for all types of residential properties. It offers automatic locking, and you can unlock the door in seven ways. You can also add users and set a time when they can unlock the doors, so it will make welcoming service providers a breeze. You also get real-time updates when a user opens the door for added security.
Put Your Mind at Ease With RentCheck's Inspection Software
There you have it - we have discussed why you need the best smart door locks for rental property. When choosing, you can consider adaptive or naive locks and ensure they have the best security, remote access, and smart home integration features.
But even before you buy any of our six recommendations above, we recommend performing a rental property inspection first. This way, you will have more clarity about which security features you need to improve and, thus, make a better buying decision.
With RentCheck’s inspection software, your residents are empowered to complete their own inspections, monitored by the property manager through the platform. Complete with automated lists and side-by-side comparisons at every inspection stage, this app streamlines processes, saving time and improving accuracy.
Sign up for a free trial to see it in action today!
