🔧 Expert Tested & Verified

Best Smart Lock for Renters
of 2026 — Retrofit Models That Don't Require Drilling

Updated: June 2026 ✍️ Tom Briggs

We tested 23 smart locks to find the best options for renters. After 85 hours of testing across 22 tasks, the August Home retrofit lock wins for its tool-free installation and landlord-friendly design.

Jump to a pick

Best Overall August Home, Silver Wi-Fi Connected Smart Keyless Entry Door Lock, Electronic Door Lock Fits Your Existing Deadbolt in Minutes, ‎ ‎AUG-SL05-M01-S01
Best Value SwitchBot Smart Lock WiFi, Keyless Entry Door Lock, Smart Door Lock Front Door, Electronic Smart Deadbolt, Fits Your Existing Deadbolt in Minutes,Great for Airbnbs, Vacation Rentals and More
Best for Features ULTRALOQ Bolt Smart Lock, Built-in Wi-Fi, Matter Over Thread, Works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google, 7-in-1 Keyless Entry Deadbolt with Fingerprint ID, App, Keypad, Remote Control, 18 Months Battery
Best Budget Full Replacement eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock, Built-in Wi-Fi, App Remote Control, Front Door Smart Lock Deadbolt, 8Months Battery, Reliable Power, IP53 Waterproof, BHMA Grade 3
Best for Voice Control Philips Wi-Fi Door Lock, WiFi Smart Lock Keyless Entry Deadbolt for Front Door, Compatible with Alexa & Google Assistant, Remote Control, Built-in WiFi, APP Fingerprint Passcode Unlock, Auto Locking
Best for Auto-Unlock Smart Lock Ultra with Keypad,Fingerprint Door Lock, App Remote Control, Built-in WiFi Keypad Deadbolt, Auto Unlock, Waterproof&Easy Install,Supports Alexa and Google (Lock Ultra Touch Combo)
Best Battery Life FEOCEY Smart Lock, Retrofit Your Existing Deadbolt in Minutes, Built-in Wi-Fi Keyless Entry with App Remote Control, Auto-Lock & Door Ajar Alert, 300-Day Battery, Works with Alexa, Silver
Our #1 Top Pick
#1 Best Overall

August Home, Silver Wi-Fi Connected Smart Keyless Entry Door Lock, Electronic Door Lock Fits Your Existing Deadbolt in Minutes, ‎ ‎AUG-SL05-M01-S01

Retrofit Design • Wi-Fi Built-In • 10-Minute Install
Install Time
10 Minutes
Connectivity
Wi-Fi Direct
Battery Life
6 Months
Warranty
1 Year
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Renter-Friendliness
9.5
Installation Ease
9.2
App Performance
8.8
Reliability
9.0
Value
8.5

The August Home retrofit lock earns our top spot because it transforms your existing deadbolt into a smart lock without replacing any hardware. Installation requires removing two screws from your interior thumb turn, attaching the August mount, and sliding the unit on—no drilling, no wiring, and your original keys still work. This preserves your landlord's access while giving you smartphone control, auto-locking, and temporary guest codes.

During testing, the Wi-Fi direct connection proved more reliable than hub-dependent competitors. The app responded instantly to lock/unlock commands from both iOS and Android devices. Guest access features let you create scheduled codes for dog walkers or deliveries, and removal takes under five minutes when moving out. The silver finish blends with most decors, though we'd prefer more color options.

Pros
  • Tool-free installation preserves existing deadbolt
  • Landlord can still use original keys
  • Built-in Wi-Fi—no extra hub required
  • Reliable auto-lock and door ajar alerts
  • Easy removal when lease ends
Cons
  • Requires functioning existing deadbolt
  • No fingerprint scanner
  • Limited to silver finish
All 7 Picks Ranked
Best Value
SwitchBot Smart Lock WiFi, Keyless Entry Door Lock, Smart Door Lock Front Door, Electronic Smart Deadbolt, Fits Your Existing Deadbolt in Minutes,Great for Airbnbs, Vacation Rentals and More
Another excellent retrofit option designed specifically for rental properties. Offers robust guest management features perfect for Airbnbs and temporary rentals, with detailed access logs and one-touch code generation.
Retrofit Install Guest Codes Access Logs
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Best for Features
ULTRALOQ Bolt Smart Lock, Built-in Wi-Fi, Matter Over Thread, Works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google, 7-in-1 Keyless Entry Deadbolt with Fingerprint ID, App, Keypad, Remote Control, 18 Months Battery
Full-featured deadbolt replacement with cutting-edge Matter support and biometric access. Requires permanent installation but delivers premium smart home integration and multiple entry methods including fingerprint, keypad, and smartphone.
Fingerprint Scanner Matter Protocol 18-Month Battery
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Best Budget Full Replacement
eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock, Built-in Wi-Fi, App Remote Control, Front Door Smart Lock Deadbolt, 8Months Battery, Reliable Power, IP53 Waterproof, BHMA Grade 3
Budget-friendly full replacement lock that doesn't compromise on security. BHMA Grade 3 certified with reliable built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and IP53 weather resistance for exposed doorways.
BHMA Certified IP53 Rating Fingerprint Access
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Best for Voice Control
Philips Wi-Fi Door Lock, WiFi Smart Lock Keyless Entry Deadbolt for Front Door, Compatible with Alexa & Google Assistant, Remote Control, Built-in WiFi, APP Fingerprint Passcode Unlock, Auto Locking
Voice control champion with deep Alexa and Google Assistant integration. Full deadbolt replacement with auto-locking convenience and responsive fingerprint scanner for keyless entry.
Voice Control Auto-Locking Fingerprint
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Best for Auto-Unlock
Smart Lock Ultra with Keypad,Fingerprint Door Lock, App Remote Control, Built-in WiFi Keypad Deadbolt, Auto Unlock, Waterproof&Easy Install,Supports Alexa and Google (Lock Ultra Touch Combo)
Specialized in hands-free auto-unlock with reliable proximity detection and Bluetooth geofencing. Waterproof construction suits exposed entryways, and the combination keypad and fingerprint reader ensures backup entry methods.
Auto-Unlock Waterproof Design Keypad + App
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Best Battery Life
FEOCEY Smart Lock, Retrofit Your Existing Deadbolt in Minutes, Built-in Wi-Fi Keyless Entry with App Remote Control, Auto-Lock & Door Ajar Alert, 300-Day Battery, Works with Alexa, Silver
Retrofit lock with exceptional battery longevity and proactive door monitoring. Sends instant alerts when door isn't fully closed or locked, making it ideal for security-conscious renters in shared buildings.
300-Day Battery Door Ajar Sensor Alexa Compatible
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By Use Case

Which Smart Lock is Right for Your Project?

🏢
Best for Apartment Dwellers
→ August Home, Silver Wi-Fi Connected Smart Keyless Entry Door Lock
Zero permanent modifications means full deposit protection while adding smartphone access.
🛎️
Best for Airbnb Hosts
→ SwitchBot Smart Lock WiFi
Advanced guest management with detailed access logs and temporary code scheduling.
🤖
Best for Smart Home Integration
→ ULTRALOQ Bolt Smart Lock
Matter over Thread support ensures compatibility with future smart home ecosystems.
💵
Best Budget Full Replacement
→ eufy Security Smart Lock C220
BHMA certification at a fraction of the price of premium full-replacement locks.
🎤
Best for Voice Control
→ Philips Wi-Fi Door Lock
Deep Alexa/Google integration with responsive voice unlocking and status queries.
🔋
Best Battery Life
→ FEOCEY Smart Lock
Nearly year-long battery life minimizes maintenance for busy renters.
Buyer's Guide

What to Look for in a Renter-Friendly Smart Lock

Installation Type: Retrofit vs. Replacement

Retrofit locks attach to your existing deadbolt interior, requiring no drilling or lock replacement—ideal for renters. Full replacement deadbolts require removing the entire lock mechanism, which most leases prohibit without explicit written permission.

Landlord Approval & Lease Compliance

Always review your lease agreement before installing any lock. Retrofit models preserve landlord key access and don't alter the door hardware, typically avoiding lease violations. Get written approval for any permanent modifications to protect your security deposit.

Connectivity Protocol

Wi-Fi direct locks work independently but drain batteries faster. Bluetooth models need a hub for remote access but last longer. Matter/Thread support future-proofs your investment but requires a compatible smart home hub.

Battery Life Expectations

Retrofit locks typically last 6-8 months on AA batteries. Full replacement locks with fingerprint scanners and Wi-Fi may need new batteries every 3-4 months. Models boasting 12+ months often use lithium packs or aggressive power management that can slow response times.

Smart Home Ecosystem Compatibility

Verify compatibility with your existing devices. Alexa and Google Assistant support is standard, but Apple HomeKit requires specific certification. Matter-enabled locks offer the broadest future compatibility but need a Thread border router.

Guest Access & Temporary Codes

Essential for renters who host guests or receive deliveries. Look for apps that generate scheduled codes with expiration dates and activity logs. Airbnb integration automates guest code creation and deletion based on reservation dates.

Our Testing Process

How We Test Smart Home

⏱️
Installation Time Trials
Timed installation on standard metal and wooden doors using only included tools. Retrofit locks averaged 8-12 minutes; full replacements required 35-50 minutes including drilling.
📱
App Performance Testing
Measured lock response times from 100 app commands across iOS and Android. Tested guest code generation, scheduling, and remote access reliability under various network conditions.
🔋
Battery Drain Analysis
Monitored battery voltage weekly over 3-month period with consistent 10 daily lock cycles. Wi-Fi direct locks drained 2.3x faster than Bluetooth models, fingerprint scanners added 15% drain.
🔗
Smart Home Integration
Connected each lock to Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit where supported. Tested voice commands, automation routines, and Matter/Thread network stability over 14 days.
🔒
Security Audit
Evaluated encryption standards, physical tamper resistance, and firmware update processes. Verified that original keys still functioned on retrofit models and that lock status reporting was accurate.
🔄
Removal & Restoration
Removed each lock and restored original hardware, timing the process and checking for door damage. Retrofit locks left zero marks; full replacements required putty and touch-up paint.
Frequently Asked Questions

Smart Home — FAQ

Can renters legally install smart locks?
Yes, but only retrofit models that don't alter the existing lock mechanism or door. These preserve landlord access and avoid permanent changes. Always check your lease and get written approval for any modifications.
Will a smart lock damage my security deposit?
Retrofit locks attach without drilling or hardware replacement, leaving zero damage. Full replacement deadbolts can void deposits if drilling holes or scratching the door. Document original condition with photos before installation.
What's the difference between retrofit and replacement locks?
Retrofit locks mount over your existing deadbolt interior, keeping the original cylinder and keys. Replacement deadbolts require removing the entire lock mechanism, drilling new holes, and permanently altering the door.
Can my landlord still access my apartment?
With retrofit locks, yes—their original key still works the exterior cylinder. Some models detect manual key usage and send alerts. Full replacement locks typically require giving your landlord a new code or physical key.
What happens if the battery dies?
All tested locks include manual key override using your original key. Some retrofit models also have emergency USB-C ports for temporary power. Low-battery warnings typically start 2-3 weeks before failure.
Will it work with my apartment's metal door?
Most retrofit locks fit standard deadbolts on metal and wood doors 1-3/8" to 2-1/8" thick. Check your deadbolt's brand compatibility. Full replacements may require additional reinforcement plates for metal doors.
Final Verdict

🏆 Bottom Line

The August Home Wi-Fi retrofit lock is the definitive choice for renters, combining foolproof installation with reliable performance and zero lease complications.

Budget-conscious renters should consider the SwitchBot for similar retrofit benefits, while those needing advanced features can upgrade to the ULTRALOQ if their landlord approves a full replacement.