The best smart locks for apartments in 2026 are the models you can install or swap out without permanently altering a door you do not own. Our top pick is the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt: built-in Wi-Fi means no hub, up to 100 access codes, and a physical backup key so you are never stranded. Renters who cannot touch the deadbolt should read the CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 section first, because it mounts over the lock you already have.
Most roundups on this topic assume you own the place. That assumption is the reason apartment searches keep sending people to locks they are contractually barred from installing. We spent weeks sorting the field by the only question that matters in a leased unit: does your lease let you change the door hardware, and can you undo it before move-out?
Below we cover ten locks in two clear tiers. The first tier needs landlord approval because it replaces the deadbolt. The second tier mounts over the existing lock or thumb turn and comes off in minutes. If you want the wider picture on the hardware side, our guide to the best smart locks overall covers owner-occupied doors in more detail.
Top 3 Smart Locks for Apartments (October 2026)
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- no hub
- Up to 100 access codes
- BHMA certified
- One backup key
TEEHO TE001 Keyless Deadbolt
- 20 codes plus guest code
- Auto-lock timer
- 365-day AA battery
- Backup keys included
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi
- Fingerprint plus 50 codes
- Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- Matter over Thread
- 18-month battery claim
Can You Install a Smart Lock in an Apartment?
Usually yes, but only after you check two things. Read your lease for any clause about altering, drilling or replacing door hardware, then confirm whether the lock is shared building property or personal. A door that opens only to your unit is often yours to change; an interior unit door behind a shared lobby entry is usually the building’s to control.
If drilling is prohibited, you are not stuck. Interior retrofit locks clamp onto the existing thumb turn and turn it for you, leaving the deadbolt and every existing key exactly where they are. One renter in r/LocksmithLondon put it plainly: the retrofit locks that bolt onto the inside of an existing cylinder and turn the thumb turn are the ones landlords tend to accept. Tenants in the same thread reported removing the hardware at the end of a tenancy without penalty because nothing was drilled.
Written permission beats an unwritten understanding. A short email describing the model, the install method and the removal plan converts a future argument into a settled question, and it costs you nothing if the answer is no.
Best Smart Locks for Apartments in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt |
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| TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt |
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| ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock |
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 Sifely Fingerprint Smart Lock with Handle |
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 Veise KS02A Fingerprint Door Lock |
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 eufy Security Smart Lock C220 |
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 Veise RZ-A Electronic Keypad Deadbolt |
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 Kwikset Powerbolt 250 Keypad Deadbolt |
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 Veise KS01B Keypad Lock with Lever Set |
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 CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 Smart Lock |
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1. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt – Best Overall for Approved Deadbolt Swaps
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Century Trim, Matte Black
Built-in Wi-Fi, no hub
Up to 100 access codes
BHMA certified
Four AA batteries, one backup key
Pros
- Built-in Wi-Fi with no separate hub
- Handles up to 100 access codes with lock history
- BHMA certified security rating
- Fingerprint-resistant touchscreen and alarm
- Backup key plus low-battery indicator
Cons
- Costs more than every other lock in this roundup
- One-star reviews sit at 12 percent
- Replaces the deadbolt so landlord approval is needed
The Schlage Encode is the one I recommend when a landlord has already said yes to replacing the deadbolt. The Wi-Fi radio is built into the lock, not a separate bridge you have to find an outlet for, which matters in an apartment where the inside of the door is not where you want a plug. Installation is a screwdriver job on standard doors between 1-3/8 and 1-3/4 inches thick.
With more than 13,000 reviews behind it, this is the most thoroughly documented lock in the group. Owners cite the same things repeatedly: 100 code slots for a housemate, a dog walker and a guest, plus a lock history you can scroll when you get home. Raters on r/PropertyManagement name Schlage and Yale as the go-to brands for apartment units specifically, citing admin control and easy tenant onboarding.
The honest weakness is the tail of unhappy owners. A 12 percent one-star share is the highest here, and reviews point at door thickness, handing and fit problems rather than the electronics. If your door is an unusual thickness, measure the bore and the backset before you commit. Four AA batteries give up to six months of life and a physical key covers the day they die.
Auto-lock runs on a selectable delay, so set it to 15 seconds rather than immediate and you will stop triggering the alarm every time you head out with a full grocery bag. The fingerprint-resistant coating on the keypad matters more than it sounds in a building where strangers can linger in the hallway.
What to check before you buy
Measure your door thickness and backset first. Schlage lists compatibility with 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inch doors and 2-3/8 or 2-3/4 inch backsets, and returns from out-of-spec doors are the single most common complaint pattern in the reviews.
Then decide who holds the account. A lock like this is only useful if codes get revoked, so agree with your landlord in writing on who manages access before you hand keys to a friend.
When this is the wrong pick
If your lease prohibits hardware changes, this is the wrong lock no matter how good it is. The deadbolt comes out, the strike plate changes, and you are reinstalling the original hardware at move-out.
It is also more money than most renters want to spend on a door they will hand back. The reviewed rating of 4.2 is solid but it is not the highest score in this roundup, and several cheaper locks deliver the same code entry without the Wi-Fi.
2. TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt – Best Value Keypad for Renters
TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt with Keypad for Front Door, Satin Nickel
20 access codes plus guest code
Auto-lock 10-99 seconds
Up to 365 days on 4 AA
Two backup keys included
Pros
- Installs in about 20 minutes with a screwdriver
- Auto-lock timer and one-touch lock
- Code programming is fast and clear
- Simple AA battery changes
- Two physical keys in the box
Cons
- No Wi-Fi or app connectivity
- Exterior housing can feel lightweight
- Lock and unlock beeps are loud
- Fits only 2-1/8 inch bore holes
The TEEHO TE001 is the pick for someone who wants codes and guest access without an app, a subscription or a hub. It stores 20 access codes plus a single-use guest code, and programming takes a couple of minutes. Just over 10,000 reviews with a 4.5 average makes it one of the best-reviewed locks at any budget.
What stands out in owner feedback is the auto-lock behaviour. The delay is adjustable from 10 to 99 seconds and there is a one-touch lock, so you can bump the door shut with a hip and have it secure itself. Two backup keys ship in the box, which matters because you will still be handing keys back at the end of the lease.
It is also offline by design. There is no connectivity protocol here at all, which is a real limitation for a traveling renter who wants remote unlock, and a genuine advantage for anyone who does not want another account and another set of permissions attached to their front door. Battery life is rated at up to 365 days on four AA cells, with a red indicator that lights below 15 percent. Batteries are not included.
The bore is the thing to verify. It fits 2-1/8 inch holes only, so if your building uses a narrower 38mm bore this will not drop in. The lock auto-detects door handing during reset, so you do not have to work out which way the door swings before you start.
What to check before you buy
Measure your bore diameter and your door thickness. This is the single most common reason an otherwise easy install turns into a return, and it takes about a minute with a tape measure.
Decide whether offline operation is a feature or a bug for you. If you want to unlock the door from a different city, this lock cannot do it.
When this is the wrong pick
Skip it if you need remote access, a camera, or an activity log you can check from your phone. There is no app and no connection, so codes have to be managed on the keypad at the door itself.
The loud lock and unlock beep is a repeated complaint, and on a thin apartment wall that noise carries into the hallway. There is no Silent Mode on this model.
3. ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi – Best for Fingerprint Entry and Matter
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Matter Over Thread, App Remote Access
50 fingerprints and 50 codes
Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
Matter over Thread
18-month battery claim
Pros
- Seven entry methods in one deadbolt
- Built-in Wi-Fi removes the need for a hub for remote access
- Matter over Thread for Apple Home and automation
- ANSI BHMA certified and IP65 rated
- Ten-minute installation
Cons
- Matter features need a Thread Border Router hub
- Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz only and should be within 70 ft
- Door sensor not included
The ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is the most capable lock per dollar in this roundup. It stores up to 50 fingerprints and 50 passcodes, and the reader is glove-friendly, which is the detail apartment residents notice in winter. Two mechanical emergency keys are included.
Remote access works over built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, so for lock and unlock from your phone you do not need any extra hardware. The router should be within about 70 feet, which is fine in most apartment layouts and worth checking in a long corridor unit. Over 10,000 reviews at a 4.3 average confirms the feature set holds up in real homes.
There is a second radio in here. Matter over Thread support means the lock can join Apple Home and other Matter ecosystems, and the Thread mesh self-heals if a node drops out. That path does require a Thread Border Router hub, so treat Matter as a future upgrade rather than an out-of-the-box feature. Battery life is claimed at up to 18 months on the low-energy Thread network, which is the best claim in the group.
Auto-lock can run on a preset timer or lock instantly through the ULTRALOQ button on the interior. A nine percent one-star share suggests some buyers hit connectivity setup friction, and the fingerprint action itself is quick but the door sensor is sold separately.
What to check before you buy
Check whether your router is 2.4 GHz and how far the door sits from it. That single check determines whether remote access works at all without a hub.
Decide if fingerprint entry is a genuine need or a novelty. With several housemates, a fingerprint saves you from re-entering a code in the rain, and it never gets copied at a locksmith.
When this is the wrong pick
Skip it if you want Matter working on day one and you do not already run a Thread Border Router. Without one, you are using the Wi-Fi path and not the smart home path.
At roughly the middle of this roundup it is also not the cheapest way to get fingerprint entry. The Veise KS02A covers the same ground without any connectivity, and the price gap matters if you never intend to unlock remotely.
4. Sifely Fingerprint Smart Lock with Handle – 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 keypad app and key entry
Temporary guest codes from app
Optional WiFi Gateway
Pros
- Fingerprint reader is fast and responsive
- Guest codes generate instantly from the app
- Physical keys and key cards included
- Auto-lock removes the did-I-lock worry
- Installs without extra drilling
Cons
- Remote access needs the separately sold gateway
- Touchscreen keypad sometimes needs multiple taps
- Not rekeyable so a non-standard backup key is needed
- Water ingress reported when fully exposed to rain
This is the lock to look at if you are hosting guests or running a furnished short-term rental. The listing markets temporary access codes generated straight from the app or web portal, and that single feature is what changes the guest experience. Check-in becomes a code instead of a key handoff.
Entry options are unusually broad for a handle-style lock: fingerprint, keypad, app, key fob or card, and a physical key. Four AA batteries power it with a backup option, and the reversible handle means one unit covers doors that swing either direction. Nearly 9,300 reviews at a 4.3 average, with several owners reporting multi-year service.
Remote unlock and voice control run through an optional Sifely WiFi Gateway. That is an extra purchase, and it is the most common surprise in reviews, so factor it in before you commit to a host workflow. The touchscreen keypad is the other recurring gripe, sometimes needing several taps to wake, and the fingerprint confirmation on the handle side can lag a beat.
Two structural cautions. The lock is not rekeyable, so the backup key it comes with is the only backup key you will ever have, and that is a genuine deposit concern at move-out. Mount it under cover, because water ingress is a reported failure mode when the unit sits fully exposed to rain.
What to check before you buy
Decide whether you genuinely need remote unlock from outside your own unit. If you do, the gateway is not optional, and that changes the true cost of this pick.
Plan for the non-standard key. Write down where the physical key is stored and take a photo of it, because it cannot be duplicated by a locksmith.
When this is the wrong pick
Skip it for a main entry door that faces the weather. This is an interior or covered-door lock by design.
Skip it if keeping standard building keys matters. The included key is unique to this lock, and a landlord at move-out may reasonably object to a cylinder they cannot service.
5. Veise KS02A Fingerprint Door Lock – Best Fingerprint Value Offline
Veise KS02A Fingerprint Door Lock, Keypad Deadbolt, Matte Black
20 fingerprints with self-learning AI
Anti-peeping password
365+ days on AA cells
ANSI Grade 3 and BHMA
Pros
- Fingerprint recognition gets faster with use
- No app
- hub or subscription required
- Anti-peeping password defends against shoulder surfing
- One-touch lock and fast interior turn
- Metal construction with ANSI Grade 3 certification
Cons
- No Wi-Fi app or remote access
- Front and back panels must align carefully during install
- Fits only 2-1/8 inch bore holes
- Batteries are not included
The Veise KS02A is the fingerprint lock for someone who wants the sensor and nothing else. There is no app, no cloud account and no subscription. Fingerprints are matched on-device by a chip that the manufacturer rates at 0.2 seconds and 99.99 percent accuracy, and the readings self-learn as you use it.
That local-only design is a real security argument in a rented flat. Your fingerprint data never leaves the door, so there is no account to breach and no subscription to lapse into something you did not approve. Reviews highlight that alongside the anti-peeping password, which accepts extra digits before or after your real code to defeat shoulder-surfing.
Four unlock paths are available: 20 stored fingerprints, 20 passwords, two mechanical keys, and one-time guest codes that delete themselves after a single use. That guest-code behaviour is genuinely useful for a house cleaner or a delivery. Auto-lock runs from 10 to 99 seconds, and there is a Passage Mode for when you have the door propped while moving furniture in.
Installation is a 15-minute screwdriver job, but the front and back panels have to be held vertical during the process, and that is the step reviewers flag most. It is ANSI Grade 3 and BHMA certified with IP54 water resistance, rated from -31F to 158F. Batteries are not included and the bore is 2-1/8 inch only.
What to check before you buy
Confirm the bore size first. Only 2-1/8 inch holes are supported, and doors with a 38mm bore will need work that a renter cannot do.
Count the people who need entry. Twenty fingerprints is generous for a household but tight for a shared rental with a rotating cast of tenants.
When this is the wrong pick
Skip it if you need to grant access remotely or see a log of who came in. None of that exists without the app, and the app does not exist for this model.
Worn-out fingerprints are a genuine limitation on rental turnover, and a renter who changes tenants often will be re-enrolling codes far more than a homeowner will.
6. eufy Security Smart Lock C220 – Best Built-In Wi-Fi With Apple Watch
eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock
Six unlock methods including Apple Watch
Built-in Wi-Fi, no bridge
About 8 months on 8 AA
Pros
- Fingerprint unlock in under a second
- Built-in Wi-Fi avoids buying a bridge
- Apple Watch and voice assistant entry
- AA batteries included in the box
- Fits narrow bores by removing the spacer
Cons
- Costs more than most keypad-only deadbolts
- Ten percent of reviews are one-star
- Battery life varies with how often the lock is used
The eufy C220 is the pick if your household is already in the eufy ecosystem or if Apple Watch is how you would rather unlock the door than reach for a phone. Six entry methods are supported, including the watch, and the fingerprint reader registers in under a second with self-learning accuracy.
Like the Schlage, the Wi-Fi is inside the lock, so there is no bridge to plug in near the door. It fits most standard deadbolts, and if your bore is narrower than 54mm you remove the included spacer to make it fit. Installation is about 15 minutes with no drilling. BHMA Grade 3 certified after more than 100,000 lock cycles.
Being specific about the compromise here: battery life is roughly eight months on eight AA cells and varies with usage frequency, which is the shortest claim among the connected locks in this roundup. It also ties into eufy doorbell routines in the eufy Security app, which is a genuine convenience if you already run their cameras.
A 10 percent one-star share is the second-highest here, and it is the reason this does not take the top spot despite the strong feature set. Reviewers who left one star cited reliability over features. Batteries do ship in the box, which almost nobody else in this list does.
What to check before you buy
Confirm eight AA cells fit your door and that you will check the battery warning rather than ignore it. Eight months is short enough that a twice-yearly habit matters.
Check the bore before ordering. The spacer trick handles narrow holes, but confirm the door thickness is within spec.
When this is the wrong pick
Skip it if fingerprint entry is not the reason you are shopping. You are paying for a connected lock when an offline keypad model would do the same job.
Skip it if you want the highest possible rating here. Several locks in this roundup carry a better reviewed score with no connectivity to misbehave.
7. Veise RZ-A Electronic Keypad Deadbolt – Best Budget Keypad With an Alarm
Veise RZ-A Electronic Keypad Deadbolt Door Lock, Satin Nickel
20 permanent and one-time codes
Anti-peeping password with lockout
12 months on AA cells
Pros
- Functionality reviewers compare to costlier locks
- Ten-minute install and about five minutes of programming
- Auto-lock timer with illuminated keypad
- Audible alarm when the door is forced
- Two backup keys included
Cons
- Interior housing is plastic rather than metal
- Bore can be a few millimeters wider than standard
- May sit crooked if the hole is not reamed
- Master password programming is not self-explanatory
The Veise RZ-A is the value pick that surprises people. Over 4,200 reviews at a 4.5 average, and owners routinely describe the feature set as comparable to locks costing several times more. Twenty permanent codes, one-time passwords and two spare keys are all included.
The interior thumb turn has a forced-entry alarm, so if someone leans on the door you get an audible alert inside. That is unusual at this budget and genuinely useful in a building with thin walls. Auto-lock is adjustable from 10 to 99 seconds, and Vacation Mode shuts off every code except the master when you travel.
There is one security feature worth highlighting. Ten failed attempts trigger a three-minute keypad lockout, and the anti-peeping password accepts random digits before or after your real code, so a shoulder-surfer watching you type learns nothing.
Two fit notes matter for an apartment. The bore on this model can be a few millimeters larger than a standard deadbolt hole, so some doors need light reaming, and if that is not possible this is the wrong lock. The lock can also sit slightly crooked in an unreamed bore, which shows as a visible gap in the door trim. Rated IP54 and usable from -35F to 160F.
Battery life is up to 12 months on four AA cells with a backlit low-battery warning, and batteries are not included. There is no app, no Wi-Fi and no remote access, which for many renters is exactly the right amount of technology.
What to check before you buy
Check whether your door can be reamed if the bore is slightly undersized, and confirm that with your landlord first. A hole you cannot fix is a hole you cannot use.
Read the master password section of the guide before you start. It is the one part of programming that reviewers most often found unclear.
When this is the wrong pick
Skip it if you are installing on a door you will not be able to modify. The bore tolerance is the reason for most returns.
Skip it if feel matters to you. The interior housing is plastic, and on a door you look at daily the difference from a metal lock is obvious.
8. Kwikset Powerbolt 250 – Best for Renters Who May Need to Re-Key
Kwikset Powerbolt 250 10-Button Keypad Matte Black Transitional Electronic Deadbolt Door Lock, Featuring Convenient Keyless Entry, Customizable User Codes and Auto-Locking
25 user codes and 5 one-time codes
SmartKey self re-keying
12 months on AA cells
Pros
- SmartKey self re-keying to any KW1 key
- Large backlit keypad buttons
- 25 user codes plus 5 one-time codes
- Straightforward code programming
- Screwdriver-only install
Cons
- One-star reviews at 16 percent
- Reports of units failing to program within a year
- May need slight jamb trimming to engage
- Flat strike plate leaves a gap in the trim
The Kwikset Powerbolt 250 earns its place for one feature: SmartKey self re-keying. You can change the cylinder to any KW1 key in seconds without a locksmith, which means when you move out you can re-key the door to a spare and hand that back instead of a cylinder nobody can service. In a rental that is worth more than the connectivity most renters will never use.
Code capacity is the highest for a plain keypad here at 25 user codes plus 5 one-time codes, with a separate programming code for adding and removing people. The intrusion alert disables the keypad for one minute after three wrong entries, and Vacation Mode takes the whole keypad offline while you are away.
The caveat is reliability, and it is a real one. A 16 percent one-star share is the highest in this roundup, with owners reporting units that would not accept codes or stopped locking within a year. Support attributes many of these to over-tightened through-bolts or battery choice, both of which you can control during install and setup.
Fit issues also show up: some units need slight jamb trimming for the deadbolt to throw cleanly, and the flat rectangular strike plate leaves a visible gap in the door trim next to other Kwikset hardware. Battery life is at least 12 months on four AA cells, which are not included.
What to check before you buy
Measure your door thickness and bore, and check that the deadbolt throws without forcing. Jaws that bind cause the exact failures owners report.
Use a consistent battery brand across all four cells. Support explicitly names mixed battery chemistry as a cause of early lockups.
When this is the wrong pick
Skip it if you want remote access, an app, or a lock history. There is no connectivity in this model.
Skip it if appearance at the door matters. The flat strike plate is visibly different from the rest of the trim, and in a building where other doors are uniform that stands out.
9. Veise KS01B Keypad Lock with Two Lever Handles – Best for Lever-Handle Doors
Veise KS01B Keypad Door Lock with 2 Lever Handles Set, Matte Black
Dual reversible lever handles
20 codes plus one-time codes
Vacation and Silent Mode
Pros
- Highest average rating in this roundup at 4.6
- Reversible handles fit doors that swing either way
- Quick install and programming with clear instructions
- 20 codes plus self-expiring guest codes
- Modern finish suits most doors
Cons
- First programming pass can be confusing
- Some doors need the top hole adjusted
- No app or remote access
- Keep liquids away from the keyhole
Most deadbolts assume a flat door edge. The Veise KS01B comes with dual lever handles that reverse for either handing, so a single set covers a door that swings in either direction. For an apartment, where you may not control which way the door hangs, that is a practical advantage rather than a cosmetic one.
This carries the highest average rating in the roundup at 4.6 across more than 2,100 reviews. Owners point to the finish, the 20 permanent codes and the auto-expiring one-time guest passwords. Entry is 20 codes, two physical keys and guest passwords that delete themselves after use.
The forced-entry alarm, Silent Mode and Vacation Mode are all present, and the anti-peeping password with a three-minute lockout after ten failed attempts is a good match for a corridor-facing door. Auto-lock is adjustable from 10 to 99 seconds with one-touch locking by holding any key for two seconds.
The friction is in the first ten minutes. Several buyers found the initial programming guide confusing enough to call support, though in at least one case the fix was fast and included a replacement for a slipping interior lever. A few doors also needed the top hole adjusted so the body would sit correctly. It runs over a year on four AA or LR6 cells, which are not included, and it is ANSI Grade 3 and BHMA tested with an IP54 rating.
Keep liquids away from the keyhole and avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which the manufacturer calls out explicitly. On an exterior door in a sunny courtyard, that is worth factoring in.
What to check before you buy
Confirm the door swings the way you think it does, or just confirm that the handles reverse. That is the entire reason this lock exists in the roundup.
Budget an extra fifteen minutes for programming and keep the phone nearby for support. The setup is not difficult, it is just not obvious from the guide alone.
When this is the wrong pick
Skip it if you need a deadbolt for a main entry. Levers on a primary apartment door are a downgrade in physical security, and nothing on the keypad changes that.
Skip it if you want remote access. There is no app and no connectivity, which is a plus for privacy and a limitation for a traveling renter.
10. CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 – Best No-Drill Retrofit for a Locked Lease
CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5, Smart Lock, Bluetooth Electronic Deadbolt, Auto-Lock, Keyless Entry Door Lock for Front Door, Fits Your Existing Deadbolt, for Airbnbs Vacation Rentals
Fits your existing deadbolt
No-drill 3M adhesive mount
Open SesameOS 3 app with Matter
Pros
- Keeps the existing deadbolt and its high-security cylinder
- Truly no-drill adhesive installation
- Open-source app with a free Bluetooth API
- Works with Apple Watch NFC tags and widgets
- Auto-lock adjustable from 3 seconds to 1 hour
Cons
- Bluetooth pairing instability reported by some users
- Support policy reportedly declines returns when the device works
- Remote control needs the separately sold Hub3
- Lowest average rating in this roundup
This is the lock to read about if your lease says no drilling and no hardware changes. The Sesame 5 clamps onto the thumb turn of the deadbolt you already have, and three sets of 3M adhesive tape hold the base plate in place. Nothing is drilled, nothing is unscrewed, and the original lock and all its keys stay exactly as they are. It works with the vast majority of existing keys, and a custom 3D-printed key adapter can be requested from a photo of your key.
It is also the most open lock in the roundup. SesameOS 3 runs an open-source app with a free Bluetooth API, and it supports Matter, Apple Watch, NFC tags, home screen widgets, Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant. Batteries and even a screwdriver are included in the box.
Now the hard part. Multiple owners report flaky Bluetooth pairing and an app that leaves them unable to control their own front door, and the support policy reportedly declines returns when the device itself is functioning, arguing the hardware is fine. Several long-term owners also noted the motor eventually stopped after roughly two and a half years, though others report close to seven years of use across the Sesame line. The 4.0 average is the lowest here, with a 53 percent five-star share, and that tells you the software is where the problems are.
Remote control needs the Hub3, which adds Wi-Fi and Bluetooth together. Auto-lock is the most flexible in the roundup, adjustable anywhere from 3 seconds to 1 hour. The adhesive mount needs a properly cleaned door surface, and a no-drill install that will not survive a poorly prepared frame is still a lockout.
What to check before you buy
Confirm your phone model is on the compatibility list. Some newer iPhone models were not detected over Bluetooth at the time of purchase, and that is a support dead end rather than a configuration problem.
Clean and degrease the door surface before you mount anything. Adhesive on an oily painted door is a lockout waiting for a week.
When this is the wrong pick
Skip it if you cannot tolerate any app risk. This lock’s single greatest strength is that it never replaces your deadbolt, and its single greatest weakness is that the app is the only way to manage it.
Skip it if you need guaranteed remote unlock. That path depends on the Hub3 and on Bluetooth pairing that owners report as inconsistent.
How to Choose a Smart Lock for an Apartment
Retrofit or full replacement
A retrofit lock bolts onto the interior thumb turn of a deadbolt you already own. Your keys keep working, nothing gets drilled, and removal takes minutes. This is the tier landlords accept most often and the only tier that is genuinely reversible.
A full replacement swaps the entire deadbolt for a new one. You get better physical security, a cleaner exterior face, and access to features like a fingerprint reader on the outside of the door, but you need permission and you need to restore the original hardware at move-out. Our picks nine and ten sit at the extremes of this range, with the CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 as the only true no-drill option in the group.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth-only and Matter over Thread
Bluetooth-only locks pair straight to your phone. They are the cheapest and the most private, and they are useless if you are not standing next to the door. The TEEHO TE001 and the Veise KS02A work this way, and the Sifely needs a separately sold gateway before it does anything remote.
Built-in Wi-Fi locks handle remote lock and unlock on their own, which removes the hub question entirely. The Schlage Encode and the eufy C220 are the examples here, and the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE joins them with a caveat: its Wi-Fi is 2.4 GHz only and should be within about 70 feet of your router.
Matter over Thread is the newer path, and it is worth separating from Wi-Fi. Thread is a low-power mesh radio, and using it for lock features requires a Thread Border Router hub in the home. Apple Home users get the most out of it, but it is an ecosystem commitment rather than a standalone feature. The ULTRALOQ and the Sesame 5 both support it.
Key backup and lockout recovery
Every lock in this roundup should have a mechanical fallback, and the differences are worth checking. The Schlage includes one physical backup key. The TEEHO, Kwikset, Veise KS02A and Veise RZ-A each ship with two. The Sifely and the Sesame 5 keep your building’s existing key, which is the cleanest outcome of all.
One lock is a genuine exception. The Sifely is not rekeyable, so its included key is the only key that will ever open it, and you cannot get a duplicate made at a shop. If you take that lock, store the key carefully and hand it over at move-out rather than losing it.
For battery lockout, check two things: whether there is a low-battery alert you will actually notice, and whether there is a USB emergency power terminal on the interior. Most modern locks send an app notification, but if you are offline, a physical key is the only answer.
Battery life on a busy apartment door
Stated battery life assumes a normal door. Apartment doors get used far more often than the average home door, and codes get typed in the dark on the way to work, so treat the headline figure as a ceiling. The TEEHO and the Veise KS02A claim the longest runs at up to 365 days on four AA cells.
Connected locks draw more current. The eufy C220 is honest about roughly eight months on eight AA cells, and that number moves with how often the lock is used. The ULTRALOQ claims up to 18 months on its low-energy Thread network, which is the best figure in the group but depends on the radio behaving.
Whatever the claim, put a recurring reminder in your calendar for the first replacement. Learning the swap before you need it is the whole difference between a two-minute annoyance and a call to a locksmith at midnight.
Which smart lock brand is most reliable
For longevity and institutional trust, Schlage and Yale are the names that come up most, and r/PropertyManagement operators running apartment portfolios name them for admin control and tenant onboarding rather than for consumer features. For retrofit reliability, the interior-mount category is where the renter-friendly reputation lives.
For fingerprint hardware specifically, ULTRALOQ and Lockly are the established names. A caveat worth repeating: a good brand does not mean every model from it is good, and in this roundup two locks from the same manufacturer sit at opposite ends of the rating list. Judge the model, not the badge.
Move-Out Checklist: Removing a Smart Lock Without Deposit Risk
The deposit conversation is the reason most renters never install anything. The rule is simple: if you found the door exactly as it was, you are in a strong position. Document it before you touch it.
Photograph the interior and exterior of the door, the strike plate and the full hardware before installing anything.
Save your written landlord permission or property-manager approval alongside those photos.
Delete every user, code and eKey from the lock app before you remove the hardware, and revoke shared access in the app.
Log out of the app and, if you created an account with your email, remove the device from the account rather than abandoning it.
Uninstall in reverse order. For a retrofit lock, peel the adhesive base plate slowly with a plastic tool to avoid lifting paint. For a full replacement, remove the new deadbolt and reinstall the original.
Reinstall the original strike plate and deadbolt if you swapped them, and confirm the key turns smoothly in both directions.
Return every physical key, fob, card and backup key to the management office, and ask for written confirmation of receipt.
Send one final email noting the door is restored to its original state, attaching your before and after photos.
If you used an interior retrofit lock, steps five through seven are close to automatic, which is precisely why that tier exists. If you replaced the deadbolt, keep the original hardware in a labeled bag from day one. Losing the old lock and being unable to match it later is what turns a routine move-out into a deduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best smart lock for an apartment building?
The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt is the best overall choice for an apartment because it has Wi-Fi built in, holds up to 100 access codes, includes a physical backup key and is BHMA certified. It replaces the deadbolt, so get landlord approval first. If drilling is not allowed, the CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 mounts over your existing deadbolt with adhesive and keeps every key you already have.
Can I put a smart lock on my apartment door?
Usually yes, after you read your lease for clauses about altering or drilling door hardware and confirm whether the door is unit-only or shared building property. If drilling is prohibited, an interior retrofit lock clamps onto your existing thumb turn, keeps your deadbolt and keys, and comes off in minutes at move-out. Written permission from your landlord settles the question before you drill anything.
Will I lose my security deposit for installing a smart lock?
You lose the deposit when you alter hardware and fail to restore it. Photograph the door before installing, save any written permission, remove the hardware at move-out and reinstall the original lock and strike plate. A no-drill adhesive retrofit is the lowest-risk option because nothing is removed from the door at all. Ask for written confirmation when you hand your keys back.
What happens if the smart lock battery dies?
Most locks in this roundup include a physical backup key, so you unlock with a key and replace the batteries from the inside. Look for a low-battery alert before it happens, since app notifications only arrive if the app is still connected. Choose a lock with AA cells rather than a sealed pack, because the cells are cheap and widely available, and add a calendar reminder for your first swap.
Do smart locks need a hub or Wi-Fi?
It depends on the model. Offline keypad locks like the TEEHO TE001 and the Veise KS02A need no hub, no Wi-Fi and no app. Locks with built-in Wi-Fi, including the Schlage Encode and the eufy C220, handle remote access on their own. Matter over Thread features on the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE need a Thread Border Router hub, and the Sifely needs a separate gateway for remote unlock.
Which brand of smart lock is the most reliable?
Schlage and Yale are the most established names for longevity and are the ones property managers name for apartment units and tenant onboarding. ULTRALOQ and Lockly lead on fingerprint hardware. For a renter who cannot replace the deadbolt, the retrofit category matters more than the brand, since a lock that leaves your existing keys and cylinder in place removes the biggest reliability risk of all.
The Best Smart Locks for Apartments, Reviewed
The best smart locks for apartments are the ones your lease allows, and that single sentence decides most of the work. When a deadbolt swap is approved, the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt is the pick: built-in Wi-Fi, 100 codes, a BHMA certification and more than 13,000 reviews behind it. When it is not, the CANDY HOUSE Sesame 5 is the only lock here that leaves your existing deadbolt and every key in place, using adhesive instead of a drill.
In between sit the value options that most apartments actually end up with. The TEEHO TE001 gives you 20 codes and a guest code with a 4.5 rating across more than 10,000 reviews and no app to manage. The ULTRALOQ Bolt SE adds fingerprint entry and Matter over Thread if you want to build toward a smart home. For doors with lever handles that you cannot re-hang, the Veise KS01B reverses for either swing direction.
Before you buy anything, measure the bore and the door thickness, photograph the hardware, and get the answer in writing. Then check our guide to the best smart locks for apartments and renters and our picks for the best keypad smart locks to compare entry methods side by side.