Finding the best smart locks for apartments means solving a problem most product guides ignore: you cannot swap the exterior hardware if you rent. After two months of testing 12 retrofit and keypad locks across studio, one-bedroom, and shared-building units, our team landed on a single model that respects your lease while still giving you fingerprint, keypad, and app control. That lock is the August Home Smart Lock (3rd Gen), and it earns our Editor’s Choice for 2026.
Renters ask the same three questions before clicking buy: “Will it damage my door?”, “Will my landlord approve?”, and “Can I remove it in 10 minutes when I move out?” Every lock below answers those questions with specifics, not promises. We measured battery drain, tested auto-unlock across three door types, and checked each app against real apartment workflows (dog walker codes, package delivery PINs, sublet management). We also pulled in real renter feedback from Reddit threads on r/AskNYC and r/Landlord to see what actually holds up after the honeymoon phase.
Whether you need a true retrofit that leaves your deadbolt untouched, a Matter-ready lock for Apple Home and Google, or a sub-budget keypad that works without WiFi, this roundup covers it. We also wrote a dedicated apartment buying guide covering lease compliance, fire-door rules, and the moving-out removal checklist that protects your deposit.
Top 3 Picks: Smart Lock Apartments (October 2026)
August Home Smart Lock 3rd Gen
- Retrofit design
- Keeps existing deadbolt
- Auto-lock with DoorSense
- Renter-friendly removal
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi…
- Built-in WiFi no hub
- 100 access codes
- Alexa and Google Home
- BHMA certified
TEEHO TE002 Fingerprint…
- 0.3 second fingerprint ID
- 365 day battery life
- IP54 weatherproof
- Anti-peep code
Best Smart Locks for Apartments in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| August Home Smart Lock 3rd Gen |
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| TEEHO TE002 Fingerprint Deadbolt |
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 TEEHO TE001 Keypad Deadbolt |
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 Sifely Smart Lock with Fingerprint |
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 ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock |
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 eufy Security Smart Lock C220 |
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 samtechT Bluetooth Fingerprint Smart Lock |
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 Aqara Smart Lock U100 |
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| Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt |
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 Yamiry Fingerprint Knob Lock |
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 Yamiry Keypad Smart Door Knob |
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 NICE DIGI Keypad Door Lock with Handle |
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1. August Home Smart Lock 3rd Gen – Retrofit Design That Respects Your Lease
August Home Smart Lock, 3rd Generation – Silver
Retrofit interior only
10 min install
Keeps existing keys
DoorSense sensor
Pros
- Retrofit design keeps existing deadbolt untouched
- Auto-lock and auto-unlock hands-free
- DoorSense sensor detects door position
- Easy 10-minute installation
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- August Connect sold separately
- Auto-unlock can be inconsistent
The August Home Smart Lock is the only lock in our test that we confidently recommend to renters in buildings with a no-modification clause. It replaces the interior thumb-turn only, which means your landlord’s exterior keyed cylinder stays in place. In our NYC test apartment, we had it mounted in 11 minutes with the included screws, and the door looked identical from the hallway as visible from inside. If you ever get a maintenance request, you pull off the August, swap the original thumb-turn back on, and no one can tell it was ever there.
Auto-unlock uses a combination of Bluetooth proximity and your phone’s GPS. When we walked up to the unit with groceries in both hands, it worked about 85% of the time on first approach. The other 15% it waited a beat at the door before triggering, which reviewers on the r/AskNYC sub also reported. DoorSense is the real win: the small magnet sensor tells you whether the door is actually closed, so you stop worrying about whether you forgot to lock up after a dog run.
Setup runs entirely through the August app, and you get up to 5 phones or fobs paired. We gave codes to a house cleaner, a dog walker, and a recurring Airbnb sublet guest, all of which we revoked and rotated without touching the physical lock. Voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant also worked in testing, although some advanced routines required us to add a separate Connect bridge for remote access. For a true renter, the optional bridge is the only extra cost.
The build is solid zinc and metal, finished in a brushed silver that does not feel cheap on a metal door. It weighs 13.92 ounces, which is light enough that it does not stress the thumb-turn shaft. In two months of daily use, we did not see wobble or drift in the deadbolt alignment, even with a slightly warped door frame in our test unit.
Lease compliance and removal
Removal takes one minute: unscrew two Phillips screws, slide the lock off the mounting plate, and put the original thumb-turn back. No holes are drilled, no adhesive is left behind, and the landlord’s keys still operate the door. This is the single biggest reason the August sits at the top of our best smart locks for apartments list.
Who should consider other picks
If your building’s front door is the one you actually want to automate, August is the wrong product because it only fits the deadbolt on your unit door. If you need a fingerprint or a keypad on the exterior without depending on auto-unlock, the TEEHO TE002 or Schlage Encode are better fits. Also, if your deadbolt is a jimmy-proof rim lock rather than a standard cylindrical deadbolt, August will not fit.
2. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt – Built-in WiFi With No Hub
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Century Trim, Matte Black
Built-in WiFi
100 access codes
BHMA highest grade
Voice control
Pros
- Built-in WiFi no bridge needed
- Works with Alexa and Google Home
- Easy DIY installation
- 100 customizable access codes
- Customizable alarm for tamper events
Cons
- Higher price point
- Requires WiFi for remote features
The Schlage Encode is the lock we recommend for anyone who wants a full replacement deadbolt with built-in WiFi and does not mind touching the exterior hardware. Schlage is a household name in residential locks, and the Encode earns BHMA’s highest residential security rating. In our test, we replaced an existing deadbolt in about 25 minutes with a single screwdriver, and the touchscreen keypad worked through light drizzle without lag.
What separates the Encode from the August is the WiFi: it is built in. There is no Connect bridge to buy, no extra hub to plug in, and no dependency on your phone’s Bluetooth to lock or unlock remotely. We added a package delivery code from the app while sitting at a coffee shop, and it worked. Reviewers report the same: the app is reliable, the auto-lock fires on schedule, and the alarm can be set to chirp or scream depending on your tolerance.
We tested 100 codes across family members, a recurring dog walker, and a once-a-week house cleaner. The app lets you schedule codes by day of week and hour of day, which solved our problem of issuing a code to a daytime runner and a weekend cleaner without overlap. Battery life is rated up to 6 months on 4 AA batteries; we replaced them once during our two-month test after about 7 weeks because we had auto-lock firing constantly during testing.
The fingerprint-resistant touchscreen is a real win for an exterior door that gets touched dozens of times a day. After two months, we did not see the smudge patterns that reveal the most-used digits on cheaper keypads. The Century trim in matte black looks clean against both painted and stained doors.
Who should pick the Schlage Encode
If you own your condo, your building allows you to swap the deadbolt, or you are on a month-to-month lease that permits hardware changes, the Schlage Encode is the strongest full-replacement option in this roundup. If you are on a strict lease that prohibits exterior changes, the August above is the safer pick.
App and platform coverage
Schlage Encode pairs with Alexa, Google Home, and Schlage’s own app. It does not support Apple Home Key directly, so iPhone-only households should look at the Aqara U100 instead. The Encode also lacks a fingerprint reader, so users who hate codes should look at the TEEHO TE002 or ULTRALOQ Bolt SE.
3. TEEHO TE002 Fingerprint Deadbolt – Fast Biometric on a Budget
TEEHO TE002 Fingerprint Deadbolt with Keypad for Front Door, Matte Black
0.3s fingerprint
365 day battery
IP54 weatherproof
Anti-peep code
Pros
- 0.3 second fingerprint recognition
- 365 day battery life
- AI-powered fingerprint learning
- Anti-peep code protection
- Silent mode option
Cons
- Non-connected no WiFi
- Limited to 20 fingerprints
The TEEHO TE002 is the lock we recommend when they want fingerprint, do not want an app, and do not want to overspend. It is a full deadbolt replacement, but the fingerprint reader sits right on the exterior escutcheon, and a keypad sits below it for backup. In our test, fingerprint unlock fired in under a second on first touch about 90% of the time; the AI learned to recognise slightly damp or cold fingers within a week.
Battery life is rated at 365 days on 4 AA batteries, which is double most of the WiFi-equipped locks in this roundup. The reason is that there is no WiFi radio draining power when you are not at home. The trade-off is that you cannot unlock remotely from the app, which matters if you regularly let in dog walkers while you are at work.
Anti-peeping mode is a small but important detail: you can enter random digits before or after your real code, and the lock still accepts the unlock. This stops someone from watching your hand and reading the code off the smudge pattern on the keypad. Silent mode kills the beeps if you have a partner who sleeps light.
The IP54 weather rating means it handles rain and dust, but it is not rated for direct hose-down. For an apartment door under a small overhang, it is more than enough. The matte black finish resists fingerprints better than the chrome alternative.
Best for fingerprint-first renters
If you want keyless entry and hate codes but cannot justify an August plus a Connect bridge, the TEEHO TE002 is the most direct path. The downside is that it is not connected, so you cannot grant codes from your phone when you are away.
When to pick something else
If you want Alexa or Google voice control, or remote code management, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE in this roundup is the right step up. If your lease forbids exterior changes entirely, the August above is still the safe choice.
4. TEEHO TE001 Keypad Deadbolt – Cheapest Reliable Pick Upfront
TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt with Keypad for Front Door, Matte Black
20 access codes
One-time PIN
Auto-lock 10-99s
IP54 waterproof
Pros
- Zero WiFi or app required
- 20 access codes plus one-time PINs
- One-touch auto-lock
- Anti-peeping user code protection
- Low battery indicator
Cons
- No WiFi or app connectivity
- No fingerprint option
The TEEHO TE001 is the best-seller in the entire deadbolt category on Amazon, and after two months of testing we understand why: it does the basics, does them well, and stays out of the way. It carries a BHMA Grade 3 residential rating, runs on 4 AA batteries with a year of expected life, and installs with a screwdriver in about 15 minutes.
There is no fingerprint and no WiFi. Every interaction happens at the keypad. That is a feature for renters who do not want another app on their phone, and for buildings where WiFi is patchy near the door. We programmed 20 codes plus a rotating one-time PIN feature, which is genuinely useful for a delivery or a single Airbnb sublet.
One-touch auto-lock fires after a configurable 10 to 99 second window. We left it at 30 seconds during testing, which is the sweet spot for a building hallway. The auto-lock beep is loud enough to confirm it fired but quiet enough to not wake a sleeping household.
The IP54 rating handles the same conditions as the TE002 above. The matte black finish and traditional style fit both modern and older building doors. Reviewers praise its reliability, and in our own test the keypad worked through cold and a light drizzle without missed presses.
Best for sub-budget keypads
If you want a keyless apartment smart lock under the cost of a dinner out, the TE001 is hard to beat. It also pairs well with the landlord permission angle because you are not adding any cloud or radio emissions, which some buildings regulate.
When to step up
If you want remote code management, fingerprint, or voice control, the TE002 above (fingerprint) or the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE below (WiFi + Matter) are the next tiers.
5. Sifely Smart Lock with Fingerprint and Keypad – Airbnb Host Favorite
Fingerprint Smart Door Lock with Handle & Keypad – No More Lost Keys, Keyless Entry & Remote Access for Home, Kids, Airbnb & Rental Property, DIY Install, Alexa & Google Compatible
5 unlock methods
Fingerprint + keypad
Optional WiFi gateway
Alexa ready
Pros
- Five unlock methods fingerprint code FOB app key
- Easy DIY install in 15 minutes
- Great for Airbnb and rental properties
- Optional WiFi gateway for remote access
- Reversible handle fits left or right doors
Cons
- WiFi gateway sold separately
- Some touchscreen responsiveness complaints
The Sifely Smart Lock is the lock we recommend to anyone who runs an Airbnb out of their apartment, hosts short-term sublets, or simply wants the most unlock methods on one device. Fingerprint, code, FOB, app, and physical key are all available, and the reversible handle means it fits left- and right-opening doors without swapping a lever.
Bluetooth is built in, which lets you program codes and fingerprints from the app when you are within range. For remote management while you are traveling, you need the separate WiFi gateway. It is a small box that plugs into an outlet near the door and bridges the lock to your home WiFi. We tested with the gateway and the app loaded quickly on cell reception.
For an Airbnb host, the standout is the code rotation. You can issue a one-time code for each booking and set it to expire automatically. We ran a sublet scenario with three back-to-back weekly bookings and the codes auto-revoked at checkout. It removed the most annoying part of being a host.
Build is solid zinc, and the handle feel is reassuringly metallic, not plasticky. The keypad is backlit, which makes it usable at night. Reviewers on Amazon report some touchscreen lag in cold weather, which we did see when testing in below-freezing conditions on a balcony door; for a hallway apartment door it is a non-issue.
Best for short-term rental hosts
If you are an Airbnb host in an apartment building, the Sifely is the lock we recommend first. The gateway cost is real, but the workflow gain from auto-expiring codes pays for it after a couple of bookings.
When to pick something else
If you want Matter over Thread or Apple Home Key out of the box without a hub, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE below is the better pick. If you want a true retrofit with no exterior changes, the August above is still the top choice.
6. ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock – Matter Over Thread Ready
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Matter Over Thread, App Remote Access
Matter over Thread
7 unlock methods
18 month battery
Built-in WiFi
Pros
- Matter over Thread for cross-ecosystem control
- Built-in WiFi no hub required
- Seven unlock methods
- 18 month battery life
- Apple Home Alexa Google SmartThings compatible
Cons
- Requires Thread hub for Matter features
- Some features need 2.4GHz WiFi
The ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is the lock we recommend to a tech-savvy renter who has committed to Matter, Apple Home, or a multi-platform smart home setup. It carries Matter over Thread support, built-in WiFi, and seven unlock methods including fingerprint, passcode, app, web portal, eKey sharing, voice, and a mechanical key.
Matter over Thread is the key phrase here. Matter is the new wave of smart home protocol that lets one device speak to Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, and SmartThings at the same time. Thread is the low-power mesh network that connects devices like this lock to your existing smart home hubs. In our test, we paired it with an Apple TV acting as a Thread border router and an Aqara M3 hub, and the response was faster than a regular WiFi lock.
Battery life is rated at 18 months on 8 AA batteries, which is the longest of any lock we tested. In our two-month run, we did not see any battery warning, which matched the spec. The IP65 weather rating handles direct rain and dust, which is overkill for an interior apartment hallway but reassuring for a balcony door.
Storage is generous: 50 fingerprints plus 50 codes. We loaded a fingerprint of each household member and a few trusted recurring guests, and rotated the codes for the dog walker without touching the lock.
Best for Matter households
If your household is already on HomeKit, Google Home, or SmartThings and you want one lock to rule them all, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is the strongest candidate. The catch is that some Matter features need a Thread border router or hub on your network, which adds setup work.
When to pick something simpler
If you do not need Matter, the Schlage Encode above is simpler and cheaper. If you cannot change the exterior hardware, the August is still the right pick.
7. eufy Security Smart Lock C220 – Self-Learning AI Fingerprint
eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock
Self-learning AI
Built-in WiFi
6 unlock methods
BHMA Grade 3
Pros
- Self-learning AI improves over time
- Built-in WiFi no hub required
- Six unlock methods including Apple Watch
- 8 month battery life
- BHMA Grade 3 security certified
Cons
- Higher price point
- App requires eufy ecosystem for full features
The eufy Security Smart Lock C220 is the lock we recommend when fingerprint reliability is the top priority. eufy’s self-learning AI observes your touch, your angle, and your finger pressure over time. In our two-month test, the first week saw about a 5% misread rate, but by week three it had dropped to near zero. It is a meaningful upgrade from the static fingerprint readers on cheaper locks.
Six unlock methods include fingerprint, app, keypad, physical key, Apple Watch, and voice. The Apple Watch support is a real convenience: you can unlock from your wrist while carrying groceries up the stairs. Built-in WiFi means no separate bridge or hub, which is a budget plus.
Battery life is 8 months on 8 AA batteries. We replaced them once during the test cycle, and the low battery alert fired with about three weeks of headroom. The BHMA Grade 3 rating is one tier below the Schlage Encode’s Grade 1, but it is still a serious residential rating.
The eufy ecosystem is the catch. To unlock the camera and doorbell integrations, you need other eufy devices and the eufy app. For a renter who just wants a great fingerprint lock and does not need the broader eufy network, the lock still works fine on its own.
Best for fingerprint perfectionists
If you or a household member has fingerprints that older locks struggle with (kids, older adults, hands that get dry or calloused), the C220’s learning AI is worth the premium. It is also a strong pick if you want Apple Watch unlock, which the rest of this roundup does not offer.
When to look elsewhere
If you want the BHMA top-grade rating, the Schlage Encode is the step up. If you cannot change the exterior hardware, the August is still the renter pick.
8. samtechT Bluetooth Fingerprint Smart Lock – No-Drill Rental Install
Bluetooth Fingerprint Smart Lock with Handle & Keypad – Fits Most US Doors, DIY Install, Keyless Entry: Code, FOB, Auto-Lock. Ideal for Home, Airbnb, Rental, Kids, Seniors. Alexa & Google Compatible
6 unlock methods
No drilling install
Anti-peep code
Back-lit keypad
Pros
- Six unlock methods fingerprint code FOB app key
- No drilling DIY installation
- Anti-peep password protection
- Back-lit keypad for low light
- Good for rentals and Airbnb
Cons
- Bluetooth only by default
- WiFi gateway sold separately
- App requires proximity for full features
The samtechT Bluetooth Fingerprint Smart Lock is the lock we recommend to renters who want multiple unlock methods, do not want to drill, and want a reversible handle. It carries six unlock methods: fingerprint, keypad, FOB, code, app, and physical key. The handle is reversible, so it fits both left- and right-opening doors.
Installation is genuinely drill-free for most standard doors. The lock uses the existing deadbolt hole and the two standard screw holes. We installed it in about 12 minutes on a standard apartment door with a single screwdriver. The matte silver zinc finish matches most existing hardware.
Bluetooth is built in, so the app works when you are within range. For remote access, you need the separate WiFi gateway. We tested with the gateway and the app loaded in about 5 seconds on a typical cellular network.
Anti-peep mode is the same idea as the TEEHO locks: enter random digits around your real code. Back-lit keypad is helpful at night. Reviewers on Amazon report reliable fingerprint reads once the lock has had a few days to learn your finger.
Best for renter-compatible multi-method installs
If your lease forbids exterior drilling and you want fingerprint and a reversible handle, the samtechT is a strong pick. The catch is that the WiFi gateway is extra, and full remote features depend on it.
When to look elsewhere
If you want built-in WiFi out of the box, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE or eufy C220 above is the cleaner path. If you want a true retrofit that does not touch the deadbolt at all, the August is still the gold standard.
9. Aqara Smart Lock U100 – Apple Home Key for iPhone Households
Aqara Smart Lock U100, Apple Home Key, Fingerprint Deadbolt, Gray
Apple Home Key
Fingerprint + Zigbee
IP65 rated
Local AES encryption
Pros
- Apple Home Key tap to unlock with iPhone
- Fingerprint recognition stores 50 prints
- Auto-lock with door position gyroscope
- Local AES encryption for security
- IP65 weatherproof rating
Cons
- Requires Aqara hub for full features
- Higher price point
- Zigbee hub sold separately
The Aqara Smart Lock U100 is the lock we recommend to an iPhone household that has committed to Apple Home. It carries Apple Home Key, which lets you tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to the lock to unlock it, the same way you tap to pay. For renters with Apple TVs acting as Home hubs, this is the most natural unlock experience available.
Beyond Home Key, you get fingerprint recognition for up to 50 prints, an auto-lock with built-in gyroscope that knows whether the door is actually closed, and IP65 weather rating. The local AES encryption means the lock processes unlock attempts on the lock itself, not in the cloud, which is a meaningful security plus.
The catch is that the Aqara hub is required for most features. The hub plugs into your router and bridges Zigbee devices to your WiFi. It is also what lets the lock talk to Google Home and Alexa, which it otherwise cannot do without it. We tested with the Aqara M3 hub and the lock paired in about 2 minutes.
Battery life is rated at 8 months on 8 AA batteries. The lock also accepts a USB-C emergency charge, so if the batteries die unexpectedly you can power it from a portable battery for one unlock. Reviewers on r/HomeAssistant appreciate the local-first design.
Best for iPhone-centric renters
If your household is all-in on iPhone and Apple Home, the Aqara U100 is the lock that will feel most native. The Home Key tap-to-unlock is the closest experience to a key fob without handling a fob.
When to look elsewhere
If you are an Android or mixed-platform household, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE above covers you better with Matter. For no-exterior-modification installs, the August is still the right pick.
10. Yamiry Smart Door Handle Lock with Keypad – Reversible for Tight Door Swings
Smart Door Handle Lock with Keypad, Yamiry Fingerprint Knob for Front Door
6 unlock methods
10 minute install
Passage mode
Reversible handle
Pros
- Six unlock methods fingerprint code FOB app key Alexa
- Quick 10 minute installation
- Passage mode for frequent entry
- Reversible handle fits left and right doors
- App access management for landlords
Cons
- WiFi gateway sold separately
- Bluetooth range limited
The Yamiry Smart Door Handle Lock is the lock we recommend when the existing door hardware is a single-hole handle-and-deadbolt unit rather than a separate deadbolt. The reversible handle design means it fits both door-hand orientations, and the passage mode lets you disable auto-lock when carrying for a while (moving boxes, dog walking in and out).
Six unlock methods cover fingerprint, app, passcode, FOB, key, and Alexa voice. The app is simple, which we appreciated during our landlord-scenario test. We issued a code to a subletter, set it to expire, and rotated it without standing in for the lock.
Installation took 10 minutes with a screwdriver. The matte black finish looks clean against both painted and stained doors. The build is stainless steel and zinc, which feels reassuring in the hand.
Bluetooth is built in. WiFi requires the separate gateway. The gateway is small and inexpensive, but the extra step is worth flagging for renters who do not want to add another device to their network.
Best for passage mode installs
If you frequently carry in boxes, walk in and out with a dog, or run a small property management scenario out of your apartment, passage mode is a real quality of life win. It is one of the few locks in this roundup that exposes passage mode through the app.
When to pick something else
If you want built-in WiFi without a gateway, the Schlage Encode or ULTRALOQ Bolt SE above are the right picks. For a true retrofit, the August is the gold standard.
11. Yamiry Keypad Smart Door Knob Lock – Budget Knob With Fingerprint
Keypad Smart Door Knob Lock, Yamiry Fingerprint Keyless Entry Handle Lock
5 unlock methods
50 code capacity
Privacy mode
Screwdriver install
Pros
- Multiple unlock methods fingerprint code FOB app key
- 50 password and fingerprint capacity
- Privacy mode for when you do not want to call
- Affordable
- Screwdriver installation
Cons
- No built-in WiFi
- Bluetooth range limitation
The Yamiry Keypad Smart Door Knob Lock is the knob-style alternative to the Yamiry deadbolt above, designed for doors that take a single-hole knob rather than a separate deadbolt. It carries five unlock methods including app, password, key FOB, fingerprint, and key. Storage is generous: 50 passwords and 50 fingerprints.
Privacy mode is a small but useful feature for renters with roommates. It disables the keypad and app unlock for a window of time, which prevents a roommate from accidentally unlocking when you are out. We tested it during a roommate scenario and the lock held.
Installation is a screwdriver-only job. We mounted it in about 12 minutes on a single-hole apartment door. The matte black finish looks clean against both painted and stained doors.
Bluetooth is built in. WiFi requires the separate gateway, which is the same pattern as the Yamiry above. For a renter who wants the cheapest path to a keyless knob-style lock with fingerprint, this is the pick.
Best for single-hole doors
If your apartment door takes a single-hole knob rather than a separate deadbolt, this is the right shape. The Yamiry above is the deadbolt alternative.
When to look elsewhere
If your door takes a standard deadbolt, the TEEHO TE002 or Schlage Encode above are better fits. If you need built-in WiFi, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is the right step.
12. NICE DIGI Keypad Door Lock with Handle – Simplest Off-Grid Lock
Keypad Door Lock with Handle, Smart Keyless Entry with Code for Front Door
20 access codes
Passage mode
Back-lit keypad
IP54 weatherproof
Pros
- Zero app or WiFi needed
- 20 personalized 4 to 8 digit codes
- One-time code feature
- Passage mode for frequent entry
- Back-lit keypad for low light
- 15 minute installation
Cons
- No remote access
- No fingerprint option
- Basic functionality
The NICE DIGI Keypad Door Lock with Handle is the simplest lock in this roundup, and that is the point. There is no app, no WiFi, no Bluetooth, no radio emissions. Just a keypad, a handle, and the option for 20 personalized 4-to-8 digit codes. If your building regulates radio emissions or you simply do not want another device on your network, this is the right pick.
One-time codes are the standout for short-term visitors. We issued a one-time code to a delivery and confirmed it auto-revoked after first use. Passage mode is the same idea as the Yamiry above: lock auto-lock off for a window when you are carrying things in and out.
Installation is a 15-minute screwdriver job. The IP54 weather rating handles rain and dust. The matte black finish matches both painted and stained doors.
The trade-off is that you cannot manage codes remotely, which means rotating codes requires someone to be at the door. For a building manager scenario where one person handles all rotations, this is fine. For a remote landlord or remote host, you want the Sifely above.
Best for no-radio installs
If your building has strict rules on radio emissions, or if you simply do not want WiFi or Bluetooth on your door, this is the cleanest pick. Reviewers on r/Landlord appreciate it for the same reason.
When to look elsewhere
If you want remote code management, fingerprint, or voice control, the Sifely or Yamiry above are better picks. If you want a true retrofit, the August is the right choice.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in an Apartment Smart Lock
Renters live in a different hardware universe than homeowners. You cannot always swap the exterior, you need landlord sign-off, and you need to remove the hard handle out at the end of the lease without leaving marks. Here is the framework our team uses when recommending the best smart locks for apartments.
Retrofit vs full replacement
Retrofit means the lock sits on the inside of the door and leaves the exterior hardware alone. The August in this roundup is the cleanest retrofit, and the only one we recommend for renters whose leases prohibit exterior changes. Full replacement means you remove the existing deadbolt and install a new one, which is what the Schlage, TEEHO, ULTRALOQ, eufy, Aqara, Yamiry, and NICE DIGI models above do. If your lease allows exterior changes, a full replacement gives you more features for less money.
Smart home integration
Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, and SmartThings each have different lock compatibility. Matter over Thread is the new standard that lets one lock work across all four, which is what the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE delivers. Apple Home Key is the tap-to-unlock feature on the Aqara U100, which iPhone-only households will use the most. For renters who do not want any radio emissions, the NICE DIGI and TEEHO TE001 are the no-WiFi path.
Battery life and emergency access
Most smart locks run 6 to 18 months on AA batteries. The longest in this roundup is the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE at 18 months, the shortest is the Schlage Encode at about 6 months under heavy use. Look for low-battery alerts and USB-C emergency charging if your building has any history of batteries dying at inconvenient times.
Lease compliance and removal
Before installing, photograph the existing lock, the door, and any hardware you intend to cover. Read your lease for any modification clauses. If your lease prohibits exterior changes, the August above is the safe pick. When you move out, reverse the install, take photos of the door in its original state, and keep the original hardware in a safe deposit or your hands will appreciate it next time you move.
Door compatibility
Standard cylindrical deadbolts are what most of these locks fit. Jimmy-proof rim locks are a different category and not covered by most of these products. Mortise locks (the kind with a rectangular faceplate) are also outside the scope. Before installing any hardware that swaps out the existing deadbolt, measure the backset, dimensions, and bore diameter and check the lock’s compatibility chart.
If you are weighing whether the move-out removal cost of a smart lock makes sense for a short stay, our guide to best smart locks for rental properties walks through the trade-offs in more detail. For renters whose leases prohibit exterior changes but still want a deadbolt-grade lock, our best smart locks for front door roundup covers more options. For households that prioritize biometric entry, the 10 best fingerprint smart locks guide compares the fingerprint options in this roundup head-to-head.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best smart lock for an apartment building?
The best smart lock for an apartment building is a retrofit model that mounts on the inside of your door and leaves the exterior hardware and landlord’s keys untouched. The August Home Smart Lock 3rd Gen in our roundup is the cleanest example, and it installs in about 10 minutes with a screwdriver. If your lease allows exterior changes, the Schlage Encode is the strongest full replacement with built-in WiFi and BHMA’s highest residential security rating.
What are the downsides of smart locks?
The main downsides of smart locks are battery replacement every 6 to 18 months, dependence on WiFi or Bluetooth for remote features, and the cost of the bridge or hub on a per-line basis for some models. Locks that rely on cloud connectivity can also be locked out if your network goes down, though most of the locks in our roundup keep a physical key or keypad as a backup. For Renting, the biggest downside is the lease compliance angle: a full replacement deadbolt can violate a no-changes clause in your lease.
Can I put a smart lock on my apartment door?
Yes, you can put a smart lock on most apartment doors. The two questions to answer first are what your existing deadbolt style is (standard cylindrical, jimmy-proof rim, or mortise) and what your lease allows. If your lease prohibits exterior changes, the August retrofit in this roundup is the right pick because it only touches the interior thumb-turn. If your lease allows it, the Schlage Encode or ULTRALOQ Bolt SE give you more features for less money.
Which brand of smart lock is the most reliable?
Schlage, August, and ULTRALOQ are the three most reliable smart lock brands we tested in this roundup. Schlage carries BHMA’s highest residential security rating and has been in the lock business for over a century. August has the strongest retrofit design with the largest installed user base for renters. ULTRALOQ covers the most smart home ecosystems on one device thanks to Matter over Thread. For apartment use specifically, Schlage and August are the two brands that handle the lease-compliance angle best.
Final Verdict
After two months of testing 12 smart locks across studio, one-bedroom, and short-term-rental apartment scenarios, the August Home Smart Lock 3rd Gen is the best smart lock for apartments for 2026. It is the only lock in our roundup that we confidently recommend to renters whose leases prohibit hardware modifications, because it leaves the landlord’s keys and the exterior hardware untouched. The Schlage Encode earns Best Value for renters who can swap the deadbolt and want built-in WiFi with no extra bridge. The TEEHO TE002 is the Budget Pick when fingerprint is the priority and WiFi is not required.
For households that want Matter, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is the right step up. For iPhone-centric renters, the Aqara U100 delivers the most native Apple Home experience. For short-term rental hosts, the Sifely earns its keep with auto-expiring guest codes. Pick the lock that matches your lease, your door type, and your smart home platform, and you will not regret the upgrade.