The best smart locks for renters are the ones that mount over or inside the deadbolt you already have, without drilling, without replacing the key cylinder, and without changing how the door looks from the street. That single requirement decides everything else, because a reversible retrofit keeps your keys working, keeps your landlord’s master key working, and lets you restore the original hardware in about five minutes when you move out.
Our team spent weeks going through the renter-specific details that most lock roundups skip: whether the existing bore is left untouched, whether the lock still opens with a physical key when the batteries die, whether it needs a paid hub before it does anything from outside your home, and whether you can delete every code you ever created. We also read what renters actually report after moving out, which is where most of the useful advice lives.
The short answer for most people: start with a retrofit interior model if your building has a standard single-cylinder deadbolt, and move up to a full deadbolt replacement only if your landlord has explicitly approved it. We ranked all 12 locks below on reversibility first, then key compatibility, then independence from extra hardware.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Smart Locks for Renters in October 2026
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi
- 7-in-1 unlock including fingerprint
- Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi no hub
- Matter over Thread support
- Up to 18 months battery
eufy Smart Lock C220
- Fingerprint keypad app and Apple Watch
- Built-in Wi-Fi no bridge
- 8 AA batteries about 8 months
- 15-minute no-drill install
August Home 3rd Gen
- Retrofit interior thumbturn only
- Existing deadbolt untouched outside
- DoorSense ajar detection
- Original thumbturn returns at move-out
Quick Overview: Best Smart Locks for Renters Compared in October 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock |
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| eufy Security Smart Lock C220 |
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| August Home Smart Lock 3rd Generation |
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 ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi with Door Sensor |
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 DESLOC B200 Fingerprint Smart Door Lock |
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 Kwikset Powerbolt 250 Keypad Deadbolt |
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 CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 |
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 Ulecoce Fingerprint Keypad Deadbolt with Knobs |
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 Veise VE012W WiFi Fingerprint Smart Lock |
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 TEEHO TE012W WiFi Fingerprint Smart Lock |
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 Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 |
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 Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt DL100 |
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Check Latest Price |
1. ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock: Most Unlock Methods in One Deadbolt
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Matter Over Thread, App Remote Access
Fingerprint, passcode, app, key and voice
Bluetooth, Matter, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
Up to 18 months battery
Pros
- Seven unlock methods in a single deadbolt
- Built-in Wi-Fi means no hub purchase
- Matter over Thread makes it portable between homes
- Longest stated battery life in the group
- Installs in about 10 minutes with a screwdriver
Cons
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only
- Matter features need a Thread Border Router
- No door sensor in the box
This is the lock I keep coming back to for renters, and the reason is the install. It is a full deadbolt replacement rather than an interior retrofit, which means it needs landlord approval, but once approved it does everything. Fingerprint, passcode, app, web portal, eKey sharing, voice and a mechanical key all work from the same handle.
With a review base above ten thousand, we could see the pattern clearly: 70% of owners give it five stars and the praise lands on breadth of unlock methods, Matter support and battery life. The complaints are narrow and specific, mostly 2.4 GHz-only Wi-Fi and the extra Thread hub needed for Matter features.
It stores up to 50 fingerprints and up to 50 passcodes, which covers a shared apartment, a partner, a contractor and a dog walker without anyone sharing one master PIN. The fingerprint reader is the fastest path in, which matters when you are carrying groceries.
The catch for a renter is real and worth stating plainly: this replaces your deadbolt, so it changes the outside of the door. It is the wrong pick for a sublet or a lease that forbids hardware changes, and the right pick when your landlord has said yes. The eufy C220 and the August 3rd Generation cover the other two cases.
What you give up to get the seven unlock methods
You give up hub-free Matter. Wi-Fi here is 2.4 GHz only, so a dual-band router that splits the bands needs the lock placed on the 2.4 GHz network. Matter over Thread support is real, but it activates only if you already run a Thread Border Router, which is a separate purchase most renters will never make.
You also give up door position awareness. There is no door sensor in this box, so auto-lock fires on a timer whether or not the door is actually shut. Several owners describe that as fine in summer and irritating in a house with a screen door that gets propped open.
Who this lock suits and who should skip it
It suits a landlord-approved installation in a long-term lease where you want one device to cover fingerprint, keypad and app, and where the household has more than two people coming through the door. The 18-month battery figure is the longest stated here, and it helps when you do not want to think about batteries.
Skip it if you are subletting, if you cannot get approval to change the exterior, or if you are already deep in Apple or Google smart home routines and want Matter without buying a border router. In that case the eufy C220 gives you built-in Wi-Fi and no extra hardware at all.
2. eufy Security Smart Lock C220: The Cleanest All-Round Setup
eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock
Fingerprint, app, keypad, key, Apple Watch
Built-in Wi-Fi, no bridge
8 AA batteries, about 8 months
Pros
- Six unlock methods including Apple Watch
- Self-learning fingerprint logic improves over time
- Built-in Wi-Fi removes the bridge purchase
- About 8 months on standard AA batteries
- Fits most existing deadbolts in roughly 15 minutes
Cons
- Costs more than keypad-only deadbolts
- Full routine integration depends on the eufy ecosystem
The C220 is the lock we recommend to anyone who wants a fingerprint reader and remote access without thinking about a hub. Wi-Fi is built into the lock, so remote unlock works the day it is mounted rather than the day you find the missing bridge.
Its rating sits at 4.3 across more than 4,200 reviews, with 71% five-star feedback and a category rank of #8 in Deadbolts. That is a well-watched product, and the satisfaction centres on fingerprint speed, battery life and how quickly the retrofit goes on.
Like the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE, this is a full deadbolt rather than an interior-only retrofit, so it needs permission. It fits bores under 54mm, which covers most US apartment doors, and the install is around 15 minutes with a screwdriver.
Why the fingerprint reader keeps improving
eufy uses a self-learning recognition algorithm rather than a fixed fingerprint database. Owners report that accuracy builds over the first weeks as the unit stores more samples per finger, which matters in a household with several adults whose prints vary day to day.
The trade-off is ecosystem depth. The lock pairs well with the rest of the eufy Security line, but if your routines live in Apple Home or SmartThings, the wider automation options narrow compared with a Matter lock. Apple Watch unlock is supported, which is the most-used hands-free path in practice.
Who should pick the C220 over the Bolt SE
Pick the C220 when you want fewer decisions. No hub, no Thread border router, no 2.4 GHz network reshuffle, and a single app that handles the lock and the cameras if you already run eufy hardware. It is the pick we suggest to a renter who wants remote access to be reliable rather than clever.
Pass on it if fingerprint capacity is tight for your situation or if the lower price tier matters more than Apple Watch support. The Tapo DL100 and the Wyze Bolt v2 both sit below it in cost and skip biometrics entirely, and the Kwikset Powerbolt 250 needs no app or account at all.
3. August Home Smart Lock 3rd Generation: The Purest Renter Option
August Home Smart Lock, 3rd Generation – Silver
Retrofit interior thumbturn only
Bluetooth, Connect bridge for remote
DoorSense ajar detection
Pros
- Existing exterior deadbolt stays exactly as it was
- Original thumbturn reinstalls at move-out
- DoorSense auto-lock and ajar alerts
- Auto-unlock works reliably when the phone is near the door
Cons
- Remote features need the separately sold August Connect bridge
- Guest accounts cannot use auto-unlock
- Some Android pairing and disconnect complaints
If you read one section of this guide, read this one. The August 3rd Generation is the only lock here that leaves the outside of your door completely untouched. It mounts on the interior side, grips your existing thumbturn, and drives it with a motor. Your key cylinder, your key, and your landlord’s master key all keep working with no adapter.
It holds a 4.4 rating over 3,700 reviews with 70% five-star feedback, which is the highest star rating among the locks with a large review base. Owners describe one unit running six years before replacement, which is the kind of endurance that matters when you are not allowed to change the door.
DoorSense, the included magnetic sensor, is the feature we did not expect to care about. It tells the lock whether the door is actually closed, so auto-lock does not fire on a door you are still carrying groceries through, and it sends an ajar alert if you leave with the door open.
Auto-unlock as you approach on foot is the feature renters mention most warmly, once the phone is actually near the door. It is Bluetooth range dependent, so it works on the walk up the path rather than from across the street.
The honest limitation is that away-from-home features need the separately sold August Connect bridge. That is the one place this lock costs extra, and for a long-term lease it is the single most worthwhile accessory in the whole category, because it turns a Bluetooth lock into a remote one. Renters posting in Apartmentliving and Renters forums repeatedly say the same thing: the bridge is what makes the lock worth keeping beyond a year.
What the August bridge changes for a renter
Without the bridge, the August app works when you are at the door and stops there. With it, you can lock the door from work, hand a guest a code while out of town, and see an activity log. Those are the three functions a dog walker or a partner in another city actually needs.
Watch one restriction: guest accounts cannot use auto-unlock. A guest with their own August profile gets keypad, app and key access, but not the walk-up unlock. That is a sensible security decision and an annoying one when a housemate relies on it.
When the August is not enough
It is not the right pick if your door does not have a standard single-cylinder deadbolt. Push-button deadbolts, rim locks, mortise cases and iron gates are all outside what this mount can grab, and no amount of care will make it fit.
It is also the wrong pick if you need remote access on day one and are unwilling to buy the bridge. The ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi and the Tapo DL100 ship with Wi-Fi inside the lock, which is a better argument if your lease is short and you will not install extra hardware.
4. ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi Smart Lock: Best Grade 1 Security With a Door Sensor
ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi Smart Lock with Door Sensor, App Remote Access
Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, no bridge
ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 and IP65
Door sensor included, up to 8 months
Pros
- Included door sensor stops the lock re-locking an open door
- Built-in Wi-Fi removes the bridge purchase
- ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 is the highest mechanical grade here
- Lockout Mode is useful while travelling
- Support resolved firmware and hardware issues
Cons
- App structure feels over-engineered for one lock
- Firmware updates reported as unreliable
- Some Wi-Fi dropouts reported
This is the security-first pick. It carries ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification, which is the highest mechanical grade in this group, and it is the only lock here that ships with a door sensor in the box rather than selling it separately.
At 4.3 stars across 2,381 reviews with 68% five-star feedback, its owner comments split cleanly: people who love the bundled sensor, and people frustrated by app navigation and firmware updates. Both are fair readings. The app sorts your setup under addresses, locations and devices, which feels heavy if you own one lock.
It fits doors 1-3/8 inch to 1-3/4 inch thick and handles left- or right-handed doors, which covers the large majority of rental doors in the US. Batteries are four AA cells, and the stated figure is up to 8 months.
Lockout Mode is the sleeper feature here. It disables electronic unlocking entirely while you travel, so a leaked code cannot open your door from anywhere. For a rental where you hand codes to cleaners and contractors, that is a meaningful safety control.
One practical warning from the reviews: physical keys are useless if the batteries die and you are not home. That applies to every lock here, which is why we treat a USB-C emergency port or a spare key held by a neighbour as part of the setup rather than an optional extra.
Why the bundled door sensor changes daily use
Without a door sensor, auto-lock runs on a timer. That means the lock throws itself while the door is still open and held by a box, a delivery, or a neighbour saying hello. The included sensor ties auto-lock to the actual door state and adds an ajar alert to your phone.
It also gives you a real activity log rather than a guess. For a shared flat where three people come and go, knowing the door was opened at a specific time is genuinely useful, and it is the feature most likely to convince a sceptical roommate.
Grade 1 versus the rest: where it matters in a rental
ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 is the top of the certification scale and matters most for a ground-floor unit, a building with a shared parking area, or a front door exposed to street traffic. Most apartment interior doors sit comfortably at Grade 2, and the lower grade is a trade-off you can accept.
Grade certification measures the lock, not the door, and it does not stop someone from breaking a window. Treat it as one layer. What it does buy you for a rental is time against a kick or a jimmy, which is the attack that actually happens on an exterior apartment door.
5. DESLOC B200 Fingerprint Smart Door Lock: Best Budget Biometrics
DESLOC B200 Fingerprint Smart Door Lock, Keyless Entry Deadbolt
Fingerprint reads in under 0.3 seconds, 50 prints
Bluetooth via TTLock app, G2 gateway for remote
Four AA batteries, up to 12 months
USB-C emergency power, IP54, BHMA Grade 3
Pros
- Fast fingerprint entry that works for older users
- Eight access methods cover family and service providers
- Up to 12 months on four AA cells
- USB-C emergency power backup
- Fits most standard US doors with a screwdriver
Cons
- Bluetooth only
- remote and voice need the separately sold G2 Gateway
- Batteries are not included
- You must be within Bluetooth range to manage codes
The DESLOC B200 is the cheapest way into fingerprint entry, and at 4.2 stars across 2,381 reviews with 71% five-star feedback it holds up better than its price suggests. It ranks #14 in Deadbolts, which tells you how much traffic it gets.
Eight unlock methods cover fingerprint, PIN, app, eKeys, key fobs, physical keys and voice, plus a keypad. The fingerprint reader reads in under 0.3 seconds and holds 50 prints, and reviewers specifically call out how well it performs for elderly users and people with dry skin, where cheaper capacitive sensors tend to fail.
Like the eufy and the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE, this replaces the deadbolt, so it needs landlord sign-off. It fits most standard US doors with a screwdriver and nothing else.
The honest drawback is the accessory. It is Bluetooth only, and remote access and voice control both require the separately sold G2 Gateway. That is the same hidden line item renters complain about in forums when a lock turns out to need a bridge they did not budget for.
Being within Bluetooth range to create and manage codes is a genuine limitation for a landlord managing a distant unit. For a tenant living in the apartment, it matters far less, because you are standing at your own door when you program it.
Where a gateway-free renter should spend instead
If the DESLOC is tempting but the gateway bothers you, the Veise VE012W and the Tapo DL100 both put Wi-Fi inside the lock at a similar cost, and the Tapo DL100 ships with batteries included. You give up a little of the DESLOC fingerprint polish and gain remote access with no second device.
That trade is worth making for anyone who wants to let a dog walker in from work. It is not worth making if you never open the door remotely, in which case the DESLOC at this price point is a reasonable fingerprint deadbolt.
What about the Kwikset for no connectivity at all
If remote access is not on your list, the Kwikset Powerbolt 250 does the same job for tenants with codes and no cloud account. It has no app, no account, and no server, which makes it the most robust choice against the account-cancellation problem renters describe.
The DESLOC is for you if the fingerprint reader is the reason you are upgrading. The Kwikset is for you if not having an account is the reason you are upgrading.
6. Kwikset Powerbolt 250 Keypad Deadbolt: No Account, No Cloud, No Lockout
Kwikset Powerbolt 250 10-Button Keypad Matte Black Transitional Electronic Deadbolt Door Lock, Featuring Convenient Keyless Entry, Customizable User Codes and Auto-Locking
Keypad with physical key backup
No app or account needed
Up to 25 user codes and 5 one-time codes
Auto-lock 30 seconds to 10 minutes
12-month battery life on 4 AA
Pros
- Works with no app
- no account and no cloud
- Physical key backup always available
- One-time and per-user codes are easy to program
- SmartKey lets you re-key the lock yourself
- Vacation Mode and intrusion alert add real security
Cons
- Not a connected lock with no remote access
- Flat rectangular strike plate does not match other Kwikset trim
- Interior body can measure shorter than the lock it replaces
- A minority of units stopped accepting codes
This is the answer to the scariest thing that happens to a renter with a smart lock: the account goes away. The Powerbolt 250 has no app, no account, and no server. Codes are programmed at the keypad, and they work in ten years the same way they work today.
At 4.1 stars across 2,291 reviews it is near the bottom of the range here, just above the CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5, and the review breakdown explains the split: 67% five-star but also the highest one-star share in the group at 16%. The divide is not about features. It is between owners who value offline simplicity and owners who hit a dead unit.
Security features are unusually good for a no-app lock. Three wrong entries disables the keypad for one minute, Vacation Mode turns the keypad off entirely, and an LED backlight handles low-light entry. SmartKey re-keying means you can change the cylinder to your own key in seconds without a locksmith.
It holds up to 25 user codes and 5 one-time codes, with auto-lock programmable from 30 seconds to 10 minutes. Twenty-five codes is more than enough for a household plus a cleaner, a dog walker and a contractor, and deleting a code is a button press rather than an app session.
One practical note from the reviews: the strike plate is flat and rectangular, so it does not wrap the trim the way other Kwikset hardware does, and the interior body can measure shorter than the lock it replaces. Both matter if your door has a tight reveal or a door frame that the motor has to clear.
Why offline still matters more in 2026
The top complaint in renter forums is not hacking or battery life. It is a tenant who vacated, closed their account, and found the door would not open because the account was the lock. A keypad with no account cannot fail that way, because there is nothing to cancel.
That reasoning also covers battery death. A cloud lock with a physical key still works on the key. This lock works on the key and on the keypad, so a dead battery is an inconvenience rather than a locksmith.
When a plain keypad is genuinely the right answer
It is the right answer for a lease where you cannot change hardware, a housemate who refuses to install an app, and a building where you mainly need to stop losing keys. It is also the safest pick to hand a landlord, because a keypad deadbolt is a known quantity and there is no account to hand over at move-out.
It is the wrong answer if you need to let someone in while you are not there. Nothing here opens remotely, by design, and that is the trade you are making.
7. CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5: The Only Truly No-Drill Mount
CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5, Smart Lock, Bluetooth Electronic Deadbolt, Auto-Lock, Keyless Entry Door Lock for Front Door, Fits Your Existing Deadbolt, for Airbnbs Vacation Rentals
3M adhesive mount over the existing deadbolt
SesameOS 3 with Matter support
Works with almost any existing key
Remote access via the separately sold Hub3
Auto-lock 3 seconds to 1 hour
Pros
- Mounts on top of the existing deadbolt with 3M tape
- Keeps the original high-security deadbolt in place
- Custom adapters cover unusual key cylinders
- Auto-lock timer from 3 seconds to 1 hour
- One owner reports about seven years across the line
Cons
- Bluetooth pairing reported unstable on some phones
- Remote control needs the separately sold Hub3
- App quality and support drew criticism
- A motor failure ended one owner's unit
The Sesame 5 is the least invasive install in this guide. It sits on top of your existing deadbolt and sticks down with 3M tape. No screws, no bore, no strike plate, no visible change to the door. If your lease forbids hardware changes, this is the closest thing to a no-install answer.
It is also the most polarizing lock here. It holds a 4.0 rating across 1,317 reviews with 53% five-star feedback, the lowest of the twelve. Enthusiasts describe it as the perfect renter lock; detractors report Bluetooth pairing failures and app or support issues.
Custom 3D-printed adapters extend key compatibility to almost any existing cylinder, which is a genuine advantage in older buildings where the deadbolt is an unusual size. Auto-lock is configurable from 3 seconds to 1 hour, the widest range in the group.
What the adhesive mount really means
Adhesive is the whole point and also the main limitation. It leaves nothing behind when you pull it off, which is exactly what a renter wants at move-out. It also means the lock depends on surface prep and a clean bond, and a door that gets wet or very hot can let go over time.
The weight is only 138 grams, so the adhesive load is modest compared to a motorised deadbolt. We would still check the bond after the first week and re-seat it if the unit ever feels loose.
When to pick it and when to walk away
Pick it for a short-term rental or Airbnb where you want codes generated between guests, a building where you genuinely cannot touch the door, and any door with an unusual cylinder that the adapters cover. It is also the lock we would trust least for a long-term lease, because a failed motor means no entry.
Walk away if you need remote access without buying the Hub3, if you are on an Android phone that some owners report was not detected during setup, or if reliability under daily use matters more than the zero-drill install. The Tapo DL100 gives you built-in Wi-Fi, batteries included and a far steadier review profile.
8. Ulecoce Fingerprint Keypad Deadbolt With Knob Set: Most Users in One Lock
Ulecoce U68 Fingerprint Keypad Deadbolt with Knob Set, Matte Black
Fingerprint reads in 0.3 seconds, 512 entry capacity
Bluetooth app control within 5 meters
Screwdriver-only installation
Two interior knobs included
IP54 weather resistant
Pros
- Fingerprint and keypad capacity of 512 entries
- Two interior knobs give deadbolt and lever options
- One owner installed several across an apartment building
- App access logs and door-open alerts
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Bluetooth range needed to create or change codes
- Remote and voice control need the separately sold gateway
- Auto-lock can be set too tightly for a propped door
- No printed instructions
- setup relies on online videos
The Ulecoce U68 is unusual because it ships with two interior knobs, which turns one purchase into a deadbolt and a lever set. That matters in rentals where the front door takes a deadbolt and the bedroom or patio door takes a lever, and you want the same app controlling both.
It rates 4.3 across 933 reviews with 72% five-star feedback, and the owner comments lean property-manager. One owner describes installing several across an apartment building and managing tenant access from the app logs, which is exactly the multi-unit scenario where 512 fingerprint and code entries become the headline feature.
Entry methods cover fingerprint, keypad, app within 5 meters, physical keys and a one-touch lock. The fingerprint reader reads in 0.3 seconds with a self-learning algorithm, and auto-lock runs from 5 to 60 seconds.
The fingerprint capacity is the number that stands out. Most locks here top out between 20 and 50 prints. At 512 combined fingerprint and keypad entries, this one handles a building, a family with extended relatives, and a steady stream of contractors without recycling codes.
Against that, management requires being within Bluetooth range, which is a real problem for a landlord in another building. Owners running multiple units report managing tenants remotely, which suggests the app log is more useful as a record than as a live control.
Is a set of two knobs worth the trade-offs
For a household with more than one door worth securing, yes. You get a consistent app and keypad language across the front and back, which removes the learning curve of running two different systems. The included latch and strike also mean you are not hunting for matching hardware on the second door.
For a single front door, it is wasted weight and a bulkier interior. The interior housing is noticeably larger than a plain retrofit, which is the complaint renters raise about interior thumbturn mounts blocking a door that needs to sit flush in the frame.
How it fits a shared-flat scenario
Shared flats are where fingerprint entry quietly wins over keypads. Nobody has to remember to hand a key over, nobody has to change the code when someone leaves, and one person leaving is not a lock replacement. The 512-entry capacity makes that workable at a scale most locks here cannot reach.
Buy it if the building has more than one door you want covered, or more than four people passing through. Skip it if you are one person on one door, where the DESLOC or the Tapo DL100 does the same job for less.
9. Veise VE012W WiFi Fingerprint Smart Lock: Fastest Fingerprint in the Group
Veise VE012W WiFi Fingerprint Smart Lock for Front Door, Satin Nickel
0.2 second fingerprint reads, 20 fingerprints
Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, no hub
100 PINs and one-time codes
Auto-lock 10 to 180 seconds
BHMA Grade 3, IP55, AES-128
Pros
- Built-in Wi-Fi at a mid-range price with no hub
- 0.2 second fingerprint recognition
- Anti-peeping password entry and real-time access logs
- Auto-lock adjustable from 10 to 180 seconds
- All hardware included for a screwdriver-only install
Cons
- Fingerprint capacity limited to 20 users
- Batteries are not included
- Google Assistant coverage less prominent in the listing
The Veise VE012W reads fingerprints in 0.2 seconds, the fastest figure in this guide, and it does it with Wi-Fi built into the lock. For a small household that wants remote access without a hub or a gateway, that combination is the whole pitch.
It holds 4.3 stars across 807 reviews with 73% five-star feedback. Owners consistently point at value for the tier, fast setup and stable fingerprint reads, and the practical ceiling everyone mentions is the 20-fingerprint limit.
Entry covers app, fingerprint, one-time codes, up to 100 PINs, two backup keys and voice. Auto-lock runs from 10 to 180 seconds, the second-widest range here, with a vacation away mode on top.
Twenty fingerprints is enough until it is not
Twenty prints covers a couple, a roommate and a couple of regular visitors. It does not cover a family of five plus a nanny plus a cleaner plus two dog walkers, and re-enrolling is the fix when the household grows. If you are one person on one door, 20 is generous.
The PIN capacity of 100 is where you should look instead for shared access. Codes can be one-time or permanent, so a contractor gets a single-use code and a dog walker gets a standing one, both of which you can delete from the app without touching anyone else’s.
Worth knowing before you commit
Batteries are not included. It runs on eight AA or LR6 cells, which is the same bulk as the TEEHO below, and the manufacturer offers a one-year limited warranty extendable by another year on registration.
It fits doors 1-3/8 inch to 2 inch thick, left- or right-handed, and carries BHMA/ANSI Grade 3 with IP55 water resistance and AES-128 local data storage. If you already run Wyze cameras, the Wyze Bolt v2 is the more coherent single-app choice.
10. TEEHO TE012W WiFi Fingerprint Smart Lock: Strongest Mid-Rank Build
TEEHO TE012W WiFi Fingerprint Smart Door Lock for Front Door, Satin Nickle
Five unlock methods including fingerprint and voice
8 AA batteries for battery life and Wi-Fi stability
Break-in lockout after 10 wrong PINs
BHMA Grade 3, IP55, AES-128
10-15 minute install
Pros
- Built-in Wi-Fi with fingerprint
- code and key in one lock
- 8 AA batteries improve both battery life and Wi-Fi stability
- Connected in about 10 minutes for several owners
- BHMA Grade 3 and IP55 rated for exterior doors
- Alexa and Google Assistant voice control
Cons
- Eight AA batteries mean a bulkier power compartment
- A few owners reported shorter real battery life than advertised
- Alexa routines failed for one owner despite working integration
- Interior housing feels plastic
- Fingerprint enrollment sometimes needs repeating
The TEEHO TE012W is the best-built lock in the middle of this price range. It holds 4.4 stars across 771 reviews with 76% five-star feedback, the second-highest five-star share here, and the design choice that sets it apart is the eight-AA battery compartment.
Owners report that the larger battery pack does two things at once: it extends the interval between changes and it stabilises the Wi-Fi radio, which is the more valuable of the two. A lock that drops its connection when the batteries get low is a lock you cannot trust remotely.
It breaks in after ten wrong PIN attempts by locking itself for three minutes, which is a harder deterrent than the one-minute lockout on the Kwikset. Anti-peeping entry lets you type your code between random digits so a shoulder-surfer cannot read the sequence.
Auto-lock is adjustable from 10 to 180 seconds in the app, and one-touch lock gives you a manual lock without reaching for the thumbturn. It fits doors 1-3/8 inch to 2 inch thick with either a 2-3/8 inch or 2-3/4 inch backset, which covers more door stock than most locks here.
Data is stored locally with AES-128 encryption, which is a reasonable answer to the hacking question renters ask about. It does not mean the lock is unhackable, but it does mean the app is not relaying every unlock through a server that holds your fingerprint template.
Eight AAs: the bulk you accept and why
Eight AA cells is more batteries to buy and a bulkier interior housing than a four-cell design. For most people the interior bulk does not matter, because it sits above the door edge on a standard swing-in door. It matters on a door that has to sit flush against a frame.
The trade is worth it if remote reliability matters to you, because a healthy battery is what keeps the Wi-Fi radio behaving. A few owners still report real battery life shorter than advertised, so treat the stated figure as a ceiling and check the low-battery alert rather than assuming.
How it compares to the Tapo DL100
The Tapo DL100 below has no fingerprint reader but claims 200 days of battery life in Wi-Fi mode, which is far beyond anything else here. Choose the TEEHO if you want a fingerprint reader and break-in lockout; choose the Tapo if you want to set the batteries once and forget about them.
Both are full deadbolt replacements that need landlord approval. The TEEHO carries a two-year warranty, the Veise a one-year plus a registration extension, and the Tapo sits in the middle on both count.
11. Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2: Top Rated With a Familiar App
Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Smart Lock, AI Learning Scanner with Wi-Fi Front Door Lock Deadbolt, Auto-Lock, 8 Months Battery, BHMA2, IP53, Anti-Peep Keypad, Backup Keys
0.5 second fingerprint on tempered glass
Built-in Wi-Fi via the Wyze app
8 AA batteries included, up to 8 months
USB-C emergency power port
Unlocks from a Wyze doorbell live feed
Pros
- Highest rating here at 4.5 stars with 81% five-star feedback
- AI learning scanner improved speed and consistency after the first week
- Batteries are included in the box
- Roughly 12-minute swap of an existing deadbolt
- Logs of who opened the door and when
- Backup keys guarantee physical entry
Cons
- Keypad beeps are quiet and hard of hearing for some users
- One reviewer struggled to enroll an elderly user's fingerprint
- Auto-lock timer fires even when you intend to leave the door open
- Long-term durability still forming from early feedback
The Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 carries the highest rating in this group at 4.5 stars, with 81% five-star feedback. It is also the newest, with 580 reviews, and we weigh those two facts together rather than separately.
What it does well is fingerprint speed and integration. The 0.5-second read happens on scratch and smudge-resistant tempered glass, and an AI learning scanner visibly improves consistency after the first week. Batteries are in the box, which is rarer than it should be, and the swap of an existing deadbolt took one owner about 12 minutes.
The feature no other lock here has is unlocking from a Wyze Video Doorbell live feed. If you already run Wyze cameras and a doorbell, you can see who is at the door and let them in from the same screen, which is a genuinely useful renter feature for parcel and guest situations.
Eight AA batteries give a stated 8 months of use, and a USB-C emergency port accepts a power bank if they die away from home. Entry covers fingerprint, app, keypad and physical key, and the app logs who opened the door and when.
The reservation is evidence, not function. Most detailed feedback on this lock comes from the first weeks after purchase, so long-term durability is still forming. A 4.5 rating on 580 reviews tells you it works well now. It does not yet tell you how it behaves in year three of your lease.
Why the rating is high but we did not give it the top badge
We weight review volume alongside stars. A 4.5 rating built on 580 reviews is less predictive than a 4.4 rating built on 3,729, and for a lock you install once and expect to last the length of a lease, the longer track record is worth more than the higher number.
If you already run Wyze cameras or the Wyze Video Doorbell, the ecosystem argument changes the calculation and this becomes the sensible pick. One app for cameras, doorbell and lock beats a marginally better standalone lock every time you actually use it.
Small annoyances worth knowing
The keypad beep is quiet, which several reviewers flag as harder of hearing. If you rely on the keypad rather than the fingerprint reader, that is worth testing before you commit, especially for an older housemate.
The auto-lock timer fires on schedule even when you meant to leave the door propped open. Set it to the longest interval you can live with, and treat the delay rather than the beep as the signal. One reviewer also struggled to enrol an elderly user’s fingerprint, which is a recurring theme across fingerprint locks here.
12. Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt DL100: Longest Battery Life and Most Codes
Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt Door Lock, Keyless Tactile Buttons, DL100
Up to 200 customizable codes
Bluetooth nearby and Wi-Fi remote access
200 days battery in Wi-Fi mode, 300 in Bluetooth
4 AA batteries included plus USB-C emergency power
BHMA Grade 3, IP54, no-drill bore fit
Pros
- Longest stated battery life here at 200 days in Wi-Fi mode
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no hub required
- Batteries and a USB-C emergency port included
- Up to 200 codes grouped by family guests and visitors
- Alexa Google Home and SmartThings support
Cons
- No fingerprint reader
- entry is code app Bluetooth voice or key
- Voice unlock requires speaking a PIN which reduces the hands-free benefit
- Far fewer published reviews than the established brands
The Tapo DL100 wins on two numbers that matter more in a rental than fingerprint speed. It runs up to 200 days on batteries in Wi-Fi mode and 300 days in Bluetooth mode, and it holds 200 customizable access codes. No other lock in this guide combines that endurance with that much code capacity.
It rates 4.4 across 596 reviews with 77% five-star feedback. TP-Link is a large smart home brand rather than a lock specialist, and that shows in the app more than the hardware: Alexa, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings all work.
Four AA batteries are included in the box along with a USB-C emergency power port, and it fits both 54mm and 38mm bores without drilling. For an apartment door, that covers effectively every standard bore you will meet.
Anti-peeping entry is the detail we like most. The keypad accepts your code between randomly generated digits, so a person standing behind you sees a long string of random numbers rather than your four-digit PIN. On a building hallway, that is a real reduction in a real risk.
A PIN attempt limiter locks the system after repeated failures, auto-lock runs on adjustable intervals, and two backup keys are in the box. It is BHMA Grade 3 certified and IP54 weatherproof, which is enough for an exterior apartment door.
Why no fingerprint reader is a feature here
A fingerprint reader is faster in the moment, but a keypad costs nothing to hand to a cleaner, a dog walker or a contractor, and it can be changed instantly. For renters whose main goal is sharing access without handing over keys, that makes a keypad-only lock more practical, not less.
The other reason to skip biometrics is fingerprint reliability in real conditions. Several reviewers across the fingerprint locks in this guide mention wet hands, gloves, and re-enrolment of older users’ prints. A keypad does not have any of those failure modes.
Voice unlock needs a PIN, so plan for that
Voice unlock here requires speaking a PIN as well as the voice command, which reduces the hands-free benefit considerably. You are standing outside saying a code out loud, which is not what most people picture when they imagine voice entry.
With only 596 reviews, the Tapo DL100 carries less long-term evidence than the August or the ULTRALOQ. The battery and code numbers are compelling enough that we still rate it a top pick for a shared apartment, particularly if you are already in the Tapo or SmartThings ecosystem.
Do You Need Your Landlord’s Permission to Install a Smart Lock?
Short answer: ask, and send the message in writing. The pattern renters report over and over is not that a landlord says no, but that a tenant installs without telling anyone, a key stops working as expected, and the deposit becomes a negotiation.
There is a real mechanical reason for the conversation. A retrofit lock that leaves the original cylinder in place means the landlord’s master key still opens your door and their emergency access still works. That is the single fact that turns most objections into a yes, because the landlord’s actual concern is losing the ability to get in.
What usually gets a yes: a lock that mounts on the interior, adds no holes, and is removed in under five minutes. What usually gets a refusal: anything drilled into the door or frame, any fire door hardware, and any change to the exterior that leaves a landlord unable to open the lock with their own key.
What you should never do is install hardware on a fire-rated door or change the hardware on an entry door that a building maintains. Those are the two cases where asking is not optional.
A message you can copy and adapt:
Hi, I would like to add a renter-friendly smart lock to my apartment door. It mounts on the inside of the existing deadbolt, takes about ten minutes with a screwdriver, adds no new holes, and leaves the exterior and the key cylinder untouched, so your key and your emergency access keep working exactly as they do now. When I move out I will remove it, reinstall the original thumbturn, delete all access codes and send you photos. Could you let me know if that is okay, or if you would prefer I leave the door as it is?
One more reason to send it in writing: if the company behind your lock deactivates an account, a landlord with a physical key is your way back in. Renters have posted about losing access entirely when a tenant account was cancelled at move-out. Never install a lock that is your only way into the unit without telling the landlord you have a spare key.
For more detail on how we weigh the smart home gear that pairs with these locks, see our guide to the best smart locks tested and reviewed.
Which Smart Lock Fits Your Door?
Before any brand, work out what is actually on your door. Most rental doors are a standard single-cylinder deadbolt and every lock in this guide fits. Older buildings and ground-floor units are where the mismatches happen, and they are the cases most roundups ignore.
Standard single-cylinder deadbolt. The thumbturn is on the inside and there is no separate button. Every lock in this guide fits, and the August 3rd Generation is the least invasive option because it mounts only on the interior.
Push-button or jimmy-proof deadbolt. A round or square button replaces the thumbturn. Almost nothing here fits, because there is no thumbturn to grip. The CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 is the realistic option, since it sits on top of the cylinder rather than grabbing the interior. Renters subletting an apartment with this door have asked specifically for a lock that goes over the outside without touching the hardware, and that is the closest thing available.
Rim lock or surface-mounted deadbolt. The lock body is surface-mounted with exposed screws and a separate rim cylinder. Retrofit thumbturn mounts do not apply, and most keypad deadbolts in this guide expect a standard bore. This is a landlord conversation in every case.
Iron gate or security door. The door is often not a conventional door at all, and the frame may be metal with a surface-mounted lock. The only genuinely safe answer is a gate lock with a physical key cylinder, not one of these deadbolts.
Glass door. A standard deadbolt cannot be fitted to a frameless glass door without specialist hardware. Interior lever locks work, but a keypad lever is outside this guide. Ask the landlord before fitting anything to a glass door.
Mortise lock. A mortise case sits inside the door and is found in older apartments and many brownstone-style rentals. None of the twelve fit a mortise case without a conversion kit, which is a job for a locksmith.
Interior doors. Bedroom and bathroom doors take a lever, not a deadbolt. Every lock here is a deadbolt, so interior doors need a keypad lever or a simple code knob, which is a different category of product and a much lower-stakes decision.
Hub-Free vs Hub-Required: What the Bridge Really Costs
A hub, bridge or gateway is a separate device that gives a Bluetooth-only lock Wi-Fi range. It matters for renters more than for homeowners because you may not be allowed to leave hardware in the apartment when you leave, and because a bridge is one more thing to fail.
Hub-free. The ULTRALOQ Bolt SE, the eufy C220, the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi, the Wyze Bolt v2, the Veise VE012W, the TEEHO TE012W and the Tapo DL100 all have Wi-Fi inside the lock. They work from your phone anywhere as soon as they are mounted.
Hub or bridge required. The August 3rd Generation needs the August Connect bridge for away-from-home features. The DESLOC B200, the Ulecoce U68 and the CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 need their own gateways, and the Sesame needs the Hub3 specifically.
The cost of a bridge is the money, but the real cost is the failure mode. A bridge is a single point of failure: if it drops off your network, the lock stops answering from outside. Several owners of the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi reported exactly this kind of Wi-Fi dropout, and they had no bridge to blame, only the router.
Thread is a related trap. The ULTRALOQ Bolt SE supports Matter over Thread, which sounds like a portability win, but Matter features only activate if you already own a Thread Border Router. For a renter who may move twice, that is a purchase to skip unless you are already in that ecosystem.
The reverse case is the lock that needs no network at all. The Kwikset Powerbolt 250 has no app, no account and no server, which makes it immune to every hub problem in this section. For a tenant who just wants to stop losing keys, that immunity is worth more than remote access.
How to Install a Retrofit Smart Lock Without Drilling
Photograph your door before you touch anything, including the strike plate, the deadbolt face, the interior thumbturn and the full door with its frame in shot. Those photos are what protects your deposit if there is a dispute at move-out. Do this even if you are sure the install will not mark anything.
Check your door thickness and bore before you order. Most locks here fit doors 1-3/8 inch to 2 inch thick, and the Tapo DL100 covers both the 54mm and 38mm standard bores. The Kwikset and the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt specify 1-3/8 inch to 1-3/4 inch.
Install the interior unit first on an interior retrofit lock. Slide it over the existing thumbturn, align the adapter with the spindle, and tighten the two screws. The ULTRALOQ U-Bolt and the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE both describe this as about 10 minutes.
For a full deadbolt replacement, remove the old deadbolt with a screwdriver, align the new one with the bore, and drive the supplied screws into the existing holes. The eufy C220 describes a 15-minute fit for bores under 54mm, and the Wyze Bolt v2 describes a 12-minute swap.
Test the mechanical key before you test the app. Every lock here ships with physical keys, and you want to know the key works before you depend on the fingerprint reader. This is also the step that tells you immediately whether the cylinder is seated correctly.
Register the lock in the app, add your fingerprint and PIN, then close the door and confirm auto-lock behaves the way you set it. If you installed a door sensor, this is when the ajar alert gets its first real test, by opening the door and walking away.
Do not test a smart lock you installed on a rental on the day you need to leave for work. Install it, test it thoroughly, and leave yourself a day before you depend on it for a 7am departure.
Door hardware and lock bodies are covered in more detail in our roundup of the best biometric door locks for front doors.
Move-Out Checklist: Removing a Smart Lock Without Losing Your Deposit
Delete every access code and every user profile in the app before you uninstall anything. This includes your own profile. Leftover codes are the single most common reason a landlord or the next tenant has trouble at handover, and several property managers report that factory-resetting between tenants is simply easier than rekeying.
Never hand over your main account. Create a fresh owner account for the incoming tenant rather than sharing yours, because a shared account cannot be revoked when that relationship ends. This is the same reason you should never give a guest your master code.
Remove the hardware. On an interior retrofit, unscrew two screws, lift the unit off the thumbturn, and reinstall the original thumbturn. On a full deadbolt, put the original deadbolt and strike plate back. Photograph the restored door in the same angles you photographed it before installing.
Factory reset the unit so the next person is not inheriting your codes. Do this after the hardware is off and before you bin or sell the lock, and confirm the reset by pairing your phone again.
Hand the original keys back, along with your written confirmation and the before-and-after photos. If your landlord approved the install in writing, attach that message to the handover, because it establishes the arrangement for any later deposit question.
Keep your own copy of every photo. Deposit disputes are far easier to win with a dated picture of an undamaged door than with a verbal account of how careful you were, and this is the one step renters skip most often.
If you also need to secure the storage unit or the bike you keep on the balcony, our guides to the best bike locks and the best electric scooter locks for city parking cover the same renter use case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best lock for a rental property?
The best lock for a rental property is a retrofit model that mounts on the interior of your existing deadbolt, such as the August Home Smart Lock 3rd Generation. It leaves the exterior and key cylinder untouched, so your keys and your landlord’s master key keep working, no holes are drilled, and the original thumbturn reinstalls in about five minutes at move-out.
Do I need permission to install a smart lock in my rental?
Ask your landlord in writing first. What usually gets approved is an interior retrofit lock that adds no holes, keeps the existing key cylinder, and removes in under five minutes. What usually gets refused is anything drilled into the door or frame, any change to the exterior hardware, and anything fitted to a fire-rated door. Never install a lock that becomes your only way into the unit.
Will my landlord’s key still work with a retrofit smart lock?
Yes, on retrofit models, and that is the entire reason they work for renters. An interior retrofit lock drives your existing thumbturn with a motor and never touches the key cylinder, so every key that worked before still works, including the landlord’s master key. Full deadbolt replacements change the cylinder, which is why they need explicit approval.
How long do smart lock batteries actually last?
Expect materially less than the stated maximum. Manufacturers quote 8 to 18 months under light use. With shared rental traffic, several household members, guests, a dog walker and codes being used daily, most owners report somewhere in the 3 to 6 month range before they think about batteries. The Tapo DL100 claims 200 days in Wi-Fi mode, which is the longest stated figure in this roundup.
How do I remove a smart lock when moving out of a rental?
Delete every access code and user profile first, including your own. Unscrew the interior unit and reinstall the original thumbturn, or refit the original deadbolt and strike plate. Factory reset the lock so no codes carry over, photograph the restored door from the same angles you shot before installing, and hand back the original keys with your written approval message attached.
What are the downsides of smart locks for renters?
The main drawbacks are app and account dependency, real battery life falling short of the stated maximum, auto-lock timers firing on a door you meant to leave open, and fingerprint readers that struggle with wet hands or older users’ prints. The renter-specific risk is a lock that becomes your only way into the unit, which is why we require a physical key fallback on every pick.
How do I install a smart lock without drilling?
Photograph the door and strike plate first for your deposit record, then check door thickness and bore size against the lock’s specifications. On an interior retrofit, slide the unit over the existing thumbturn and tighten two screws. On a full deadbolt, remove the old unit and drive the new one into the existing holes. Test the physical key before the app, and allow yourself a day before depending on it.
What is the best smart lock for an apartment building?
For a single apartment door, an interior retrofit such as the August Home 3rd Generation is best because the exterior stays unchanged. For a multi-unit building, the Ulecoce U68 stands out with 512 fingerprint and keypad entries, while the Tapo DL100 holds 200 codes. Either way, keep a physical key or landlord access at all times, because shared access breaks down at handover.
Final Verdict
The best smart locks for renters all share one trait: they can be undone. Start with the August Home Smart Lock 3rd Generation if your lease forbids any change, because it mounts on the interior and your landlord’s key never stops working. If your landlord has approved a hardware change and you want the widest set of unlock methods, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi is our top pick, with built-in Wi-Fi, Matter support and the longest stated battery life in the group.
Pick the eufy C220 when you want remote access with no hub and no ecosystem juggling. Pick the Kwikset Powerbolt 250 when the thing you cannot accept is an account that might one day be cancelled. Pick the Tapo DL100 for battery endurance and 200 codes, and the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi if you want ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 security with a door sensor included.
Whichever one you choose, photograph the door before you install, keep a physical key, and tell your landlord in writing. Those three habits have protected more rental deposits than any smart lock feature in 2026.