Best smart lock for renters
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the best choice for renters because it installs over your existing deadbolt and doesn't require replacing your keys.
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is the top pick for Apple Home users, while the Kwikset Halo Touch is ideal if you prefer fingerprint entry over a keypad.
If you rent, you likely can’t change the locks or drill new holes. That’s why smart locks designed for renters prioritize easy, damage-free installation and portability. The best options let you add keyless entry without making permanent changes to the door, so you can take the lock with you when you move. When choosing a smart lock for a rental, focus on three things: installation method (must use existing deadbolt), connectivity (Wi-Fi or bridge), and compatibility with your phone and any smart home system. Most renters want something that works out of the box without drilling or wiring, and that can revert to a standard lock when you leave.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
the do-it-all default for renters
4.7out of 5The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock installs over your existing deadbolt in minutes and works with most major smart home platforms. It’s reliable, compact, and a favorite among renters because you don’t need to replace your keys or drill any holes.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Yale Assure Lock 2
the Apple Home favorite
4.5out of 5The Yale Assure Lock 2 offers a modular design that lets you swap connectivity modules, including one that supports Apple Home Key. It’s a solid touch-screen keypad lock that feels premium and integrates deeply into the Apple ecosystem.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Kwikset Halo Touch
the fingerprint-first pick
4.4out of 5The Kwikset Halo Touch brings biometric convenience to the lock itself, with a fingerprint reader built into the deadbolt. It’s a clean way to enter without needing a key, phone, or keypad code.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | 4.7 / 5 | $$ | Renters who want a simple, no-drill smart lock that works with their existing keys and wor | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Yale Assure Lock 2 | 4.5 / 5 | $$ | Apple users who want Home Key support and a premium keypad lock that can adapt to their sm | Check price → |
| Best value | Kwikset Halo Touch | 4.4 / 5 | $$ | Renters who dislike carrying keys or pulling out a phone and want the fast, touch-free ent | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock — the do-it-all default for renters
Best overallThe August Wi-Fi Smart Lock installs over your existing deadbolt in minutes and works with most major smart home platforms. It’s reliable, compact, and a favorite among renters because you don’t need to replace your keys or drill any holes.
Pros
- Installs over existing deadbolt without tools
- Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home
- Auto-lock and auto-unlock features are smooth and customizable
- Easy to remove and take with you when moving out
Cons
- Requires the Wi-Fi bridge for remote access (included with some models)
- Bulky on the interior side of the door, may interfere with tight clearance
- Batteries drain noticeably faster if you use auto-unlock frequently
Who it’s for
Renters who want a simple, no-drill smart lock that works with their existing keys and works with most voice assistants.Who should skip it
You need a lock that fits flush against a storm door or you prefer a built-in keypad rather than using your phone as the primary way in.2. Yale Assure Lock 2 — the Apple Home favorite
Runner-upThe Yale Assure Lock 2 offers a modular design that lets you swap connectivity modules, including one that supports Apple Home Key. It’s a solid touch-screen keypad lock that feels premium and integrates deeply into the Apple ecosystem.
Pros
- Modular design lets you upgrade connectivity later without replacing the lock
- Supports Apple Home Key so you can unlock with an iPhone or Apple Watch
- Touch-screen keypad is responsive and backlit, easy to use in the dark
- Available in multiple finishes to match your door hardware
Cons
- Installation is more involved than a retrofit lock (requires removing the existing deadbolt)
- Wi-Fi module sold separately if you want remote access without a hub
- The physical key override is not included with all models
Who it’s for
Apple users who want Home Key support and a premium keypad lock that can adapt to their smart home setup.Who should skip it
You cannot replace the existing deadbolt (most rentals allow it, but some landlords have restrictions) or you want a lock that works out of the box without buying extra modules.3. Kwikset Halo Touch — the fingerprint-first pick
Best valueThe Kwikset Halo Touch brings biometric convenience to the lock itself, with a fingerprint reader built into the deadbolt. It’s a clean way to enter without needing a key, phone, or keypad code.
Pros
- Built-in fingerprint reader works quickly and reliably even with wet or dirty fingers
- Long battery life compared to many other smart locks
- Conventional key override included for backup access
- Can store multiple fingerprints, making it great for roommates or family
Cons
- App is less polished and sometimes slower to sync compared to August or Yale
- Does not support Apple Home or Matter out of the box (only works with Kwikset app and Alexa)
- Installation requires replacing the existing deadbolt, not a simple overlay
Who it’s for
Renters who dislike carrying keys or pulling out a phone and want the fast, touch-free entry of a fingerprint reader.Who should skip it
You rely heavily on Apple Home or Google Home integrations, or you want a lock that installs over your current deadbolt without any modifications.Best for specific needs
Best for no-drill installation
If your lease requires you to return the door exactly as you found it, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is your safest bet. It slides over your existing deadbolt in minutes and requires no tools, so you can remove it when you move without leaving a trace. It also keeps your original keys functional, which is handy for landlord access. Our pick: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock.
Best for Apple Home users
The Yale Assure Lock 2 with the Apple Home Key module lets you unlock your door with just a tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch. It integrates seamlessly into the Home app, supports Siri voice commands, and can trigger automations when you arrive or leave. If you live in Apple’s ecosystem and want that polished experience, this is the lock to get. Our pick: Yale Assure Lock 2.
Best for biometric entry
The Kwikset Halo Touch eliminates the need for keys, phone, or codes by placing a fingerprint reader right on the lock. It’s especially convenient for households where multiple people come and go frequently, since you can store several fingerprints. The biometric reader is fast and works well even when your hands are wet or in the dark. Our pick: Kwikset Halo Touch.
Our verdict
For most renters, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock strikes the best balance of easy installation, broad compatibility, and everyday convenience. If you’re deeply invested in Apple Home, the Yale Assure Lock 2 is a better fit, and if you want the fastest entry possible without using your phone, the Kwikset Halo Touch’s fingerprint reader is hard to beat. Whichever you choose, make sure your landlord approves any change to the deadbolt before you install.
Frequently asked questions
Can renters install a smart lock without the landlord’s permission?
In most cases you should ask, even if installation doesn’t require replacing any hardware. A retrofit adapter like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock fits over the existing interior thumbturn using adhesive tape, reversible in minutes, with no drilling or hardware removal. Your landlord’s existing key still works on the exterior cylinder the whole time. That said, modifying the entry point to a rental is almost always covered by your lease, so confirming beforehand protects you. Many landlords agree once they understand the lock isn’t replacing their hardware and their key still works.
What if a renter smart lock runs out of battery?
A retrofit adapter like the August locks from the inside: if the battery dies, the exterior keyhole still functions normally with your physical key. You cannot be locked out by a dead battery on a retrofit model because the underlying keyed deadbolt is untouched. For keypad replacements on a rented unit, most models include a 9V battery terminal on the exterior panel so you can jump-start the lock with a standard 9V battery held to the contacts, enough power to enter your code and get inside. Both situations are worth knowing about before you move in; your lock’s manual will have the specific emergency procedure.
Do retrofit smart locks work with all deadbolts?
Most retrofit adapters are designed for single-cylinder deadbolts, the most common type in North American rentals, and fit a wide range of thumbturn shapes. Before buying, check that the interior thumbturn is a standard rounded shape (not a lever or knob) and measure the setback from the door face to the thumbturn to confirm clearance. August lists compatible deadbolt styles on their website and includes adapters for common thumbturn shapes in the box. Double-cylinder deadbolts (keyed on both sides, common in doors with glass panels) are not compatible with retrofit adapters, because there’s no thumbturn to turn.