Best Smart Locks for Renters -

Finding the best smart lock for renters can be a little tricky. Unlike homeowners, renters usually can’t drill new holes, replace the entire door lock, or make permanent changes to their apartment. The good news is that there are plenty of smart locks for renters that can improve home security while keeping installation simple and, in many cases, completely reversible.

A good smart lock can let you lock and unlock your door using your smartphone, a keypad, fingerprint, or even voice commands. Some models also let you create temporary access codes for friends, family, guests, or maintenance workers—making them a convenient upgrade for apartments and rental homes.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best smart locks for renters, focusing on easy installation, renter-friendly designs, security features, smart-home compatibility, and overall value. Whether you’re looking for the best smart lock for an apartment, a keyless entry option, or a smart lock that doesn’t require changing your existing deadbolt, you’ll find several options worth considering below.

Note: Before buying, check your lease agreement and make sure the smart lock you choose is compatible with your existing door and lock setup.

1. ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock – Feature-Packed Keyless Entry for Renters

If you want a smart lock for renters that gives you plenty of ways to unlock your door, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is worth a look. You can use your fingerprint, a passcode, smartphone app, voice control, or the included mechanical keys, so you’re not stuck relying on just one method.

The built-in Wi-Fi lets you lock or unlock the door remotely through the app, while temporary and scheduled codes make it easy to give access to family, guests, or service providers. It also works with Apple Home, Alexa, and Google, giving you plenty of smart-home options.

Check Here

I also like the 18-month battery life and automatic locking feature. Just remember that Matter over Thread requires a compatible Thread Border Router, and the door sensor is sold separately.

Who this is for

You want fingerprint and keyless entry
You need remote access from your phone
You use Apple Home, Alexa, or Google
You want easy temporary access for guests

Who should skip it

If your rental agreement doesn’t allow lock replacement
If you don’t want to deal with a Thread hub for Matter features

My take

The ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is a feature-rich smart lock for apartments and rental homes, especially if you want fingerprint access and remote control. Just check that it fits your existing deadbolt before buying.

2. Philips WiFi Keypad Deadbolt with Handle – Easy Keyless Entry for Renters

If you want a smart lock for renters that also gives you a door handle, the Philips WiFi Keypad Deadbolt is a practical option. You get several ways to unlock the door, including fingerprint, passcode, smartphone app, and voice control, so you don’t have to rely on a traditional key.

The built-in Wi-Fi is especially convenient because you don’t need a separate hub. Through the app, you can remotely lock or unlock the door, check its status, view access history, and create different codes for family or guests. The 0.3-second fingerprint unlock is also handy when you’re carrying groceries or simply don’t want to type a code.

Check Here

I also like the adjustable auto-lock feature, which can be set from 0 to 180 seconds. Just keep in mind that the batteries aren’t included, and the lock needs to stay reasonably close to your Wi-Fi router for a reliable connection.

Who this is for

You want a smart lock with a handle
You prefer fingerprint and keypad entry
You want remote access without a separate hub
You need temporary or recurring codes for guests

Who should skip it

If your rental doesn’t allow replacing the existing lock
If you want longer battery life between changes

My take

The Philips WiFi Keypad Deadbolt is a solid renter-friendly smart lock if you want keyless entry plus a matching door lever. Its built-in Wi-Fi, fingerprint access, app control, and flexible codes make it convenient for everyday apartment living.

3. TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt – Simple Budget-Friendly Smart Lock for Renters

If you’re looking for a simple smart lock for renters without spending a lot, the TEEHO TE001 keeps things straightforward. Instead of Wi-Fi or an app, it focuses on keyless keypad entry, making it a good option if you just want to stop carrying keys around.

You can create up to 20 user codes, plus a one-time code for guests. The anti-peep password feature is a nice touch, while the one-touch locking makes it easy to secure your door when you’re heading out.

Check Here

The battery can last up to a year, and the low-battery indicator lets you know when it’s time for a change. Installation is also designed to be simple with just a screwdriver, although you’ll want to check your door hole size before buying.

Who this is for

You want an affordable smart lock for an apartment
You prefer keypad entry over an app
You need separate codes for family or guests
You want simple installation and long battery life

Who should skip it

If you want Wi-Fi or smartphone remote access
If you want fingerprint or voice unlocking

My take

The TEEHO TE001 is a straightforward renter-friendly keyless entry lock that covers the basics without unnecessary features. If your main goal is getting rid of keys while keeping the price low, this one makes a lot of sense.

4. FEOCEY Retrofit Smart Lock – Best No-Drill Option for Renters

If you’re renting and don’t want to replace your entire deadbolt, the FEOCEY Retrofit Smart Lock is a really practical option. It installs on the inside of your existing deadbolt, so you can keep your original keys and avoid drilling or making permanent changes to the door.

The built-in Wi-Fi lets you lock, unlock, and check your door remotely through the app without needing a separate hub or subscription. You also get auto-lock and door-ajar alerts, which are especially useful if you tend to wonder whether you remembered to lock the door.

Check Here

Battery life is rated at up to 300 days, and the lock can still work with your original key as a backup. There’s also an optional keypad sold separately if you want completely keyless entry.

Who this is for

You want a no-drill smart lock for renters
You want to keep your existing keys
You need remote app control
You want auto-lock and door-ajar alerts

Who should skip it

If you want fingerprint or keypad entry included
If your existing deadbolt isn’t compatible

My take

For renters, the biggest advantage here is the retrofit design. You can add smart features to your existing deadbolt without replacing the whole lock. If keeping your original keys and avoiding permanent changes are priorities, this is one to consider.

5. Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt Lock – Flexible Keyless Entry for Renters

If you want a smart lock for renters with plenty of ways to unlock your door, this Philips Wi-Fi Smart Deadbolt is a solid option. You can use your fingerprint, passcode, smartphone app, physical key, or voice commands, so everyone can use whichever method feels easiest.

The built-in Wi-Fi lets you lock or unlock the door remotely without needing a separate hub. You can also create up to 100 passcodes, including temporary or scheduled codes for guests, cleaners, or family members. The fingerprint unlock is especially convenient when you’re coming home with your hands full.

Check Here

The auto-lock feature can be set between 10 and 180 seconds, while real-time notifications let you keep track of access when you’re away. Just remember that it supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and batteries aren’t included.

Who this is for

You want multiple keyless entry options
You need remote access without a hub
You want fingerprint and keypad unlocking
You regularly give guests temporary access

Who should skip it

If you want a built-in door sensor
If your rental doesn’t allow deadbolt replacement

My take

This Philips model is a nice fit if you want a feature-rich smart lock for an apartment without making things overly complicated. The combination of fingerprint access, Wi-Fi control, flexible codes, and auto-lock covers most of the features renters actually want.

6. Veno Smart Lock – High-Tech Biometric Entry for Renters

If you want something a little more advanced than a standard smart lock for renters, the Veno Smart Lock brings some interesting biometric features to the table. Its standout feature is palm vein recognition, which lets you unlock the door without touching the lock.

You also get fingerprint, PIN code, app, voice assistant, and mechanical key access, giving you plenty of backup options. The built-in Wi-Fi means you can control the lock remotely without needing an additional hub, which is useful when you need to let someone in while you’re away.

Check Here

The rechargeable battery lasts up to 7 months, and there’s a USB-C emergency charging port if the battery runs low. It’s also IP65 rated, making it better suited to doors exposed to different weather conditions.

Who this is for

You want advanced biometric keyless entry
You like fingerprint or palm vein unlocking
You want remote app control without a hub
You prefer a rechargeable smart lock

Who should skip it

If you want a basic, budget-friendly smart lock
If you prefer a traditional key or keypad-only setup

My take

The Veno is an interesting choice if you want a feature-rich smart lock for an apartment. The palm vein and fingerprint unlocking make it stand out, while Wi-Fi, app control, and multiple backup entry methods keep it practical for everyday use.

How to Choose the Best Smart Lock for Renters

Choosing the best smart lock for renters is a little different from choosing one for a house you own. Before buying, focus on how the lock installs, whether you can keep your original keys, and which smart features you’ll actually use.

1. Look for a Renter-Friendly Installation

This is probably the first thing to check. If you don’t want to make permanent changes to your apartment, look for a no-drill or retrofit smart lock that works with your existing deadbolt. These models can be easier to remove when you move out.

2. Check Your Existing Deadbolt

Not every smart lock for an apartment fits every door. Check your deadbolt type, backset, door thickness, and hole size before ordering. A few minutes of checking compatibility can save you from returning the lock later.

3. Decide How You Want to Unlock

Smart locks can offer several entry methods, including keypad codes, fingerprints, smartphone apps, voice control, and physical keys. If you often come home with your hands full, fingerprint or keypad entry can be especially convenient.

4. Consider Wi-Fi and Remote Access

If you want to lock or unlock your door remotely, look for a model with built-in Wi-Fi. Some locks require a separate hub, while others connect directly to your router. If remote access isn’t important to you, a simpler keypad lock can save money.

5. Don’t Ignore Battery Life

A smart lock is something you don’t want to constantly think about. Look for long battery life and low-battery alerts so you’re not surprised by a dead battery. Some models also offer USB emergency charging or let you use a physical key as backup.

6. Look at Smart-Home Compatibility

If you already use Alexa, Google Home, or Apple Home, check that the lock supports your preferred platform. This can make voice commands and smart-home routines much easier.

7. Think About Guest Access

For roommates, family, cleaners, or guests, temporary and scheduled access codes can be extremely useful. You can give someone access without making another physical key and remove the code whenever you no longer need it.

8. Check Your Lease First

Even the most renter-friendly smart lock may not be suitable if your lease doesn’t allow you to replace or modify the existing lock. Check with your landlord or property manager before installing anything that changes the door hardware.

Final Tip

For most renters, the ideal smart lock is one that fits the existing door, is easy to remove, keeps a backup key option, and offers the features you actually need. Don’t pay extra for advanced features like biometric access or smart-home integration if you won’t use them.