3 Best Smart Door Locks for Renters
If you’re renting and want a lock that balances security with ease of use, smart locks are worth considering. They let you lock and open remotely, grant temporary access to friends or landlords, and often integrate with your smartphone, fingerprint, or voice command—no tools needed. Plus, many are designed for quick installation, so you won’t risk damaging doors or altering property. Curious about which models truly combine practicality with tech that just works? Keep exploring.
Philips Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keyless Entry
- 𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤: Unlock the way you want: app, passcode, fingerprint, physical key, or voice via Alexa/Google Assistant. Everyone in...
- 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: Built-in Wi-Fi lets you lock and unlock your door remotely anytime, anywhere from your smartphone — no extra hub needed....
- 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆: Pair with Alexa or Google Assistant to unlock or lock with your voice. Great for when your hands are full or you're relaxing at...
If you rent a home or don’t want to make permanent changes to your door, the Philips Wi-Fi Smart Lock with Keyless Entry can help. It has many ways to unlock. You can use an app, a passcode, a fingerprint, a physical key, or voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant. The fingerprint feature lets you unlock quickly and add many users. This is good if you live with family or share your space.
The lock has built-in Wi-Fi. You don’t need extra devices to control it. You can lock or unlock it from anywhere within 65 feet. It also has an auto-lock feature. It locks itself after a certain time, so your home stays safe even if you forget.
This product is great for renters or owners who want a secure, flexible, and easy-to-install lock. You don’t need to make big changes to your door.
Pros:
- Many ways to unlock—app, passcode, fingerprint, key, or voice command.
- No extra devices needed. Control your lock from anywhere within 65 feet.
- Auto-lock helps keep your home safe automatically.
Cons:
- Needs a good Wi-Fi connection for remote and voice control.
- Works only with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks, which could be a problem for some homes.
- Installing may require some minor adjustments, and it may not fit all types of doors.
This lock makes your home safer and more convenient. It’s a simple choice for those who want smart security without hassle.
Philips Smart WiFi Lock with Keypad and Fingerprint
- BUILT-IN WIFI – NO HUB NEEDED: Connect your Philips Smart Door Lock to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and control it straight from your phone. Whether you’re at work, running errands, or away on vacation, lock...
- HANDS-FREE VOICE CONTROL: Connect your Philips Smart Door Lock to Alexa or Google Assistant. Lock, unlock, or check your door with simple voice commands—perfect when your hands are full or you’re...
- 0.3-SECOND FINGERPRINT ACCESS: Unlock your door in just 0.3 seconds with advanced fingerprint recognition. Perfect for busy mornings or when your hands are full—simply touch the sensor. Store up to...
The Philips Smart WiFi Lock with Keypad and Fingerprint is a great choice for renters. It makes access easy and secure without needing keys. The lock connects directly to your Wi-Fi using 2.4GHz. You don’t need a special hub or extra gadgets.
You can control the lock from your phone with the Philips Home Access App. It lets you lock or unlock the door remotely. You can also set or change user codes, see who opened the door, and get alerts. This helps you stay in control all the time, whether you’re at work or away.
The lock has a backlit touchscreen keypad. This makes it simple to enter a PIN code. It also has a fast fingerprint sensor that can recognize 50 fingerprints in just 0.3 seconds. So, unlocking is quick and easy.
Features like auto-lock, voice control, and adjustable lock time add convenience. This lock is easy to install on most doors, and no extra hardware is needed.
Keep in mind, it needs Wi-Fi to work well. If your Wi-Fi is slow or unreliable, it might not work perfectly. The lock can store up to 50 fingerprints, which might be enough for most households. But if you have many people, it could be limited.
ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Smart Lock with App Control and Keypad
- 5-in-1 Keyless Entry Door Lock: Keypad + Smartphone App + Auto Unlock + Smart Watch App + 2 Mechanical Keys.
- APP Control & Share Ekeys: Smart locks enable you to lock, unlock, manage access, view access logs of who's entered and exactly when they did using smartphone app and authorize family, guests, or...
- Auto Lock and Auto Unlock: Smart Lock automatically locks on a preset timer and unlocks when you arrive at your door with your smartphone. Low battery alert via app. Add random digits to protect your...
The ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Smart Lock is a great lock for renters. It keeps your home safe and is easy to use. The lock has five ways to open it. You can use a keypad, your phone app, automatic unlocking, a smartwatch, or physical keys. This gives you many options so you can pick what works best for you.
You can also share access with family or friends using the app. It shows you logs of who entered and when. You can even control the lock from far away if you get the WiFi Bridge. The lock has backlit keys that turn on at night, making it easy to see in the dark. It works with voice assistants like Alexa and Google.
The lock is strong and weatherproof. It is certified to keep your home secure. Plus, it’s simple to install on most doors in the US. You do need to buy the WiFi Bridge separately if you want to control the lock from anywhere. The battery may need replacing if you use the lock a lot or open it many times each day.
Best for: Renters who want a secure lock that is easy to put on, then use or share it with others.
Pros:
- Five ways to open: keypad, app, auto-unlock, smartwatch, or keys.
- Very secure and weatherproof.
- Easy to install on most US doors.
- Manage the lock remotely with the app and Bridge.
Cons:
- You must buy the WiFi Bridge separately for remote control.
- It works with some smart home systems only if you buy the Bridge.
- The batteries may need changing often if you open the lock many times.
This lock makes it simple to keep your home safe and flexible for your needs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Smart Door Locks for Renters
When choosing a smart lock as a renter, ease of installation is key—you want something you can set up without a toolbox if possible. Multiple entry options, like smartphone access, keypads, or physical keys, give you flexibility, especially if your phone battery dies or the internet goes out. Don’t forget to take into account connectivity stability and power security, because there’s nothing worse than being locked out by a software glitch or dead batteries—trust me, I’ve been there!
Ease of Installation
Installing a smart lock as a renter is easier than you might think. Many locks are made to be simple to set up. They come with the tools you already own, like a screwdriver. You usually don’t need to drill holes or call a professional. Most locks fit on standard doors, so it’s easy to install no matter what door you have.
Wireless options, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, mean you don’t have to deal with wires. The setup is quick and tidy. Some locks even come with parts that snap together, making them perfect if you need a temporary lock or don’t want to make permanent changes.
Clear instructions are included with most smart locks. They help you install the lock step by step without any confusion. If the lock works with hardware you already have, it’s even easier to set up. Be sure to test the lock once it’s installed. That way, you know it’s working right.
Multiple Entry Options
Have you ever thought about how many ways a smart lock can open? There are many options: using a phone app, entering a passcode, scanning your fingerprint, using a physical key, or even giving voice commands. This makes unlocking your door easier and faster.
You can choose the method that works best for you. If you’re at home, a fingerprint or keypad might be quick. When you’re away, using your phone app is simple. If you have guests, you can send temporary codes or set up schedules so they can enter at certain times. This means no more hiding keys under a mat or giving out copies.
Biometric options, like fingerprints, let you open the door with just a tap. You don’t need to remember codes or fumble with keys. Having several ways to unlock your door makes your home more secure. You can pick the best method for each situation, which cuts down on risks.
Smart locks give you more options and better security. They make it easy to control who can enter your home, no matter where you are.
Access Management Flexibility
Choosing a smart lock that offers flexible access makes life easier for renters. You can give out special codes to friends or visitors for a set time. These codes can be temporary or repeat, so you don’t have to give out physical keys. Remote control features let landlords or managers lock or unlock the door from anywhere. This works great when you need to change things between tenants.
Voice commands with devices like Alexa or Google Assistant make it simple. You can ask your smart speaker to lock or unlock the door without picking up your phone. This is helpful when you’re busy with move-in or fixing things.
Smart locks can also send alerts or keep a log of who opens the door and when. This makes the home more secure and keeps you updated. You can quickly change or cancel access for anyone at any time. That way, your rental stays safe even if someone forgets their key or you want more control.
Connectivity Stability
Have you ever had trouble opening your door from afar? Sometimes, your Wi-Fi signal might be weak or busy, especially on the 2.4GHz band. When that happens, your smart lock may not work right away, or it might not respond at all. Other devices can cause interference, which makes commands slow or fail. This can be frustrating and may even leave you locked out.
To avoid this problem, pick a lock that can reconnect automatically or has backup options. This way, you won’t get stuck outside in cold weather. Also, update your lock’s software and app regularly. These updates can fix connection issues and improve security.
Having a strong internet connection makes things easier. It helps you get quick alerts and control your lock smoothly from anywhere. Good Wi-Fi keeps your door secure and your mind at peace.
Battery & Power Security
Since your renters might not have time or tools to change batteries often, you should pick a smart lock that helps you out. Look for locks that show a low battery warning and send alerts. That way, you won’t get locked out because the batteries died unexpectedly. Some locks come with backup power options, like physical keys or external power ports. These are very helpful in emergencies.
Battery life is important. Choose a lock that lasts a long time on a single set of batteries. This means fewer visits to change batteries and more security for your tenants. Make sure the lock allows you to change batteries easily and quickly. You shouldn’t need a professional to do it.
Also, pick a smart lock that saves power. Features like auto-lock help reduce battery use. This keeps the lock working longer and makes your rental more reliable. Small things like these keep everything running smoothly, so you and your tenants can relax.
Compatibility With Devices
When choosing a smart lock for your rental, it’s important to think about device compatibility. You want your tenants to control the lock easily, so make sure it works with their phones. Check if it works with iPhones or Android phones. Also, see what kind of connection it uses. Does it connect through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Z-Wave? Pick one that fits with your current smart home setup.
If you or your tenants use voice commands, find out if the lock works with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. This lets everyone lock or unlock the door with a simple voice command. You should also see if the lock works with your home’s automation system or hub, especially if it’s a complex system.
Finally, look at how far the lock can connect and what internet speed it needs. Good connection is important so your tenants can lock or unlock remotely. Nothing’s worse than being locked out because the signal is weak.
Temporary Access Features
If you want to rent out your property or give someone temporary access, your smart lock should have easy-to-use features. Look for locks that let you create short-term passcodes that automatically stop working after a certain time. This way, you don’t have to worry if a guest still has the key. Some locks let you set access times so that people can only enter on specific dates or hours. That’s perfect for short stays or service visits. You can also choose codes that work only once. That keeps things safe and simple when giving someone access just for a moment.
Good smart locks also let you manage users easily. You can add, change, or remove access without reprogramming the lock. It makes managing many keys simple. Finally, check if the lock can keep logs of who enters and when. Notifications about code use help you stay informed. This way, you can control who enters your property without stressing. These features make giving temporary access easy, secure, and clear.
FAQs
Are Smart Locks Compatible With All Types of Doors?
Smart locks aren’t compatible with all door types; they often work best on standard deadbolts and wooden doors. You need to check your door’s material and structure, ensuring it fits the lock’s installation requirements before purchasing.
How Secure Are Fingerprint-Based Smart Locks Against Hacking?
Fingerprint-based smart locks are quite secure but not foolproof; skilled hackers can sometimes bypass them through sophisticated techniques. To enhance security, choose models with encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular firmware updates, and always keep your app protected.
Can Smart Locks Be Easily Transferred Between Rental Units?
Yes, you can transfer smart locks between rental units, but it involves removing the lock, resetting it, and reprogramming with new settings for the new location. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully to guarantee proper function and security.
What Is the Typical Battery Life of These Smart Locks?
Most smart locks last between six months to a year on a single set of batteries. You should check your specific lock’s manual for exact details, and consider using long-lasting batteries or backup power options for convenience.
Do Smart Locks Comply With Rental Property Policies?
Smart locks generally comply with rental policies, but you should always check with your landlord or property manager first. Many models are non-invasive, easy to remove, and ideal for rentals, ensuring you stay within policy boundaries.
Sili is a tech reviewer who cuts through the hype to find AI tools and gadgets that make life easier. She shares honest reviews and simple guides for everyday tech users.
Last update on 2026-01-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
