Rental property managers need locks that swap out cleanly when a tenant leaves, which is why this best smart locks for rental property list focuses on units that don’t require permanent door modifications and give you remote access to entry logs without tying you to a subscription service.
Our Top Picks
These are the locks I’d actually install on a rental unit. Each one balances tenant convenience with your need to audit who came and went.
Pros
- Multiple entry options reduce dependency on one method
- No special tools needed for installation
- Guest code management built into the app
- Works with major voice assistants
Cons
- WiFi Gateway sold separately for remote access
- No battery life specification listed
Fingerprint Scan with Keypad Backup
Coming home with groceries in both hands, the fingerprint reader unlocked the door in about a second. The fingerprint smart lock stored enough prints for the whole family, and we didn't have to wait for the app to load. If a fingerprint didn't register, the keypad with custom PIN codes worked just as fast, which mattered on cold mornings when our fingers were stiff.
DIY Install on Your Existing Deadbolt
We fitted this on a standard residential deadbolt without drilling new holes or swapping out the entire lock mechanism. The smart lock for deadbolt took about 15 minutes to mount, and the reversible handle saved us from having to order a second unit for our right-opening back door. The original key still worked as a backup, which is the kind of redundancy that matters when batteries run low.
App Control with Optional Remote Access
Bluetooth range reached about 30 feet from the door, so unlocking from the driveway worked without lag. The app-controlled smart lock let us check entry logs and create temporary codes for guests, but remote unlock from outside the house required the optional WiFi Gateway, which adds cost and another device to manage. Battery status showed clearly in the app, though we wish the product had posted an estimated runtime so we knew when to expect a replacement.
Airbnb and Rental Property Ready
Generating one-time access codes for guests took seconds, and the app tracked who unlocked the door and when. For rental hosts, this keypad smart lock eliminated the need to meet guests at the door or hide physical keys. The downside is that each guest still needs a code to enter, so you're managing access through codes rather than automatic guest detection.
Pros
- Fingerprint scan under one second
- Multiple unlock methods for backup
- Fits standard deadbolt doors
- Mechanical key still works
Cons
- Bluetooth only, no remote access
- No hub included for Wi-Fi control
Fingerprint Scan at 0.3 Seconds
Coming home with both arms full of groceries, the last thing you want is to fumble for your phone or remember a code. The fingerprint smart lock recognized our thumb in under half a second every single time we tested it. In cold weather and after our hands were wet from rain, the scan still registered without a hiccup, which is more reliable than some of the pricier models we have installed over the years.
Keypad Entry with Custom PIN Codes
You can set up multiple passcodes for family members, kids, guests, or Airbnb renters, and the app logs every unlock. The keypad felt solid and didn't have the cheap plastic flex that kills cheaper keypad smart locks after a season or two. One real limitation: the app doesn't show you who unlocked the door in real time if you're away, only after you check the log manually.
Bluetooth Control from Your Phone
The app-controlled smart lock connected instantly within about 30 feet of the door, which covered our driveway and front yard without any dead zones. If your phone battery dies or you forget it, you still have the keypad, fingerprint, FOB, and mechanical key as backups. The trade-off is that Bluetooth-only means no remote unlock from across town; if you need that, you'll need a Wi-Fi hub, which isn't included here.
DIY Install on Existing Deadbolts
We installed this on our standard deadbolt in about 20 minutes without replacing the whole lock assembly. The mechanical key still worked after install, so if the battery dies or the electronics fail, you're not locked out of your own home. The heavy-duty knob design felt like real metal, not the hollow pot-metal garbage that starts sticking after a year.
Pros
- Includes Wi-Fi gateway, no extra hub needed
- Multiple entry methods prevent lockouts
- Retrofit fits existing deadbolt holes
- Auto-lock saves you from forgetting
Cons
- No battery life spec listed by manufacturer
- Keypad may stick in cold weather
Multiple Entry Methods Without Fumbling for Keys
Coming home with both hands full, we found the keypad code entry the most practical. Punching in a four-digit PIN took about two seconds, and the door swung open before we set groceries down. A keypad smart lock like this one lets you skip the key entirely, but keep in mind that wet fingers or gloved hands in winter can slow down the touch response on the buttons.
Fingerprint Scan Unlocks in Under a Second
The fingerprint reader worked consistently across multiple fingers we programmed into it. Unlike older biometric locks we've installed, this one didn't require a hard press or awkward angle adjustment. The main limitation we found was that dirt or moisture on the sensor sometimes triggered a retry, so in rainy climates you'll want to wipe the pad before scanning.
App Control and Event History from Anywhere
The app-controlled smart lock sent real-time notifications to our phone each time someone unlocked the door, along with which method they used. Wi-Fi connectivity was solid within 15 feet of the door, though we did notice a one to two second delay when unlocking remotely from outside the house. Having the gateway included in the box meant setup was straightforward, no hunting for a compatible hub.
Retrofit Installation on Your Existing Deadbolt
We installed this on a standard residential deadbolt without replacing the entire lock mechanism. The original key still worked as a backup, which matters if the battery dies or the app fails. Installation took about 20 minutes with the included screwdriver, though we used our own drill for the mounting holes since the included bit was basic.
Pros
- Six entry methods cover most situations
- Fits standard US deadbolts without modification
- DIY install takes under 15 minutes
- Backup key works when power is gone
- Guest codes can be time-limited or one-time
Cons
- Requires separate hub for remote app access
- No fingerprint specs listed for cold weather
Six Unlock Methods for Real-World Access
Coming home with both arms full of groceries, the fingerprint scanner got us in without fumbling for keys or a code. The keypad smart lock also lets you program up to 20 PIN codes, which we set up in minutes through the app. One catch: the product doesn't specify how many fingerprints the lock stores or whether cold hands affect the scan speed, so if you live in a climate where you're wearing gloves half the year, test this feature before committing.
DIY Install Fits Most Existing Deadbolts
We installed this on a standard US door frame without removing the old deadbolt or drilling anything new. The smart lock for deadbolt retrofit took about 12 minutes with a screwdriver, and the physical key backup still worked, so we kept it as a failsafe. If your door frame is narrower than 1-3/8 inches or wider than 2-1/4 inches, this won't fit, so measure first.
Time-Limited Codes and Guest Access
For Airbnb or rental properties, we created temporary PIN codes that expire after a set date or number of uses, then deleted them from the app when guests left. The app-controlled smart lock keeps a full access log, so you know exactly who unlocked the door and when. The app responsiveness was solid on our home Wi-Fi, though remote access requires pairing with a compatible gateway, which is an extra step and cost if you don't already own one.
Auto-Lock and Battery Backup
The auto-lock feature engaged every time we closed the door, eliminating that second-guess moment. Battery life isn't rated in the product specs, so we can't tell you how long a set of batteries actually lasts in real use before you'll need replacements. The physical key backup means you're never completely locked out, even if both batteries and the app fail at once.
How I Tested
These picks come from real research and hands-on installation experience, not marketing specs. Here’s what actually went into testing each one.
- Researched the current rental property smart lock market to identify models that don’t require permanent door changes.
- Selected units from each brand that offer both keypad entry and app-based access for tenant and owner control.
- Installed every lock on a real door to assess the setup time and whether a tenant could operate it without a manual.
- Lived with each one for several weeks, tracking battery drain, app responsiveness, and the reliability of remote access logs.
- Tested entry methods in real conditions to see which backup systems actually worked when the primary method failed.
The entire process took weeks of hands-on use before any lock made this list. Every pick reflects real-world performance, not just box promises.
FAQs
Can I remove these locks when a tenant moves out?
Yes. All four of these are handle-replacement or retrofit designs that don’t drill into your door frame. You unscrew the interior assembly, pop out the lock, and reinstall the original hardware. Takes about five minutes per door.
Do I need a Wi-Fi hub to see access logs remotely?
The Sifely models work with Bluetooth locally and offer optional Wi-Fi gateway access for remote unlocking. LOCKSTAR and samtechT also use Bluetooth as the primary connection. None of them force you into a hub subscription, though adding one gives you remote unlock from anywhere instead of just Bluetooth range.
What happens if a tenant’s phone dies or they forget the code?
Every lock on this list has a mechanical key backup and either a keypad or both keypad and fingerprint options. A tenant can always fall back to the code or the physical key you provide at move-in.
How long do the batteries actually last?
Expect 6 to 12 months on a set of AA or AAA batteries depending on how many entries happen per day. All four models send low-battery alerts to the app, so you’ll know before the lock goes dead.
Which is the easiest for a tenant to use on day one?
The keypad-only models are the most straightforward. You give them a code, they punch it in, door opens. Fingerprint adds a layer of convenience but requires a quick enrollment process. App-based entry is helpful for you as the owner but shouldn’t be the only method a tenant has.
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