9 Best Smart Locks for Rentals

A guest says the code stopped working at 11:30 p.m. A cleaner is waiting outside. Your old key is still floating around from a past tenant. That is usually the moment rental owners start searching for the best smart locks for rentals - not because the tech is trendy, but because access problems cost time, money, and peace of mind.

For rentals, the right smart lock needs to do three things well. It needs to be easy to manage from a distance, dependable enough for frequent turnover, and simple for guests or tenants to use without a long explanation. Fancy features matter less than clear code control, strong battery life, and hardware that holds up under constant use.

What makes the best smart locks for rentals?

A rental property has different needs than a primary home. If you live in the home, you might care most about app integrations or sleek design. In a rental, the priorities shift fast. You need quick code changes, activity tracking, and a lock that does not confuse people arriving with luggage, groceries, or moving boxes.

The best option also depends on the type of rental. A short-term vacation property usually benefits from temporary codes and remote management. A long-term rental may need a simpler setup with fewer moving parts, especially if the tenant will stay for a year or more. Small multifamily buildings, basement apartments, and single-family homes all create different access challenges.

Before choosing a lock, check your door and local rules. Some properties are better suited to a full deadbolt replacement, while others work better with a smart keypad that fits over existing hardware. If you manage a condo or HOA property, review any restrictions before installing new exterior hardware.

9 best smart locks for rentals worth considering

Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt

If reliability is your top concern, this is one of the strongest rental-friendly options. The Schlage Encode has built-in WiFi, a physical keypad, and a reputation for sturdy hardware. For owners who do not want to add a separate hub, that built-in connection keeps setup simpler.

It works especially well for short-term rentals because you can create and delete codes without being on-site. The downside is price. It costs more than many basic keypad locks, but many property owners find the durability worth it.

Yale Assure Lock 2 Keypad

Yale offers a clean balance of convenience and flexibility. The Assure Lock 2 line comes in several versions, so you can choose keypad-only access, app control, or broader smart home compatibility. For rentals, the keypad version is often the practical sweet spot.

It is a good fit for owners who want a modern lock without overcomplicating things. Just make sure you choose the right connectivity option. Some Yale models need an added module or hub depending on how you want to control them.

August Smart Lock with Keypad

August is useful when you want to keep the existing deadbolt look from the outside. The lock mounts on the interior side of the door, which can help in buildings where you want a less noticeable change. Paired with the keypad, it can be a strong option for rentals that need flexible access without a full exterior hardware swap.

The trade-off is that installation is not always as straightforward as people expect, especially on older doors with alignment issues. If the deadbolt already sticks or drags, smart features will not fix that problem.

Lockly Secure Pro

Lockly stands out for its keypad design and broader feature set. Some models include fingerprint access, WiFi capability, and video features. For certain owners, that all-in-one appeal is attractive.

For rentals, though, more features can also mean more points of failure or more things guests need to figure out. This is often better for owners who actively manage one or two properties and want more control, rather than those who want the simplest possible lock for frequent turnover.

Kwikset Halo Touch or Halo Keypad

Kwikset Halo models are easy to find and generally user-friendly. The keypad version makes the most sense for many rentals because it avoids depending on a tenant or guest using an app. Code management is straightforward, and the lock fits many standard residential doors.

Kwikset can be a solid middle-ground option, but build quality is not always viewed at the same level as Schlage by professionals who see heavy wear over time. If your rental gets constant traffic, durability should weigh heavily in your decision.

Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro

Ultraloq packs in a lot of access methods, including keypad, app, key, and in some versions fingerprint entry. That range can be useful if multiple people need different ways to get in.

For rentals, the main question is whether you really need all those options. If your goal is simple code-based access for guests and service providers, a more basic lock may be easier to maintain. Still, for tech-forward owners who want flexibility, it is a contender.

eufy Smart Lock C220 or E330

eufy smart locks have become more popular because they often offer a good feature-to-price ratio. Depending on the model, you can get keypad access, app controls, and strong battery performance without moving into the highest price range.

These are worth a look for budget-conscious owners, but product support and long-term track record matter just as much as features on paper. For a primary residence, a little trial and error is one thing. For a rental, reliability is the real test.

igloohome Smart Deadbolt

igloohome is often brought up in rental conversations because it is built around PIN code management and can work well for temporary access. Some models are designed with short-term rental use in mind.

That said, availability and ecosystem familiarity can be a factor. A lock may look excellent online, but if replacement parts, support, or installer familiarity are limited in your area, that can become a problem later.

Hornbill Smart Lock with Keypad

Hornbill is often considered by owners looking for a lower upfront cost. It usually offers keypad and app features at a more accessible price point than premium brands.

Budget matters, especially if you are outfitting several units. But lower-cost smart locks can be hit or miss on long-term durability, app quality, and customer support. For a low-traffic property, that may be acceptable. For a busy rental, saving money up front can lead to more service calls later.

How to choose the right lock for your rental

Start with the turnover rate. If guests or tenants change often, choose a lock with fast code creation and deletion. You do not want to manually reprogram every time someone checks out, and you definitely do not want old codes staying active longer than necessary.

Next, think about who will use the property besides the renter. Cleaners, maintenance teams, dog walkers, and property managers may all need access at different times. A good rental lock lets you control that access clearly, without handing out copies of one physical key.

Door condition matters more than many owners realize. If the frame is misaligned, the deadbolt sticks, or the door swells with weather changes, even a quality smart lock may act unreliable. In many service calls, the issue is not the electronics. It is the door hardware itself.

Battery alerts are another area to take seriously. In a rental, a dead battery is not just inconvenient. It can become an after-hours lockout. Look for locks with clear low-battery warnings and a backup entry option, whether that is a physical key or emergency power contact.

Common mistakes rental owners make

One mistake is buying based on features instead of day-to-day use. Fingerprint access, video, and voice assistant compatibility sound useful, but many rentals only need a dependable keypad and remote code management.

Another mistake is ignoring installation quality. A smart lock installed on a poorly fitted door will never perform at its best. If the latch does not line up cleanly, you will get failed locks, battery drain, and frustrated users.

Some owners also choose app-only access, which can create unnecessary problems. Guests may not want to download an app. Tenants may struggle with setup. In most rental situations, a keypad is still the easiest and most dependable option.

When professional installation is the better move

If you are replacing one basic deadbolt on a newer door, a DIY install may be fine. But rentals are rarely that simple. Older doors, heavy use, mismatched strike plates, and previous hardware damage can all affect how the new lock performs.

Professional installation helps make sure the lock fits the door correctly, the latch aligns cleanly, and the hardware is secure. It also helps if you are deciding between rekeying, replacing existing hardware, or upgrading multiple units with a consistent setup. For Utah property owners who want fewer surprises, getting the lock and the door checked at the same time is often the smarter move.

The best smart lock for a rental is usually the one that keeps access simple, holds up under real use, and does not create late-night problems for you or your tenants. If you are not sure which model fits your door, your property type, or your turnover needs, a local locksmith can help you make the right choice before a small access issue turns into an urgent one.