As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
On this page
- What to look for in a renter-friendly smart lock
- 1. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) — best overall retrofit lock
- 2. SwitchBot Lock Pro — best budget retrofit option
- 3. Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi — best simple retrofit from Yale
- 4. Schlage Encode Plus — best full replacement with Apple Home Key
- 5. Yale Assure Lock 2 (Keyed, with Wi-Fi) — best keypad lock with key backup
- 6. eufy Security Smart Lock C220 — best fingerprint option
- Quick comparison
- FAQ: smart locks for renters
Moving into a rental usually means living with whatever deadbolt your landlord installed: a basic key cylinder, no keypad, no remote access, and no auto-lock when you’re rushing out the door with your hands full. But upgrading to a smart lock does not have to mean drilling new holes, replacing the exterior hardware, or risking your security deposit. The six locks below were chosen specifically for renters. The first three are retrofit locks that mount on the inside of your door over your existing deadbolt — the exterior, and your landlord’s key, stay completely untouched. The other three are no-drill deadbolt replacements that swap into standard US door prep with a screwdriver in about 15 minutes, and swap right back out when you move.
What to look for in a renter-friendly smart lock
Before comparing models, it helps to know what actually makes a smart lock “renter-safe.” These are the criteria we used for every pick on this list:
- Retrofit design is the gold standard. A retrofit lock replaces only the interior thumbturn of your existing deadbolt. Nothing changes on the outside of the door, your original keys keep working, and uninstalling it at move-out takes about five minutes. If your lease is strict, start here.
- No drilling, ever. Every lock on this list installs with a screwdriver or less. Full deadbolt replacements must fit standard US door prep (a 2-1/8″ bore hole with a 2-3/8″ or 2-3/4″ backset) so there’s no new cutting or drilling.
- Fully removable without a trace. Bag and label the original thumbturn, screws, and deadbolt so you can restore the door exactly as you found it. Take a photo of the original setup before you start.
- Landlord key access preserved. Retrofit locks keep the existing exterior cylinder, so your landlord’s master key keeps working — which satisfies most lease security clauses. If you install a full replacement, give your landlord a copy of the new key or a code if your lease requires it.
- Battery powered. Renters can’t hardwire door hardware, and none of these locks need it. Battery life claims range from a few months to nearly a year; real-world results depend on how often the lock cycles and whether Wi-Fi is built in.
- Get permission for exterior changes in writing. Retrofit locks rarely need landlord approval, but a full deadbolt replacement changes the look of the door from the hallway — a quick written OK from your landlord or property manager avoids trouble later.
1. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen) — best overall retrofit lock
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the classic renter pick for a reason: it replaces only the interior thumbturn of your existing deadbolt, installs in about ten minutes, and the fourth generation has Wi-Fi built in, so there’s no separate bridge or hub to plug in. Your existing keys keep working from the outside, and features like auto-unlock (as your phone approaches) and auto-lock (after a set time) work through the August app. It plays nicely with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.
Key specs: retrofit interior mount; built-in Wi-Fi; auto-lock/auto-unlock via phone; works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit; compact round design.
Pros: leaves the exterior and landlord’s key untouched; no hub required; reliable geofenced auto-unlock; broad smart-home support; quick, tool-light install.
Cons: battery life is shorter than some rivals (expect a few months with heavy use); the wireless keypad is sold separately if you want code entry for guests.
Price: around $200. Check price on Amazon
2. SwitchBot Lock Pro — best budget retrofit option
The SwitchBot Lock Pro is a retrofit lock that fits over most North American single-cylinder deadbolts with a genuinely tool-free install — it grips your existing thumbturn, with an adhesive option for doors where the grip doesn’t fit. That makes it one of the most compatible retrofit locks available, which matters in rentals where you can’t choose the deadbolt brand. Battery life is rated at 6–9 months, and optional add-ons (wireless keypad, fingerprint reader, remote) give you up to 15 unlocking methods. It works with Alexa, Google Home, and Siri, and supports Matter through a SwitchBot hub.
Key specs: retrofit over existing thumbturn; tool-free install; 6–9 month battery life; optional keypad and fingerprint add-ons; Matter support; works with Alexa, Google Home, Siri.
Pros: very affordable; fits a huge variety of deadbolts; long battery life; flexible add-ons for codes and fingerprints; no drilling or permanent changes.
Cons: remote access and some integrations need a SwitchBot hub, often sold separately; the keypad is a separate purchase; the adhesive mounting option can wear paint on some doors over time.
Price: around $120. Check price on Amazon
3. Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi — best simple retrofit from Yale
Yale’s Approach lock (from Yale’s sister brand family with August) takes the same renter-friendly approach: it replaces the interior thumbturn, keeps your existing deadbolt and keys, and adds built-in Wi-Fi so you can lock, unlock, and share access from anywhere without a bridge. DoorSense technology enables auto-lock when the door closes, and an optional wireless keypad adds code entry for roommates, dog walkers, or guests. It works with Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings.
Key specs: retrofit interior mount; built-in Wi-Fi; keeps existing deadbolt and keys; DoorSense auto-lock; optional keypad; works with Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings.
Pros: dead-simple retrofit install; no hub or bridge needed; your physical keys keep working; competitive price for a Wi-Fi retrofit lock.
Cons: no keypad in the base package; the ecosystem of add-ons is smaller than August’s or SwitchBot’s.
Price: around $130. Check price on Amazon
4. Schlage Encode Plus — best full replacement with Apple Home Key
If you’re allowed to swap the whole deadbolt (with your landlord’s written OK), the Schlage Encode Plus is the premium pick. It fits standard door prep with a screwdriver — no drilling — and replaces the entire deadbolt with a touchscreen keypad model with built-in Wi-Fi. The standout feature is Apple Home Key: tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock, just like a transit card. It also works with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, and the touchscreen is fingerprint-resistant so codes can’t be guessed from smudges.
Key specs: full deadbolt replacement (standard prep, no drilling); built-in Wi-Fi; touchscreen keypad; Apple Home Key support; works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit.
Pros: premium build and finish options; Apple Home Key is genuinely convenient; built-in Wi-Fi with no bridge; strong brand reputation for door hardware.
Cons: it changes the exterior of the door, so landlord permission is a must; it’s one of the priciest options here; you’ll need to store the original deadbolt for move-out.
Price: check current price. Check price on Amazon
5. Yale Assure Lock 2 (Keyed, with Wi-Fi) — best keypad lock with key backup
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is a full deadbolt replacement that installs into standard door prep without drilling, and the keyed Wi-Fi version is the sweet spot for renters: you get a backlit keypad for code entry, Wi-Fi for remote locking and guest codes, and a physical key cylinder as backup. DoorSense enables auto-lock when the door closes, you can create unlimited entry codes for roommates or visitors, and it’s ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 certified. Keep the original deadbolt in a bag and you can restore the door in minutes when your lease ends.
Key specs: full deadbolt replacement (standard prep); keypad + physical key; built-in Wi-Fi; DoorSense auto-lock; unlimited entry codes; ANSI/BHMA Grade 2; works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit.
Pros: keypad plus a real key backup; remote access and guest codes over Wi-Fi; solid security certification; multiple finishes to match existing hardware.
Cons: changes the exterior, so get landlord approval; full replacement is a slightly bigger install job than a retrofit; batteries need periodic replacement.
Price: check current price. Check price on Amazon
6. eufy Security Smart Lock C220 — best fingerprint option
The eufy Smart Lock C220 is a full deadbolt replacement with a self-learning fingerprint reader built into the handle — a fast, key-free way in that doesn’t require pulling out your phone. It has built-in Wi-Fi for remote control through the eufy app, an advertised 8-month battery life, and six unlocking methods (fingerprint, app, keypad, physical key, and more). Like the other replacements here, it fits standard door prep with no drilling, and it’s BHMA certified.
Key specs: full deadbolt replacement (standard prep); fingerprint + keypad + key; built-in Wi-Fi; ~8-month battery life; 6 unlocking methods; BHMA certified.
Pros: fast fingerprint unlocking; long battery life; built-in Wi-Fi with no bridge; good value for a fingerprint keypad lock.
Cons: changes the exterior hardware — landlord approval needed; the eufy app account is required for setup and remote features.
Price: check current price. Check price on Amazon
Quick comparison
| Lock | Install type | Key feature | Connectivity | Approx. price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August Wi-Fi (4th Gen) | Retrofit | Auto-unlock, no hub | Wi-Fi, Alexa, Google, HomeKit | ~$200 |
| SwitchBot Lock Pro | Retrofit | Tool-free, long battery | Bluetooth, Matter (hub), Alexa, Google, Siri | ~$120 |
| Yale Approach | Retrofit | Simple Wi-Fi retrofit | Wi-Fi, Alexa, Google, SmartThings | ~$130 |
| Schlage Encode Plus | Full replacement | Apple Home Key | Wi-Fi, Alexa, Google, HomeKit | Check price |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | Full replacement | Keypad + key backup | Wi-Fi, Alexa, Google, HomeKit | Check price |
| eufy C220 | Full replacement | Fingerprint reader | Wi-Fi, Alexa, Google | Check price |
FAQ: smart locks for renters
Will a smart lock violate my lease?
It depends on the lease, but retrofit locks (August, SwitchBot Lock Pro, Yale Approach) don’t alter the door, the frame, or the exterior hardware, so they rarely conflict with lease terms. For full deadbolt replacements, read your lease and get written permission first — it takes one email to your landlord or property manager.
Do I need to drill any holes to install these?
No. Every lock on this list installs without drilling. Retrofit locks mount to the inside of the door; full replacements fit the standard holes your deadbolt already uses.
Can I take the lock with me when I move out?
Yes. Keep the original thumbturn, screws, and deadbolt in a labeled bag (take a photo of the original setup before you start), and you can restore the door in minutes and reinstall the smart lock at your next place.
What happens if the battery dies or the Wi-Fi goes down?
Retrofit locks keep your original exterior cylinder, so your physical key always works. The keyed replacement models also include a physical key. Keypad models can be opened with a code even without Wi-Fi, since codes are stored on the lock itself. It’s still smart to carry a key or keep a spare with someone you trust.
Does my landlord still need access?
With a retrofit lock, your landlord’s existing key keeps working exactly as before. If you install a full replacement, provide your landlord with a copy of the new key or an entry code if your lease or local laws require landlord access — and document it in writing.
Leave a Reply