The most expensive part of renting out a property is not the smart lock. It is the locksmith visit at every turnover, the emergency call when a key gets locked on a balcony, and the tenant who somehow still has a working copy of last quarter’s key. If you manage even one rental, you already know that physical keys turn a handover into a small logistics problem.
That is the whole argument for the best smart locks for rental properties: a landlord or host issues a numeric code from a phone, sets it to expire on checkout, and never touches a cylinder again. Guests tap a keypad instead of downloading an app, and the entry lands in an activity log you can check from anywhere. Our picks below cover both ends of the market, from offline keypad deadbolts for a single unit to connected locks with fingerprint readers and remote unlock for a small portfolio.
Short on time? Our top pick is the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt, which pairs built-in Wi-Fi with up to 100 access codes and works with Alexa and Google Home. If your rental sits somewhere with patchy internet, the offline keypad options lower down never need a connection at all. We also link our broader guides to the best smart door locks with keypads and the best smart locks for front doors if you want more context on the hardware itself.
Top 3 Smart Lock Picks for Rental Properties in September 2026
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi…
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- no hub
- Up to 100 access codes
- Works with Alexa and Google Home
- BHMA certified
- 4 AA batteries for about 6 months
TEEHO TE001 Keypad Deadbolt
- 20 user codes plus one-time code
- Works fully offline
- 365-day claimed battery life
- IP54 weatherproof
- ANSI Grade 3
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE WiFi Smart…
- Fingerprint reader for 50 prints
- Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- Matter over Thread support
- BHMA Grade 1
- IP65 weatherproof
All 10 Smart Locks Compared in September 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt |
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| TEEHO TE001 Keypad Deadbolt |
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| ULTRALOQ Bolt SE WiFi Smart Lock |
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 Sifely Smart Lock with Fingerprint and Keypad |
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 eufy Security Smart Lock C220 |
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 Veise RZ-A Keypad Deadbolt |
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 Yamiry YR01 Fingerprint Handle Lock |
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 Veise RZ07 Fingerprint Smart Deadbolt |
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 ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi Smart Lock |
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 Kwikset SmartCode 260 |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt – Best Overall for Rentals
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Century Trim, Matte Black
Built-in Wi-Fi no hub
Up to 100 access codes
Alexa and Google Home
BHMA certified
4 AA batteries
Pros
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no separate hub
- Automatic guest code creation and deletion
- Very large review base from real installs
- Physical backup key included
- Auto-lock with adjustable delay
Cons
- Keypad numbers hard to read in low light
- Capacitive touchscreen can miss taps
- Rekeying takes a hardware store visit
Of everything in this list, this is the lock I would put on a door I do not live next door to. It carries built-in Wi-Fi, which removes the single most common complaint about smart locks in rentals: a lock that only works when the router is within range and powered. With 100 access codes available, you can hand a maintenance worker, a dog walker, and three guests their own code and still have plenty of room left for the next booking.
The Airbnb side is the reason it lands at the top of my list. Members of the Airbnb community repeatedly point to the Schlage Encode family when automatic code creation is the deciding factor, because codes generate, send, and delete around booking dates instead of requiring a human to remember to remove them. One r/BayAreaRealEstate user described running a single Schlage smart lock this way, issuing separate codes for contractors, dog sitters, and family rather than handing around one shared code that anyone can pass along.
Battery life is the honest weak spot. The spec sheet says four AA cells for up to six months, which is fine on a normal residential door. On a shared front door of an apartment building, where the lock is worked a hundred times a day, expect considerably less, and an r/homeassistant user reported burning through four AA alkaline cells in two to three months on a high-traffic office door using a connected lock. Budget for a quarterly battery sweep on busy doors rather than a twice-yearly one.
Two smaller things came up often in reviews. The fingerprint-resistant capacitive keypad is hard to read in a dim hallway, and it occasionally needs a deliberate, slower press. If your property is an older building with poor hallway lighting, that is a real consideration rather than a nitpick.
What this lock does well for landlords
The self-service code model is the whole point. A code can be created from a phone while a tenant is at the airport, scheduled for the exact lease dates, and deleted the moment they hand back keys, which removes the rekeying cost from every turnover. Combined with 100-code capacity, one lock can serve a whole small portfolio without anyone sharing a code.
There is also a physical backup key in the box, which matters more for a rental than for a family home. If the batteries die overnight and nobody can get in, the door is not sealed. Owners can also re-lock the keypad entirely for travel periods, so a leftover guest code stops being a liability.
Where it will frustrate you
Rekeying this lock is not a DIY job the way it is on the Kwikset below. If you need to change the cylinder, that means a trip to a hardware store, which partly defeats the do-it-yourself appeal. And if your router disables its 2.4 GHz band or merges both bands under one network name, the remote unlock half of the feature set will need troubleshooting before it works.
2. TEEHO TE001 Keypad Deadbolt – Best Value Offline Lock
TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt with Keypad for Front Door, Satin Nickel
Fully offline keypad
20 user codes plus one temporary
4 AA for up to 365 days claimed
IP54 weatherproof
ANSI Grade 3
Pros
- No app or internet dependency
- Generous 20-code capacity for small properties
- Long claimed battery interval
- Two physical backup keys included
- Ten to twenty minute installation
Cons
- No remote unlock or activity log
- Interior housing is plastic
- Beeping is loud on entry
- Batteries not included
This is the lock to buy when the property has no internet, a flaky router, or a tenant who will not install anything. It stores codes on the keypad itself, so entry never depends on a cloud connection, a phone, or an app. Twenty user codes plus a temporary code is more than enough for a single unit, a couple of contractors, and a rotating guest list.
The rating sits at 4.5 across more than 10,000 reviews, and the pattern in those reviews is unusually consistent. Buyers describe a straightforward screwdriver install in ten to twenty minutes, reliable keypad response, and a battery interval claimed at up to 365 days on four AA cells. People running short-term rentals tend to treat the lack of connectivity as a feature rather than a limitation, which tells you something about who this lock is really for.
Ten wrong entries trigger a three-minute lockout, and the anti-peeping password option lets you add a random digit to your code so a shoulder-surfer cannot derive it. Vacation mode disables the keypad entirely, and silent mode turns off the confirmation beep, which matters if the door is beside a bedroom wall in a small apartment.
The compromises are honest ones. There is no activity log, so you cannot tell a returning guest from someone testing codes, and no remote unlock if you need to let a plumber in from across town. The interior housing is plastic, which is where most budget deadbolts economise, and the beeping is loud enough that reviewers with sleeping children notice it.
Why offline is a strength here
Most lockout stories on rental forums are connectivity stories. A guest arrives, the app cannot pair, the phone is at four percent, and somebody is standing on a doorstep at midnight with no way in. A keypad that checks codes locally removes that entire failure category, which is why the offline category in this list is not a compromise tier but a deliberate choice for older buildings and rural units.
For a landlord with one or two doors, that is often faster than learning an app.
When to buy something else instead
Pick a connected lock instead if you need to unlock a door remotely for a late arrival, or if you need an audit trail showing who entered and when across a multi-unit building. Also consider a fingerprint model if you are handing a home to a tenant who struggles with small numeric keypads, since a reader avoids mistyped digits entirely.
3. ULTRALOQ Bolt SE WiFi Smart Lock – Best Feature Set for Connected Rentals
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Matter Over Thread, App Remote Access
Fingerprint reader for 50 prints
Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
Matter over Thread support
BHMA Grade 1, IP65
18-month claimed battery
Pros
- Seven unlock methods in one body
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no bridge required
- Matter over Thread for Apple Home
- High fingerprint recognition quality
- No monthly subscription
Cons
- Fingerprint reader occasionally unreliable
- Reported Wi-Fi drops
- App and Alexa integration bugs
- Firmware updates cause problems
The Bolt SE packs more ways into one door than anything else here. Fingerprint, passcode, app, web portal, shared eKey, voice, and a mechanical key all work on the same body, and the keypad is glove-friendly. For a property where a dog walker arrives in winter, a cleaner codes in at six in the morning, and a guest self-checks in at nine at night, having a fingerprint reader alongside the keypad removes a lot of friction.
Connectivity is where it earns its premium badge. Wi-Fi is built into the lock, so there is no hub to power or pair, and Matter over Thread support means it can join an Apple Home setup through a Thread border router if you already run one. The same list of supported assistants covers Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings, with no subscription attached.
Security spec is the strongest claim in the group alongside the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt below: ANSI BHMA certification at Grade 1, with an IP65 weather rating for an exposed exterior door. The manufacturer claims an 18-month battery interval when used on the low-energy Thread mesh, which is the most aggressive figure any of these makers publishes, though some buyers report faster drain than advertised when they rely on Wi-Fi rather than Thread.
The recurring gripes are consistent enough to plan around. The fingerprint reader fails intermittently, which means you still need a working keypad code as the primary method. Wi-Fi drops are reported by a minority of owners, the app is described as complex, and firmware updates have caused problems for some users after purchase.
What makes it a landlord-friendly pick
Fifty passcodes and fifty fingerprints is a lot of headroom for a single unit, and the eKey sharing and web portal tools mean a property manager can issue access from a desk rather than by standing at the door. The lockout-free design also helps during high-traffic periods, since nobody is wiping codes off a list to make room for the next guest.
Grade 1 certification matters if your rental is on a street with overnight foot traffic or you are leaving a property unoccupied between bookings, because it certifies the lock against higher force and impact thresholds than lower grades.
Where it falls short
Matter over Thread only helps if you already run a Thread border router, so on most rentals that feature sits dormant and the lock operates as a standard Wi-Fi device on the 2.4 GHz band. That 2.4 GHz requirement is the most common setup failure we see described, and it is worth checking your router before ordering.
4. Sifely Smart Lock with Fingerprint and Keypad – Best for Short-Term Rentals
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
Fingerprint plus keypad
App control over Bluetooth
Optional WiFi gateway
Reversible handle
2 keys and 2 key cards
Pros
- Six unlock methods including fob and voice
- Popular with Airbnb hosts for remote codes
- Easy installation
- Reversible handle for either hand of door
- Responsive customer support
Cons
- Separate gateway needed for remote access
- Fingerprint memory errors reported
- Low speaker volume
- Internal handle position can trap guests
Sifely is the name that shows up most often in host circles for vacation rentals, and the reason is simple: the lock does useful things over Bluetooth at the door, and the brand’s list of recommended uses explicitly names Airbnb guest access, rental property management, and apartment and vacation rentals. Buyers cite remote code generation as the deciding factor when choosing it.
The unlocking list is broad for the money: fingerprint, keypad passcode, app, key fob, mechanical key, and voice through a gateway. Two physical keys and two key cards ship in the box, which gives you a fallback if the electronics ever die, and auto-lock timing is adjustable so the door can re-secure itself after a guest walks out carrying luggage.
Two design details deserve attention before you buy. The internal handle position sits in a place some guests can catch on, and reviewers describe it as a lockout risk rather than a cosmetic complaint. The keypad is also described as intermittently unresponsive, and a missed tap at midnight with a tired guest is a worse experience than a slightly slower fingerprint reader.
Remote access is the real limitation. Out of the box this is a Bluetooth lock, and a separate WiFi gateway is needed before you can unlock from anywhere or use Alexa and Google. For a host managing a scattered portfolio, that extra hub is a cost and a failure point; for one rental you visit occasionally, it is manageable.
Why hosts pick this one
Reversible handle installation is genuinely useful in older rental stock, where door handing is inconsistent and a handed lever would otherwise mean swapping the unit. The keypad-plus-fingerprint combination also means a guest who dislikes apps still gets in with a code, and a returning guest with a saved print skips the keypad entirely.
Weather resistance is adequate for a covered entry door, though the lock is described as needing an extra cover in fully exposed positions. For a ground-floor rental in a wet climate, check the exposure before you commit.
Where it falls short
The gateway requirement is the dealbreaker for anyone managing more than one door remotely, and fingerprint memory errors mean you should still program and test every print you intend to rely on. The low speaker volume also makes confirmation tones hard to hear, which is a nuisance for guests at a distance from the door at night.
5. eufy Security Smart Lock C220 – Best for Fingerprint Entry
eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock
Built-in Wi-Fi, no bridge
Self-learning fingerprint, 6 unlock methods
8 AA batteries, about 8 months
BHMA Grade 3, IP53
Pros
- Fastest fingerprint recognition in this group
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no bridge required
- Eight AA batteries included in the box
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Intrusion alarm on unusual attempts
Cons
- Auto-lock can be too aggressive
- Door alignment must be precise for proper latching
- No Matter or HomeKit support
- Battery indicator not always accurate
When a property has several people coming and going and at least one of them finds numeric keypads fiddly in the dark, a fingerprint reader removes a recurring class of complaint. This lock reads prints quickly and uses a self-learning algorithm that improves with repeated use, and it accepts up to 50 fingerprints alongside passcodes, an app, a physical key, an Apple Watch, and voice.
Wi-Fi is built in, so there is no bridge to install, and remote unlock works out of the box. That matters for a landlord who wants to let a contractor in without driving across town, and it removes the gateway purchase that penalises several cheaper fingerprint locks in this list. Buyers consistently rate the fingerprint speed as the best in its class.
Battery provision is generous and unusually complete: eight AA batteries ship in the box and the claim is roughly eight months, which reduces the chance of a lock dying because somebody forgot to buy cells. Operating range is listed from minus 22 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit, and the lock carries IP53 water protection and BHMA Grade 3 certification.
The recurring problem is auto-lock behaviour. Owners describe it as too aggressive, with the door locking while someone is carrying groceries or a bag, and the fix is usually to extend the auto-lock delay or use passage mode. Door alignment also has to be precise, because a badly seated strike will stop the deadbolt from throwing fully, and a few owners report a battery indicator that is not perfectly accurate.
Where this lock earns its place
Shared-entry buildings benefit most here. A common front door used by several tenants, a dog walker, and a caretaker is the case where fingerprint access stops being a luxury and starts saving support calls, and eight included batteries mean one less thing to chase on move-in day.
Apple Watch unlock is a quiet bonus for households already in that ecosystem, and the intrusion alarm for unusual attempts gives an owner at least some signal when someone is trying codes at an empty property.
Where it falls short
There is no Matter or HomeKit support, so if your rental sits inside a smart home built around Apple, this lock stays outside it. The aggressive auto-lock needs tuning on install, and the Grade 3 certification is a step below the Grade 1 models in this list, which matters more on a standalone property with a shared exterior door.
6. Veise RZ-A Keypad Deadbolt – Budget Pick for Simple Units
Veise RZ-A Electronic Keypad Deadbolt Door Lock, Satin Nickel
Offline keypad deadbolt
20 codes plus one-time codes
4 AA for 12 months claimed
IP54, BHMA Grade 3
2 backup keys
Pros
- No connectivity to fail
- Ten-minute installation
- Reliable keypad operation
- Vacation and silent modes
- Two backup keys included
Cons
- No app or remote access
- Plastic interior housing
- Batteries not included
- 20-code ceiling
- May need a wider door bore
This is the second offline lock in the list, and it earns its place with a tighter security claim and a clearer wrong-code response. It is BHMA and ANSI Grade 3 certified for over 200,000 cycles, rated IP54 for weather, and specified from minus 35 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it a sensible fit for an exposed side or back door on a rental.
Code management is the same shape as the TEEHO: twenty permanent codes plus one-time codes, anti-peeping password support, and a ten-attempt lockout that freezes the keypad for three minutes. Vacation mode disables entry entirely, and silent mode removes the beep for close-quarters apartments.
Buyers rate the installation at around ten minutes with a screwdriver, and the review pattern is dominated by reliability rather than excitement. That is exactly what a landlord wants on a unit nobody supervises: a keypad that responds the same way on the hundredth unlock as on the first.
The trade-offs match the price bracket. The interior housing is plastic, four AA batteries are not included, and the twenty-code ceiling is limiting if you are running a building rather than a flat. One installation note worth checking: some owners report needing a slightly larger door bore, so measure before ordering if your door was drilled by a previous occupant.
Why it beats a plain rekeyable keypad
A mechanical keypad still means a locksmith visit whenever a tenant loses a key, and a landlord carrying a single master key across a whole building is one stolen ring away from rekeying every door. This lock replaces that cylinder work with twenty independent credentials that you can delete one at a time, without touching the door.
For small units with a stable tenant list, that is usually enough gain to justify the jump. Temperature tolerance is the sleeper feature. If your rental is in a region with genuinely cold winters or hot summers, a lock specified for that range removes a category of seasonal failure you would otherwise discover during an emergency callout.
Where it falls short
No remote unlock and no log means you still need to be physically present, so this is the wrong pick for a host doing contactless check-ins at midnight. The plastic interior housing is also the part most likely to be criticised after a few seasons of weather, and the batteries not being included is an easy trip to make on install day.
7. Yamiry YR01 Fingerprint Handle Lock – Best for Handle-Style Doors
Smart Door Handle Lock with Keypad, Yamiry Fingerprint Knob for Front Door
Fingerprint handle with app control
Six unlock methods
Reversible handle
10-minute DIY install
2 fobs and 2 keys
Pros
- Handle format suits doors without a deadbolt
- Remote code generation through the app
- Reversible for either hand of door
- 10-minute installation
- Passage mode for busy doors
Cons
- Gateway needed for Alexa and remote access
- Fingerprint reader can be finicky
- App connectivity issues reported
- Limited smart home integration
- Handle may not fit all doors
Most deadbolts assume a flat door with a drilled bore. If your rental has a lever handle and no deadbolt, this is the option that replaces the handle rather than forcing a retrofit, and that single difference can be the difference between a ten-minute install and a carpenter’s visit. The handle is reversible for either hand of door, which removes the most common install error.
Entry methods are broad: fingerprint, Bluetooth app, passcode, two key fobs, a mechanical key, and voice through a gateway. The app handles remote code generation and access logs, and the manufacturer explicitly positions the product for landlords, hosts, and property managers. Buyers rate the app-based code management as the main reason to choose it.
Passage mode is the detail that makes sense in a rental: it holds the handle unlocked during a window you choose, which suits a property in a warmer climate or a unit where a delivery is expected. Stainless steel and zinc construction with a matte black finish reads as durable in photos, and the install is rated at about ten minutes.
Weaknesses cluster around the electronics and the ecosystem. The fingerprint reader is described as finicky, the app has reported connectivity issues, and voice control plus true remote access need a separate WiFi gateway. Integration beyond the phone is limited, so this will not sit neatly inside a broad smart home setup.
When this is the right lock
If your doors are interior-style or have lever hardware only, the alternative is usually an adapter plate or a deadbolt cut into a door that was never designed for one. This removes that decision entirely, and the reversible handle means you can fit it to a door whose handing you are unsure about.
For a small landlord, the app log is genuinely useful because it answers the question every key-based door leaves open, which is who was actually coming and going during the week.
Where it falls short
Bluetooth-only operation out of the box limits you to the doorstep, and the gateway needed for remote access is an extra purchase plus another device to mount and power. If you already own connected locks on other doors, standardising usually beats buying a more specialised one.
8. Veise RZ07 Fingerprint Smart Deadbolt – Best for Large Code Capacity
Veise RZ07 Fingerprint Smart Door Lock Deadbolt, App Control, Matte Black
250+ scheduled user codes
0.2-second fingerprint
App and web portal
0.2-second AI fingerprint, 50 prints
BHMA Grade 3, IP55
Pros
- Largest code capacity in this group
- Scheduling and user management in the app
- Very fast fingerprint reads
- US-based customer support
- 12-month claimed battery life
Cons
- Gateway required for Alexa and Google
- Dark keypad hard to read in sunlight
- Some motor failures reported after two years
- App Bluetooth pairing issues
Capacity is the headline here. Over 250 programmable user codes with scheduling means a small apartment building, a co-living space, or a host with a heavy booking calendar can run every tenant, contractor, and cleaner on their own credential without recycling codes. Most competing locks in this list cap out between 20 and 100.
The fingerprint reader is specified at 0.2 seconds with AI learning across 50 prints, and buyers confirm the speed is genuinely fast. Auto-lock, one-touch lock, privacy mode, and passage mode cover most operational habits, and the app plus web portal combination is the most complete remote management story in the group, with remote eKey sharing and event history.
Two physical keys and two IC cards ship in the box, so you can issue a card to a cleaner and keep the keys for yourself. The lock is BHMA and ANSI Grade 3 with an IP55 weather rating, and the claimed battery interval is twelve months on four AA cells.
The complaints are consistent and worth planning around. The keypad has a dark tint that is hard to read in direct sunlight, which matters for an exterior door in a warm climate. Some owners report motor failure after roughly two years of use, and app Bluetooth pairing issues come up often enough to expect an occasional re-pair. Voice assistants need a separate Veise G2 gateway, which is an extra device and cost.
Why capacity changes the workflow
With 20 codes you are constantly deleting and reusing entries, and that is where mistakes happen, including leaving a previous tenant’s code active. With 250 plus, you can create a unique code per stay, set its schedule, and let it expire, which removes the single highest-risk error in rental key management. The event history also gives you a defensible record if a dispute arises over an entry.
US-based customer support is consistently praised, and for a landlord managing hardware on multiple doors, reachable support has real value when a unit is empty and nobody can get in.
Where it falls short
Dark keypad visibility in sunlight is a genuine guest-friction issue, not a specification quibble, because a code that cannot be read cannot be entered. The reported motor failures also mean you should think about a service interval for a portfolio, since the electronics sit behind a door that nobody opens for maintenance.
9. ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi Smart Lock – Best for High Security Grade
ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi Smart Lock with Door Sensor, App Remote Access
ANSI Grade 1 certified
Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
Included door sensor
IP65 weatherproof
4 AA for 8 months claimed
Pros
- Highest certified grade in this list
- Door sensor helps prevent lock damage
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no bridge
- Fifty custom one-time or scheduled passcodes
- Auto-lock and approach auto-unlock
Cons
- Frequent Wi-Fi drops reported
- App described as over-complicated
- Firmware updates problematic
- Log access can be slow
- Some units fail to reconnect
Two things set this one apart. The first is the certification: ANSI and BHMA Grade 1, the highest residential rating, on a zinc alloy body with an IP65 weather rating. The second is the included door sensor, which reports open and closed status and tells the lock not to drive the bolt into a door that is still open, which is exactly the failure that destroys cheap electronic deadbolts on high-traffic entrances.
Connectivity is built in on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi within roughly 70 feet of the router, and the lock works with Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and IFTTT. Fifty custom passcodes support one-time and scheduled use, and a lockout mode disables the keypad entirely for travel periods, which is a genuinely useful feature for an empty rental between bookings.
Auto-unlock on approach is a nicer experience for tenants coming back with hands full, and auto-lock on close covers the opposite case. Four AA batteries are included, and the claimed interval is about eight months, with a lifetime mechanical warranty behind the lock itself.
The honest weakness is Wi-Fi reliability. Multiple owners report the connection dropping and units that fail to rejoin the network on their own, which is the riskiest kind of failure for a remote landlord, since the door then needs a physical visit. The app is also described as over-complicated, firmware updates have caused problems, and log access can be slow.
Where the security grade pays off
Grade 1 certification matters most on standalone doors exposed to the street, rear doors on buildings with shared side access, and any property that sits empty for stretches. It certifies resistance to higher force and impact thresholds than the Grade 2 and Grade 3 units elsewhere in this list, so it is the choice when the door itself is the weak point.
The door sensor is the underrated feature for busy rentals. A deadbolt driven repeatedly into an open door is how electronics fail, and preventing that is a cheap form of maintenance for a property you visit twice a year.
Where it falls short
Connectivity reliability is the deciding factor, and it is worth testing your own router before committing. A lock that intermittently drops its network is worse than an offline keypad for remote management, because you will plan around a remote unlock that sometimes is not there.
10. Kwikset SmartCode 260 – Best for Self-Rekeying Between Tenants
Kwikset SmartCode 260 Keyless Entry Electronic Keypad Deadbolt Door Lock
SmartKey DIY re-keying
BHMA Grade 2 certified
50 codes plus 10 one-time
Offline keypad
12-month battery claimed
Pros
- Re-key to a new key yourself in minutes
- BHMA Grade 2 for a mechanical keypad
- Microban antimicrobial keypad
- Vacation mode disables the keypad
- Traditional styling suits older doors
Cons
- No connectivity or remote unlock
- Install instructions confusing for re-handing
- Some deadbolt binding issues
- Customer support reported slow
- 4 AA batteries not included
This is the lock that long-term landlords keep recommending, and the reason appears again and again in forum threads: SmartKey re-keying lets you rekey the cylinder yourself in a couple of minutes with the supplied learn tool, without changing the lockset. BiggerPockets members favour exactly this, citing that it is affordable and easy to rekey when the property turns over, and r/Landlord posters single out Kwikset for the same reason.
That single feature changes the cost of a turnover. Rather than booking a locksmith to rekey a cylinder, you insert the current working key, insert your new key, and turn the learn tool. Every previous copy of the old key stops working, and you hand the new key to the incoming tenant without leaving the property.
Security is better than the other offline keypads in this list. BHMA Grade 2 certification is rated at roughly two and a half times the strength of Grade 3, and the keypad carries Microban antimicrobial protection, which is a small but real consideration for a shared entry door in a humid climate. Code capacity is 50 user codes plus 10 one-time codes, and an intrusion alarm sounds after three failed attempts.
It is also offline, with no app, no hub, and no firmware, which removes an entire category of failure. Auto-lock offers several delay settings, and vacation mode disables the keypad completely. The BILT 3D app guides installation, though the instructions are frequently criticised for poor documentation on re-handing, and a few owners report deadbolt binding that needs adjustment.
When self-rekeying is the deciding feature
If you run long-term leases, rekeying happens constantly, and it is the one cost a smart lock cannot fully remove. Code-based locks solve the guest problem by making a credential expire, but the cylinder underneath is still the same cylinder. A lock that lets you rekey it yourself turns a scheduled maintenance item into a two-minute job, and the traditional styling also suits older doors where a modern electronic housing would look out of place.
Pair it with the offline logic: because there is nothing to connect, nothing to update, and nothing to go wrong remotely, this is a strong choice for a landlord who wants fewer failure points in a property nobody supervises.
Where it falls short
There is no remote unlock and no activity log, so this does nothing for a host doing contactless check-in. Electronics reportedly fail after one to two years for some owners, and Kwikset customer support is described as slow, which matters if a unit is locked out and you need help troubleshooting rather than a replacement part.
What to Look for in a Smart Lock for a Rental?
Long-term lease or short-term rental
These two rentals want different hardware. A long-term lease rotates a small number of people a year and cares most about turnover: physical rekeying, no monthly cost, and nothing to break. A short-term rental rotates constantly and cares most about remote issue and expiry: app-based code creation tied to booking dates, an activity log, and a keypad that works without an app.
Match the lock to that split before anything else. If your units are long-term, start with a self-rekeying mechanical keypad such as the Kwikset above. If they turn over weekly, start with a connected lock that supports scheduled codes.
Door compatibility checklist before you order
Measure before you buy, because a door that does not fit is the most common reason a smart lock goes back. Check the door thickness, which for most smart deadbolts falls between roughly 1.375 and 2 inches. Measure the backset, the horizontal distance from the door edge to the centre of the bore, and confirm it is either 2.375 or 2.75 inches. Confirm the bore hole diameter is around 2.125 inches, and check that the new backset matches the hole in the strike plate on the frame.
Then check the things that are easy to miss. Make sure the door opens far enough for the new hardware to fit, that the interior clearance works for your hand and any deadbolt, that there is room above the keypad for a security screen if you use one, and that the swing direction and door handing match the lock’s reversible handle or right-handed configuration.
Code capacity, expiry, and turnover
Code capacity is easy to overrate. Twenty codes is plenty for a single flat, and 100 or more starts to matter only for apartment buildings or high-turnover hosts. What matters more is whether codes expire.
Plan the turnover sequence in advance. Delete or expire the outgoing code, create a new one for the incoming tenant, and decide what happens to the physical key. A landlord on r/Landlord put it more simply: the goal is to change access without a locksmith, and that means knowing which of the two mechanisms you are relying on.
Offline entry and the 2.4 GHz problem
Ask one question of any connected lock: what happens when the internet goes out? If the answer is that codes still work at the keypad, you are protected. Most offline keypads check codes locally and never care about the network, and several hosts prefer them for exactly that reason, since guest lockouts trace back to app pairing failures and dead phone batteries more often than to anything else.
For built-in Wi-Fi locks, the common setup failure is the 2.4 GHz band. Several locks in this list transmit on 2.4 GHz only, and a router with both bands merged under one network name, or a 2.4 GHz band disabled for speed, will leave the lock unable to join. Check your router settings before ordering, and note that Bluetooth-only locks need a separate gateway before remote access works at all.
Battery life on a high-traffic door
Manufacturer battery claims range from about six months for the Schlage on four AA cells to a claimed 365 days for the TEEHO and up to 18 months for the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE on its low-energy mesh. Treat those as laboratory figures. The r/homeassistant report of four AA alkaline cells consumed in two to three months on a busy office door is the realistic end of the range, and it came from a connected lock in regular use.
Match the maintenance interval to the traffic. A single-family rental with one entry a day can be checked twice a year. A shared apartment door worked a hundred times a day needs a quarterly sweep, and any lock with a low-battery warning is worth more there than one without. Keypad-only locks generally last longer than fingerprint or connected locks, because there is no radio drawing current between events.
How hackable are smart locks in practice
The short answer is that the realistic risk is far lower than the headlines suggest, and the realistic risks are physical rather than digital. Remote entry requires authenticated pairing or a signed command from the owner’s app, most of these locks use encrypted connections, and remote unlock over Wi-Fi requires a working network and an account.
The risks that are real are mundane. Keypad shoulder-surfing, which is what anti-peeping passwords address. Stale codes that were never deleted, which is what expiry and scheduled codes address. Weak physical security, which is what ANSI and BHMA Grade 1 and Grade 2 certification address. Pick a certified Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolt, turn on auto-lock, use scheduled codes, delete codes at checkout, and the remaining attack surface is small.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best smart lock for a rental property?
The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt is the best overall choice because it has built-in Wi-Fi, up to 100 access codes, automatic guest code creation, and a physical backup key. For a long-term lease, the Kwikset SmartCode 260 is better because SmartKey lets you rekey the cylinder yourself between tenants. For a rental with poor internet, choose an offline keypad lock such as the TEEHO TE001.
What are the best smart locks for Airbnb rentals?
For short-term rentals, prioritise automatic code creation tied to booking dates and a keypad that works without an app. The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt and the Sifely Smart Lock are the most commonly recommended for this, and Sifely is popular with hosts because it offers fingerprint, keypad, app, fob, and key entry with remote code generation.
Do smart locks work when the Wi-Fi is out?
It depends on the model. Offline keypad locks such as the TEEHO TE001, Veise RZ-A, and Kwikset SmartCode 260 check codes locally on the keypad, so entry still works with no internet. Connected locks with built-in Wi-Fi still accept keypad and fingerprint entry during an outage, but remote unlock and app features stop working until the network returns.
How hackable are smart locks?
The practical risk is low, and most incidents involve physical access rather than remote attacks. Remote unlock needs authenticated app access and an encrypted connection, and certified deadbolts such as the ANSI Grade 1 ULTRALOQ U-Bolt resist force attacks. The bigger real-world risks are shoulder-surfing, forgotten codes left active after checkout, and doors that do not auto-lock.
What are the downsides of using a smart lock in a rental?
The main downsides are battery replacement, electronics that can fail after a few years, and the need to revoke codes manually if you never schedule them. Connected models also depend on a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and a working app, and gateway-based models add another device that can fail. Cheap keypad models skip remote access entirely, which removes a lot of convenience.
Final Verdict: Which Lock Fits Your Rental
The best smart locks for rental properties are not one lock, they are two different answers to two different jobs. For a short-term rental or an apartment building where you need codes that generate themselves and expire on checkout, the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt is the pick, with built-in Wi-Fi, 100 codes, and a backup key in the box. If the property has unreliable internet or you simply want zero failure points, the TEEHO TE001 or the Veise RZ-A give you offline code entry that cannot be locked out by a router.
For long-term leases, change the question entirely. The cost that never goes away is rekeying, and the Kwikset SmartCode 260 solves it with SmartKey, letting you rekey the cylinder yourself at turnover instead of booking a locksmith. For security on a standalone exposed door, the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi brings ANSI Grade 1 certification and an included door sensor that protects the electronics on busy entrances.
Whatever you choose, measure the door before you order, confirm your router still runs a 2.4 GHz band if the lock uses built-in Wi-Fi, and set your code-expiry rules on day one. Those three steps prevent nearly every problem we saw described in the reviews, and they cost you an afternoon.