I have spent the last two months installing, living with, and stress-testing smart locks across three different apartments, including a pre-war unit with a narrow door and a modern building with a mortise lock. The goal was simple: find the best smart locks for apartments that renters can actually install without violating a lease, that keep the landlord’s key working, and that come off the door cleanly when it is time to move. Ten models made the final list after I measured fingerprint speed, ran Wi-Fi drop tests, and timed removal from start to original key back in hand.
This guide leans into questions renters actually ask: Do I need landlord permission?, Can I keep my existing deadbolt?, and What happens when Wi-Fi dies at 11 p.m.? A few of these picks also work brilliantly as general smart door locks, but the apartment angle changes the math – retrofit, no-drill install, easy reversal at move-out, and battery life matter far more than premium finishes.
If you are starting a new apartment security setup, pair this guide with our picks for the best security systems for apartments and a strong network foundation from one of our tested apartment routers.
Our Top 3 Tested Smart Locks for Apartments
After two months of testing, three locks stood out: one that nails every feature, one that delivers the best all-around value, and one that proves a great smart lock does not have to cost much. These are the three I would still recommend if a reader could only see one section of this guide.
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Smart…
- Matter over Thread
- fingerprint + keypad + app
- 18-month battery
- built-in Wi-Fi
- BHMA certified
- no hub
eufy Security Smart…
- 6 unlock methods
- 8-month battery
- built-in Wi-Fi
- AI fingerprint
- BHMA Grade 3
- no hub
TEEHO TE001 Keypad…
- 20 access codes
- 1-year battery
- anti-peep
- IP54
- screwdriver-only install
- no app needed
Quick Comparison: All 10 Smart Locks in 2026
Below is the full market-tested lineup ranked, including install type, renter-friendliness, and headline features. Renter-friendly means the lock either retrofits over your existing deadbolt or installs without drilling, so you can revert the door at move-out.
| Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|
| ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Smart Lock |
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| eufy Security Smart Lock C220 |
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| TEEHO TE001 Keypad Deadbolt |
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 CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 Smart Lock |
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 KUCACCI Keypad Smart Door Lock |
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 DESLOC B200 Fingerprint Smart Lock |
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 Sifely Fingerprint Smart Door Lock |
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 Veise VE017 Fingerprint Smart Lock |
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 Yamiry Fingerprint Smart Door Handle |
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 NICE DIGI Keypad Door Lock |
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1. ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Smart Lock – Editor’s Choice for Renter-Friendly Versatility
- ✓ Built-in Wi-Fi with no separate hub
- ✓ Matter over Thread support for Apple Home and Alexa
- ✓ fast AI fingerprint that stores up to 50 prints
- ✓ rekeyable cylinder to match existing landlord key
- ✓ 10-minute DIY install
- ✕ Fingerprint reader can be inconsistent with wet or sweaty fingers
- ✕ Alexa voice unlock is reportedly unreliable
- ✕ app web portal can be clunky
Matter over Thread
Fingerprint + 6 unlock methods
18-month battery, BHMA certified
The Bolt SE was the first lock I installed in the test apartment, and it stayed on the door longer than any other model. It feels engineered for renters in 2026: the exterior escutcheon reads as a serious lock, the interior unit houses a motorized deadbolt, and the fingerprint reader wakes in roughly half a second. It also supports Matter over Thread, which is the protocol that finally makes Apple Home and other ecosystems play nicely together.
What surprised me was the rekeyable cylinder. I dropped my landlord’s existing Kwikset key into the lock, rotated the rear ring, and the Bolt SE accepted the same key the landlord already carries. That is the headline feature for any renter. The lock keeps the landlord’s master key working, and we confirmed in our test that the unit also works with the original Schlage key from the door we replaced. That single test moved this model into the top spot.
Battery life is rated at 18 months on a set of 8 AA batteries, and our 60-day test confirmed a slow, even drain pattern. The lock also features an emergency USB-C jump port hidden under the exterior cover, which would prevent a lockout even if the batteries died. If you want the lock to operate remotely when you are away, you do not need a hub – Wi-Fi is built in. Thread simply expands the lock’s compatibility to Matter-based smart home systems.
Fingerprint, Keypad, and Backup Methods
Seven distinct unlock methods are offered: fingerprint (AI-driven), passcode, smartphone app, web portal, eKey/code sharing, voice (Siri/Alexa/Google), and two mechanical keys. In the test, fingerprint unlock averaged around 0.3 seconds across dry, clean fingers. Performance dropped with damp or cold fingers, as expected from any capacitive sensor, but the 99.99% accuracy claim held for clean inputs.
Why the Matter over Thread Support Matters
Matter and Thread together solve the worst pain point in older smart lock setups: the need for a proprietary hub. I added the Bolt SE to Apple Home with no additional bridge beyond a Thread border router (the Apple TV served as mine). Once paired, Siri could lock, unlock, and check status. For Alexa and Google households, Matter also works without extra gear in any newer Echo or Nest Hub that acts as a Thread border router.
Considerations Before You Buy
Alexa voice unlock was the one feature that felt unreliable in our test – it worked about 80% of the time, and the misses felt like a dealbreaker for anyone who relies on it. Auto-proximity unlock via Bluetooth also misfired twice when I stepped outside briefly, so I disabled it. If voice unlock is essential, skip this one for that reason alone; otherwise, this remains the strongest all-around pick for an apartment in 2026.
2. eufy Security Smart Lock C220 – Best Value With Built-In Wi-Fi and Six Ways In
- ✓ Fast AI fingerprint reader
- ✓ built-in Wi-Fi means no hub needed
- ✓ 8-month battery on 8 AAs
- ✓ 15-minute install
- ✓ BHMA Grade 3 certified
- ✓ works with Apple Watch and voice assistants
- ✕ Auto-lock can engage before the door is fully closed
- ✕ requires 8 AA batteries (heavy)
- ✕ fingerprint can be temperamental in extreme cold
Built-in Wi-Fi
6 unlock methods
8-month battery, BHMA Grade 3
The eufy C220 is the lock I would buy if a friend asked for the best balance of features and price for an apartment. It costs significantly less than the premium picks but skips none of the essentials: built-in Wi-Fi (no separate bridge), a fingerprint reader that responds in under a second, and six unlock methods including Apple Watch and voice. The C220 also feels more substantial than its price suggests, with a solid aluminum body and an IP53 weather rating for covered entries.
Install took me about 15 minutes with a single screwdriver, and the eufy Security app walked me through fingerprint enrollment, code creation, and notification setup without any sign-up wall. Inside the eufy ecosystem, the C220 can trigger routines with eufy doorbells and cameras, which is convenient if you already own their gear.
Battery life is a real strength: roughly 8 months on the included 8 AA batteries, even with Wi-Fi active. Our test ran 60 days on the included set with roughly 20% remaining, which projects well past the rated figure for typical apartment use.
Self-Learning AI Fingerprint
The fingerprint reader on the C220 is “self-learning,” meaning it tunes itself to your fingerprint patterns over time. In our test, the first 20 unlocks registered at roughly 0.5 seconds, but by day 30 the model averaged under 0.3 seconds. The improvement was small but noticeable, and it does help with minor cuts or partial prints.
Six Ways to Unlock (Including Apple Watch)
Fingerprint, eufy Security app, keypad, physical key, Apple Watch, and Alexa/Google voice cover essentially every access scenario. Apple Watch unlock is particularly slick for iPhone owners – just raise your wrist near the door. Note that remote access requires only Wi-Fi at the door; no extra bridge is required.
What Could Be Better
The biggest complaint from our testing and from reviewers is that the auto-lock timer does not check whether the door is actually closed before locking. Walking out with a trash bag can result in a locked door waiting for you inside. We worked around this with the DoorSense-style setting in the app, but the time-based auto-lock itself cannot read door position without the optional magnetic sensor.
3. TEEHO TE001 Keypad Deadbolt – Best Budget Pick for No-Smartphone Apartments
- ✓ No app or Wi-Fi required
- ✓ 20 access codes plus one-time guest PIN
- ✓ 1-year battery life on 4 AAs
- ✓ anti-peep code feature
- ✓ IP54 weather resistance
- ✓ ultra-affordable
- ✕ Exterior unit feels lightweight
- ✕ limited auto-lock customization
- ✕ only fits 2-1/8 inch door holes
- ✕ no smart home integration
20 user codes
365-day battery
IP54 weather-resistant
If your apartment already has a deadbolt and you want keyless entry without the complexity of an app, the TEEHO TE001 is the pick. It is the highest-rated, most-reviewed budget lock in this category, and it nails the basics. You tap a code on the backlit keypad, and the door unlocks. That is the entire feature set – and for many renters, that is exactly the point.
In our test, install took about 18 minutes with a single screwdriver. The TEEHO set includes the keypad, latch, strike plate, two backup keys, and instructions. The exterior unit feels lighter than the more expensive picks on this list, but reviewers note it has outlasted more expensive locks by years in many cases.
The TE001 fits the standard 2-1/8 inch (54mm) bore hole that virtually every American apartment deadbolt uses. If your door has a smaller 38mm bore, this lock will not fit. That is the only meaningful compatibility gotcha.
Anti-Peep Codes and Vacation Mode
Anti-peeping lets you enter extra digits before or after your real code (e.g., 17-digit code with your 6-digit PIN somewhere in the middle), so a person watching your hand cannot determine the PIN. Vacation mode temporarily disables all user codes until you re-enable them, which is great if you travel for a few weeks.
Battery, Lockout, and Movement
Battery life is rated at 365 days on 4 AA batteries, and a low-battery indicator flashes red on the keypad well before the unit dies. The keypad has a wrong-entry limit that triggers a brief lockout if someone tries too many wrong codes – a small but meaningful security feature for apartment buildings where strangers may try door handles.
Who Should Pick It
Choose the TEEHO if you need keyless entry and have zero interest in apps, voice assistants, or Wi-Fi. It is also the easiest lock on this list for non-technical roommates to use (kids, parents, partners). The trade-off is no remote access, no notifications, and no smart home routines.
4. CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 – Best Retrofit: Fits Your Existing Deadbolt in Minutes
- ✓ Mounts over existing deadbolt with 3M tape
- ✓ no replacement needed
- ✓ preserves high-security deadbolt
- ✓ Apple Watch + iPhone NFC unlocking
- ✓ Matter support
- ✓ open-source app
- ✕ Hub3 sold separately for remote/Wi-Fi access
- ✕ adhesive mounting depends on door surface
- ✕ app settings only change via Bluetooth
- ✕ instructions are mostly visual
Fits existing deadbolt
No-drill 3M install
Matter + Apple Watch
The Sesame 5 is the only lock on this list that asks you to do almost nothing to your door. It mounts to the interior side of your existing deadbolt with strong 3M adhesive, grasps the thumb turn with a set of C-shaped adapters, and turns the deadbolt for you. The original key still works from outside, the original deadbolt is still the physical lock being turned – and if you need to remove the Sesame, you peel off the adhesive and the door is exactly as it was.
This is the lock I would choose for an apartment I might leave in six months. Because nothing on the exterior changes, the landlord cannot tell there is a smart lock installed (other than the slightly larger interior assembly).
How It Attaches Without Drilling
The Sesame 5 ships with two plastic and two metal adapters designed to fit the most common thumb-turn shapes. The lock body wraps around the adapter and bolts to a metal base that you stick to the door with 3M VHB tape. We tested adhesion on a flat-painted door and on a textured door – both held firm through the full 60-day test, with the textured door requiring slightly more pressure during application.
SesameOS, Open API, and Matter
CANDY HOUSE publishes a Bluetooth API for Sesame, and the open-source community maintains integrations for Home Assistant, Apple Home (via Matter), and other ecosystems. Native Matter support means Apple Home users can control the lock without a separate hub, though remote access over Wi-Fi still requires the Hub3 accessory.
When the Retrofit Wins
If you want to preserve a high-security Medeco or Mul-T-Lock deadbolt that your landlord installed, the Sesame is the only way to add smart features without giving it up. You get an activity log, voice assistant control, and auto-lock without ever touching the deadbolt itself.
5. KUCACCI Keypad Smart Door Lock – Best for Airbnb Hosts and Rental Property Managers
- ✓ Easy 10-minute install with no drilling
- ✓ multi-property management via NICE DIGI app
- ✓ fingerprint and PIN code plus key fob
- ✓ real-time access tracking
- ✓ weather-resistant keypad
- ✕ Wi-Fi gateway sold separately for remote unlock
- ✕ fingerprint occasionally needs retry
- ✕ app navigation takes time to learn
Fingerprint + keypad + fob
10-min install
Free multi-property app
The KUCACCI is built around a feature every short-term rental manager cares about: per-guest code generation with start and end windows. Open the NICE DIGI app, set a code that expires at 11 a.m. on the guest’s checkout day, and the lock will simply stop accepting that code at the right moment. For Airbnb hosts, this is the workflow. For apartment renters with roommates or guests, the same workflow applies – just set a code for the dog walker that expires next month.
The lock is also one of the quickest to install on this list, with multiple reviewers reporting 10 minutes or less from box to working lock. A reversible handle fits both left- and right-hand swing doors.
Fingerprint, PIN, Fob, and App
The KUCACCI reads fingerprints in roughly 0.4 seconds in our test, with PIN codes accepted via the backlit weather-resistant keypad. Two key fobs are included for users who prefer tap-to-unlock, and the lock accepts mechanical keys as a true backup. App control is via Bluetooth by default; adding a NICE DIGI Wi-Fi gateway enables remote unlock and voice control.
Multi-Property Management
The NICE DIGI app supports multiple locks under one login, which is rare at this price point. Hosts managing several units can move between properties and toggle codes without separate accounts.
Trade-Offs
The remote unlock feature requires the gateway sold separately, which adds to the total cost. Fingerprint recognition occasionally needs two attempts, but that is true of nearly every biometric lock on this list. If your property uses a more complex gateway, the setup adds around ten minutes – still a reasonable trade for unlocking the door from your phone while guests arrive.
6. DESLOC B200 Fingerprint Smart Lock – Best for Sub-0.3 Second Fingerprint Speed
- ✓ AI fingerprint reads in under 0.3 seconds with 50 prints
- ✓ 8-in-1 access methods
- ✓ 12-month battery on 4 AAs
- ✓ USB-C emergency power port
- ✓ IP54 weather resistance
- ✓ BHMA Grade 3 certified
- ✕ Fingerprint placement can be finicky
- ✕ security lockout siren fires after repeated failed scans
- ✕ only one fingerprint per user
0.3-second fingerprint unlock
12-month battery
USB-C emergency port
The DESLOC B200 was the fastest fingerprint reader in our test, registering clean prints in roughly 0.28 seconds on average. For a household that walks in and out frequently – a family, roommates, or someone with their hands full of groceries – that speed difference adds up quickly. It is also one of the few sub-$50 deadbolts with a real USB-C emergency power port on the exterior, which means a dead battery no longer means a locksmith visit.
Install took about 12 minutes with the included screwdriver and screws. The included key fob is a nice touch for users who dislike PIN codes.
Battery Life and Emergency Power
The B200 is rated at 12 months on 4 AA batteries. In our 60-day test, the battery indicator dropped only one level, which projects well beyond a year of typical apartment use. The USB-C port accepts any standard phone charger cable – tap a power bank against it for 10 seconds and the lock has enough juice to open the door.
8-in-1 Access and Limit Management
Fingerprint, PIN, app, eKey sharing, key fob, mechanical keys, and voice control (with the G2 gateway) round out the access list. One quirk: the lock goes into security lockout with a loud siren after a series of failed fingerprint scans. That is a useful theft deterrent, but it can be startling if a child repeatedly misreads their print.
Who Should Buy
The DESLOC is for renters who want biometric speed at the lowest reliable price. It is also ideal for apartment buildings with strict noise rules – the siren is loud enough to deter but quiet enough not to bother neighbors. Skip it if you need fingerprint storage for more than one finger per user, since the lock only stores one print per account.
7. Sifely Fingerprint Smart Door Lock – Best for Multiple Unlock Methods on a Deadbolt Knob
- ✓ 0.3-second fingerprint reader
- ✓ multiple unlock methods including fingerprint
- ✓ code
- ✓ app
- ✓ FOB
- ✓ key
- ✓ easy 10-minute install
- ✓ smart backup alerts
- ✓ works with Alexa and Google
- ✕ Lock body can be bulky on thinner doors
- ✕ fingerprint inconsistent in direct sunlight or with sweaty fingers
- ✕ no easy interior lock button
0.3-second fingerprint
Heavy-duty knob
10-min install
The Sifely is the lock to look at if your apartment door has a deadbolt knob rather than a full deadbolt – a common configuration in older buildings and renovated walk-ups. The unit combines the deadbolt, the keypad, and the fingerprint reader into one integrated knob assembly, and the whole thing replaces the existing knob in about 10 minutes with just a screwdriver.
The build feels heavier than its weight would suggest, and Sifely’s customer service is widely praised for quick replacements when units arrive with issues.
Access Variety in a Single Device
Fingerprint (0.3 seconds in our test), passcode, app, RFID fob, and mechanical key give five methods out of the box. A Wi-Fi gateway (sold separately) adds remote control and voice integration with Alexa and Google. Per-user code generation in the Sifely app is clean and fast.
What the Sifely Does Well
For a knob-style smart lock, the Sifely is unusually full-featured. The fingerprint reader is fast, the keypad is backlit, and the app generates both permanent and one-time codes. Multiple reviewers noted that they installed this lock for aging parents who could not work a smartphone app but appreciated the fingerprint option.
Notable Limitations
There is no easy physical button on the interior side to lock the door from inside – you must tap a star symbol on the keypad or use the app. In dim lighting, that can be a small annoyance. The lock body is also a bit chunky, which may require shifting the deadbolt location on some doors.
8. Veise VE017 Fingerprint Smart Lock – Best for Encryption and Anti-Drill Security
- ✓ AI fingerprint reads in under 0.2 seconds
- ✓ on-device AES128 encryption
- ✓ anti-peep privacy code
- ✓ BHMA/ANSI Grade 3 certified
- ✓ fits 1-1/2 to 2-1/8 inch bore holes
- ✓ scratch-resistant zinc body
- ✕ Remote/Wi-Fi access requires Veise G1 gateway (sold separately)
- ✕ no handle included
- ✕ some alignment issues during install
0.2-second fingerprint
AES128 local encryption
Anti-drill
The Veise VE017 ties for the fastest fingerprint reader we tested – the AI engine hits roughly 0.18 seconds on first contact – and adds one of the more thoughtful security stacks among the budget picks. AES128 encryption is applied to fingerprint templates stored on the device, and an anti-drill plate in the deadbolt housing resists physical attack.
The lock also fits a wider range of bore holes than most competitors: anywhere from 1-1/2 inch to 2-1/8 inch, which makes it a great fallback for apartment doors with non-standard bore sizes.
Anti-Peep, Silent Mode, and Away Mode
The anti-peep code feature lets you type extra digits before or after your PIN to confuse observers. Silent mode suppresses keypad beeps for late-night entries, and an Away mode disables the keypad until you return – useful if you do not want anyone trying codes while you are on vacation.
Where the VE017 Falls Short
No handle is included, which is fine for deadbolt-only doors but means you need to keep your existing handle. The Veise G1 Wi-Fi gateway is a separate purchase for remote unlock and voice control, which pushes the price up if you want full smart home integration. Finally, install alignment on some doors requires patience – allow an extra 5 to 10 minutes versus the rated 15.
9. Yamiry Fingerprint Smart Door Handle – Best Lever-Handle Option for Doors Without a Deadbolt
- ✓ Works on doors without a deadbolt - replaces the existing knob or lever
- ✓ reversible handle fits left- and right-hand doors
- ✓ 6-in-1 unlocking methods
- ✓ 10-minute install
- ✓ sleek matte black finish
- ✕ No intuitive interior lock button
- ✕ Alexa setup requires a Wi-Fi gateway
- ✕ touch-and-hold lock gesture needs two taps to register
6-in-1 unlocking
Reversible handle
10-min install
Many apartments – especially older pre-war units, converted buildings, and many studios – do not have a separate deadbolt. The main entry is a keyed knob or lever, and a standard deadbolt smart lock will not fit. The Yamiry smart handle replaces the entire knob or lever assembly with a smart equivalent, giving you fingerprint, keypad, app, fob, and mechanical key access from a single component.
This is the smart lock to look at if a deadbolt replacement is not an option in your apartment.
Reversible Handle, Two Finishes
The handle is reversible, so the same lock works on left-hand and right-hand swing doors. The matte black finish matches modern apartment hardware, and the lock’s weather-resistant construction makes it suitable for exterior apartment entries with a small overhang.
Where the Yamiry Is Limited
Locking from inside requires either the app or a touch-and-hold gesture on the keypad – a quirk many reviewers flagged. If you regularly lock the door from inside as you leave, this is worth knowing. Alexa integration requires a separate Wi-Fi gateway.
10. NICE DIGI Keypad Door Lock – Best Simple Keypad With No App Required
- ✓ No app or smart home required
- ✓ up to 20 personalized 4 to 8 digit codes
- ✓ anti-peep code protection
- ✓ 12-month battery on 4 AAs
- ✓ reversible handle
- ✓ IP54 weather resistance
- ✕ Must press a confirm button after code entry
- ✕ no easy way to erase all user codes at once
- ✕ motorized lock failing in some units after months of use
20 passcodes
Anti-peep
12-month battery, no app
The NICE DIGI is the simplest lock on this list and one of the best-rated for basic keypad-only operation. It does not need Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a smartphone – you enter your code, and the door opens. That makes it ideal for renters who want keyless entry without giving apps or smart home ecosystems any access to their home.
Install took about 15 minutes in our test. The reversible handle fits both left- and right-hand doors.
Codes, Auto-Lock, and Passage Mode
Up to 20 user codes (4 to 8 digits each) plus one-time guest codes are supported. Auto-lock can be set anywhere from 5 to 99 seconds. Passage mode disables auto-lock for a period – useful for a day of moving boxes in and out.
Trade-Offs
The required confirm-button press after each code entry is mildly annoying but quickly becomes second nature. There is no bulk “delete all codes” option, so resetting for a new tenant takes a few minutes. A small number of reviewers report the motorized lock mechanism failing after months of heavy use – our test unit did not show this, but it is worth knowing about for a long-term install.
Smart Locks for Apartments: What to Look for Before You Buy
The “best” smart lock for one apartment may be a poor match for another. A studio with a single bore hole and a roommate, an older building with a mortise lock, and a luxury rental with a fancy HomeKit setup all have different needs. These are the criteria we used during testing and that we recommend buyers work through before pulling the trigger.
Retrofit vs Full Replacement: The Apartment Renter’s Core Decision
This is the single biggest decision you will make. A retrofit smart lock (like the CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5) mounts on the inside of your existing deadbolt, leaves the exterior untouched, and preserves the landlord’s original key. A full replacement (like the TEEHO TE001 or eufy C220) removes your existing deadbolt and installs a new one in its place.
Retrofit wins for short-term renters and anyone who wants a fully reversible install. Replacement wins when you want a higher level of integration, a fingerprint reader, or a fully new keypad. Most leases technically allow deadbolt replacements as long as you reinstall the original at move-out, but a retrofit removes that risk entirely.
Door Type Compatibility: Deadbolt, No Deadbolt, Mortise, Narrow Stile
Not every apartment has the same door. Most U.S. apartments use a standard 2-1/8 inch (54mm) deadbolt bore, but you will also encounter:
Single-bore doors – knob or lever only, no deadbolt. You need a smart handle replacement like the Yamiry.
Mortise locks – a rectangular escutcheon with a deadbolt inside a larger housing. Standard smart deadbolts rarely fit; check the lock’s compatibility chart.
Narrow stile doors – aluminum or commercial-style doors with a thin frame profile. Most smart deadbolts will not physically fit; consider the retrofit Sesame instead.
Measure your door’s bore hole and the backset (distance from door edge to center of bore) before ordering. Most smart deadbolts fit standard 2-3/8 inch or 2-3/4 inch backsets.
Connectivity & Power: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Matter, Battery Backup
Bluetooth-only locks save battery but require you to be near the door to control them. Wi-Fi locks give remote access at the cost of faster battery drain. Matter over Thread offers the best of both worlds for Apple Home and Google households, but you need a Thread border router in your home (an Apple TV 4K, HomePod, Echo, or Nest Hub can serve as one).
Battery life ranges from 6 to 18 months in our test and in this category. All of our top picks include a low-battery warning well before they die, and several include a USB-C emergency jump port for backup power.
Landlord Permission & Lease Compliance
Most leases fall into one of three buckets:
Permissive – any lock change is fine as long as the original is reinstalled at move-out.
Restricted – locks must remain operable with the landlord’s master key. Retrofit smart locks keep this contract.
Prohibitive – no modifications to locks or hardware. A retrofit like the Sesame keeps the door physically unchanged but may still require written disclosure.
The safest move is to email your landlord with the lock’s model number, the install plan, and a promise to revert at move-out. In my experience, written approval is usually granted within 24 hours. Keep the email – it protects your security deposit.
Removal & Move-Out: How to Revert the Door Cleanly
Any replacement deadbolt should be removed before you move out. Put the original deadbolt, screws, and strike plate back in a labeled bag; they go back on the door in the reverse order of install. For a retrofit like the Sesame, the only step is to peel the adhesive-backed base off the door and slide the thumb-turn adapter off your existing deadbolt. Warm the 3M tape with a hair dryer for 30 seconds first, and the residue lifts cleanly with adhesive remover.
Photograph the door after removal. Most renters report zero visible damage with both replacement and retrofit options when the original hardware is reinstalled.
Security, Privacy & ANSI/BHMA Ratings Explained
ANSI/BHMA grades measure a lock’s resistance to physical attack and cycle testing. Grade 1 is the highest (commercial grade), Grade 2 is the standard residential recommendation, and Grade 3 is the minimum acceptable for most apartment entries. All of our top picks are Grade 2 or Grade 3.
Privacy is a separate axis. Look for AES-128 or AES-256 encryption on stored credentials, two-factor authentication in the app, and a clear privacy policy from the lock manufacturer. Some locks store fingerprint templates only on the device (more private), while others upload templates to the cloud (more convenient but a larger attack surface). For rentals, on-device storage is the safer default.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best smart lock for a renter in an apartment?
For renters, the best smart locks for apartments either retrofit over the existing deadbolt (like the CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5) or install as a clean replacement that restores the original hardware at move-out (like the TEEHO TE001 or eufy C220). Retrofit locks leave the exterior completely untouched and preserve the landlord’s original key, making them ideal for short-term rentals. Replacement locks offer more features – fingerprint readers, Wi-Fi, smart home integration – at the cost of a 15-minute install you must reverse later.
Can I put a smart lock on an apartment door?
In most cases, yes. Most U.S. apartments use a standard 2-1/8 inch deadbolt bore, which the majority of smart deadbolts fit. If your apartment has only a keyed knob or lever (no separate deadbolt), look for a smart handle replacement like the Yamiry instead. Mortise locks and narrow stile commercial-style doors require specialty hardware and may not fit standard smart locks at all.
Do smart locks work without Wi-Fi?
Yes. Nearly every smart lock falls back to Bluetooth or a physical keypad when Wi-Fi is unavailable, so you can still unlock the door during an outage. Remote unlock from outside the home – controlling the lock while you are at work, for example – does require Wi-Fi, either built into the lock or via a separate bridge/gateway. Several models also include a USB-C emergency power port to jump the lock if the batteries die.
Do I need landlord permission to install a smart lock?
It depends on your lease. Many leases allow lock changes as long as the original hardware is reinstalled at move-out and the landlord can access the unit with a master key in emergencies. A retrofit smart lock (which leaves the original key working from outside) is usually the lowest-friction option. Email your landlord with the lock model, install plan, and a promise to revert at move-out, and keep the approval in writing to protect your deposit.
Are smart locks safe for apartments?
Modern smart locks use AES-128 or AES-256 encryption, two-factor authentication in their apps, and tamper alarms. Certified models in our picks carry ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 or Grade 3 ratings, which means they pass the same cycle and forced-entry tests as standard deadbolts. The bigger safety question for apartments is usually whether the lock prevents landlord emergency access – a retrofit keeps the original key working, which most leases require.
Which brand of smart lock is the most reliable for renters?
In our testing and across tens of thousands of reviews, Schlage Encode, August, Yale Assure Lock 2, and Level Lock rated highest for long-term reliability, while value brands like eufy, TEEHO, and ULTRALOQ offer the best feature-to-price ratio for renters. For apartment use specifically, retrofit-first brands (CANDY HOUSE Sesame, SwitchBot, Nuki) win on renter-friendliness because they preserve the original key and remove cleanly at move-out.
The Right Smart Lock for Your Apartment
The best smart locks for apartments in 2026 come down to how much you want to commit – and how much your lease allows you to commit. If you want every feature under the sun and you do not mind reinstalling the original deadbolt when you leave, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is the strongest overall package with Matter, fingerprint, Wi-Fi, and a rekeyable cylinder that keeps the landlord’s key working. If you want the best feature-to-price balance, the eufy C220 delivers fingerprint, Apple Watch, and six unlock methods without any hub. If you would rather skip apps entirely, the TEEHO TE001 gives you reliable keypad entry for a fraction of the cost.
Renters who need zero door modification should look at the CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 – it preserves the existing deadbolt entirely and peels off at move-out. AirBnB hosts will love the KUCACCI for its multi-property app and per-guest codes. And if fingerprint speed matters more than anything, the DESLOC B200 and Veise VE017 both unlock in well under half a second.
Whichever lock you choose, take 10 minutes to email your landlord a written install plan, snap a photo of the door after install, and keep the original hardware in a labeled bag. That is the difference between a smooth move-out and a security deposit deduction. With the right pick and a little preparation, a smart lock is one of the best upgrades you can make in an apartment this year.
If you want to extend the smart home further, explore our full guide to the best smart door locks, and for any wall-mounted networking upgrades, do not skip tested picks like the 8 best apartment routers or one of these flat ethernet cables designed for apartment runs.
