February 16, 2026 · 8 min read

Best Smart Locks for Rental Properties in 2026

Every tenant turnover means rekeying locks. Or does it? Smart locks let you change codes in 30 seconds, give contractors temporary access, and never worry about lost keys again.

If you've ever had a tenant move out and wondered how many copies of your key are floating around their friend group, you already understand the appeal of smart locks. For small landlords managing 1–10 units, the math is simple: spend $150–$250 once on a keypad lock, or pay a locksmith $75–$150 every single turnover.

But not every smart lock is built for rental properties. You need something tenants can actually use (no app required), something that survives weather and abuse, and something you can manage remotely without a PhD in home automation.

Here's what actually works in 2026, based on real landlord experience.

Why Landlords Are Switching to Smart Locks

The conversation on landlord forums is surprisingly consistent. The #1 reason isn't convenience — it's security between tenants.

"I love the idea of adding smart locks to all three doors of my rental house — something where I would have the master code and could then allow the new tenant to create their own — one that could be killed out by me with a new tenant." — r/Landlord

That's the dream scenario: master code for the landlord, unique code for each tenant, and the ability to wipe everything remotely when someone moves out. No locksmith visits. No wondering if they made copies.

The second reason is showing vacant units. Instead of driving across town to let a prospective tenant in, you text them a temporary code that expires in 24 hours. Time saved: priceless.

The 5 Best Smart Locks for Rental Properties

1. Schlage Encode Plus — Best Overall

The Schlage Encode is the lock landlords recommend most frequently on Reddit, and for good reason. It's a WiFi-enabled deadbolt with a keypad — no hub required, no bridge device, just the lock and your WiFi network.

"The best one tested by Tenant Access is the Schlage Encode." — r/homeautomation

• Price: ~$250
• Power: 4 AA batteries (6–12 months typical life)
• Connectivity: Built-in WiFi — no hub needed
• Codes: Up to 100 unique access codes
• Key backup: Yes — physical Schlage keyway
• Best for: Landlords who want remote management without extra hardware

The Encode Plus adds Apple Home Key support if your tenants use iPhones, but the standard Encode is $50 cheaper and does everything a landlord needs. Both work with the Schlage Home app for remote code management.

2. Kwikset SmartCode 270 — Best Budget Option

If you don't need WiFi or remote access, the Kwikset SmartCode 270 is a solid keypad deadbolt at around $80–$100. You program codes directly on the lock — no app, no WiFi, no batteries dying because of constant connectivity.

The real selling point for landlords is Kwikset's SmartKey re-key technology. Even if you're using the physical key backup, you can re-key the lock yourself in about 15 seconds with the SmartKey tool. No locksmith needed.

"I use the Kwikset smart key locks on my doors at the rental property, best thing I ever did." — r/Landlord

• Price: ~$80–$100
• Power: 4 AA batteries (12+ months — no WiFi drain)
• Connectivity: None (offline keypad only)
• Codes: Up to 16 user codes
• Key backup: Yes — SmartKey re-keyable
• Best for: Budget-conscious landlords who manage properties in person

3. Yale Assure Lock 2 — Best for Remote Management

The Yale Assure Lock 2 is a premium option with a touchscreen keypad and modular connectivity. You can add WiFi, Z-Wave, or Zigbee modules depending on your setup. The touchscreen looks sleek and doesn't show fingerprint wear patterns like physical buttons (which is actually a security consideration — worn buttons reveal common codes).

• Price: ~$200–$280 (depending on module)
• Power: 4 AA batteries (8–12 months)
• Connectivity: Modular — WiFi, Z-Wave, Zigbee, or Bluetooth
• Codes: Up to 250 unique codes
• Key backup: Optional (key-free model available)
• Best for: Landlords with multiple properties who want a unified smart home ecosystem

One note: the key-free version means if batteries die and you don't have a backup power option, you're locked out. For rentals, we recommend the keyed version — always have a mechanical backup.

4. August WiFi Smart Lock — Best Retrofit

August locks are unique because they mount on the inside of your existing deadbolt. You keep your current exterior hardware and keys — tenants might not even know there's a smart lock. This makes it ideal for multi-unit buildings where you want remote access logging without changing the look of every door.

• Price: ~$200 (lock only — add $50 for keypad)
• Power: 2 CR123 batteries (3–6 months)
• Connectivity: Built-in WiFi
• Codes: Requires separate August keypad accessory for codes
• Key backup: Uses your existing keys
• Best for: Landlords who want smart features without replacing exterior hardware

5. Schlage BE365 — Best Mechanical Keypad (No Electronics)

Not every landlord wants WiFi, apps, or batteries. The Schlage BE365 is a purely mechanical keypad deadbolt — no batteries, no connectivity, just a code and a deadbolt. You set codes with a screwdriver on the back. It works forever.

That said, some landlords have mixed feelings about battery-powered Schlage keypads:

• Price: ~$100–$130
• Power: 1 9V battery (the keypad is electronic, but it's simple)
• Connectivity: None
• Codes: Up to 19 codes
• Key backup: Yes — Schlage keyway
• Best for: Landlords who want keypad access without any smart home complexity

What to Look for in a Rental Property Lock

Not all smart locks are created equal, and the features that matter for your own home are different from what matters for a rental. Here's the landlord-specific checklist:

Must-Have Features

• Keypad with codes — Tenants shouldn't need an app or smartphone. A simple code they punch in is the most reliable option.
• Master code — You need a permanent landlord code that tenants can't delete or change.
• Physical key backup — Batteries die. WiFi goes down. Always have a mechanical backup for emergencies.
• ANSI Grade 2 or higher — This is the commercial durability standard. Grade 3 (residential) is fine for your own home, but rentals get more abuse.
• Standard deadbolt fit — The lock should fit a standard door prep so you (or any handyman) can install it in 15 minutes.

Nice-to-Have Features

• Remote code management — Change or revoke codes from your phone without visiting the property. Worth the premium if you manage multiple units.
• Access logs — See who entered and when. Useful for resolving disputes or monitoring contractor access.
• Auto-lock — Automatically locks after a set time. Prevents tenants from leaving the door unlocked all day.
• Temporary codes — Time-limited codes for showings, contractors, or cleaners that expire automatically.

Features You Don't Need

• Fingerprint readers — Cool but impractical. You'd need to enroll every tenant's fingerprints in person. Codes are simpler.
• Voice assistant integration — Your tenants don't need to unlock the door with Alexa. This just adds complexity and potential security issues.
• Camera/doorbell combos — These raise significant tenant privacy concerns and may violate local laws. Keep locks and cameras separate.

Smart Lock Legal Considerations for Landlords

Before you install smart locks on every unit, there are a few legal realities to consider:

• Tenant notification — Most states require you to inform tenants about any monitoring or access logging capabilities. Even if you're not actively watching, the lock records entry times — and tenants have a right to know.
• Remote lockout concerns — In every US state, remotely locking a tenant out is considered an illegal self-help eviction. Never, under any circumstances, use a smart lock to lock out a tenant — even one who hasn't paid rent. Use proper legal eviction channels.
• Lease disclosure — Add a clause to your lease that describes the smart lock, who has master access, and what data is logged. Transparency prevents disputes. (Need help with lease clauses? See our guide to essential lease agreement clauses.)
• Key backup requirement — Some jurisdictions require that tenants have a physical key option. Even where it's not required, it's good practice. Don't go fully keyless on a rental.

Installation Tips for Rental Properties

A few practical tips from landlords who've been through the process:

1. Buy in bulk — If you're doing multiple units, stick with one brand. Consistent hardware means consistent code management and spare parts.
2. Keep spare batteries on-site — Leave a pack of AA batteries in a kitchen drawer. Label them "FOR DOOR LOCK." Tenants won't buy batteries — they'll just complain the lock is broken.
3. Document the master code — Store it in your property management system, not a sticky note. If you're using Rentlane, add it to the property notes.
4. Test the physical key — After installation, test the backup key before you hand it to anyone. Some smart locks are finicky about key alignment when first installed.
5. Change codes on move-out day — Don't wait. The moment you get keys back (or don't need to, with a smart lock), change the tenant code. Same day. This should be part of your move-out inspection checklist.

Cost Comparison: Smart Locks vs. Traditional Rekeying

Let's do the math for a landlord with 5 units and average turnover of once per year per unit:

• Traditional rekeying: $75–$150 per lock × 5 units = $375–$750/year
• Smart keypad lock: $100–$250 per lock × 5 units = $500–$1,250 one-time, then $0/year for code changes
• SmartKey re-key locks: $80–$100 per lock × 5 units = $400–$500 one-time, then $0/year (DIY re-key)

In most cases, smart locks pay for themselves within the first year. When you factor in the security deposit process and key handoffs, the time savings compound. After that, every turnover is pure savings — plus the time you're not spending coordinating locksmith visits.

Which Lock Should You Buy?

Here's the quick decision tree:

• Managing 1–2 units locally? → Kwikset SmartCode 270. Cheap, reliable, no-fuss.
• Managing 3+ units or remotely? → Schlage Encode. WiFi remote management is worth the premium.
• Want premium + smart home ecosystem? → Yale Assure Lock 2. Best touchscreen and most code capacity.
• Don't want to change exterior hardware? → August WiFi Smart Lock. Interior-only retrofit.
• Hate batteries and apps? → Schlage BE365. Simple keypad, minimal maintenance.

Whichever you choose, the upgrade from traditional keyed deadbolts is significant. Less hassle at turnover, better security between tenants, and no more mystery key copies floating around town.