Are Smart Locks Allowed in Rentals?

Yes — most smart locks are allowed in rentals because they fit over your existing deadbolt without replacing hardware or drilling. Your landlord keeps their key, you get keyless entry, and nothing is permanently changed.

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The 3 Types of Smart Locks — Which Are Renter-Safe?

Not all smart locks are equal for renters. The type you choose determines whether you need landlord permission or not:

Add-On Smart Lock

Fits over your existing deadbolt on the interior side. Uses your existing key from outside — nothing changes externally. August, Wyze, and Schlage Encode Plus work this way.

Full Deadbolt Replacement

Replaces your entire deadbolt. Works great but requires removing existing hardware. Landlord permission usually needed since you're changing the lock cylinder.

Smart Knob/Handle Replacement

Replaces the entire door handle. Permanent-looking change that most landlords will object to. Harder to restore to original.

Bluetooth Keypad Overlay

Adhesive keypad that attaches to your existing lock and turns any deadbolt smart. No drilling, no hardware change. Very discreet option.

Key Insight

The August Smart Lock is the #1 choice for renters because it attaches to the interior thumb-turn of your existing deadbolt. From the outside, your door looks completely normal and your original key still works.

How to Install Without Landlord Issues

Choose an Add-On Lock (Not a Replacement)

Pick a lock that mounts over your existing deadbolt — like the August Smart Lock Pro or Wyze Lock. These attach to the thumb-turn on the interior side of your door only.

Check Your Deadbolt Compatibility

Most add-on smart locks work with standard single-cylinder deadbolts. Check the brand's compatibility page — August supports 80%+ of US deadbolts. Takes 2 minutes to verify.

Install in 10 Minutes (No Tools Needed)

The lock clips or screws onto the existing thumb-turn using the hardware that came with your deadbolt. No new holes, no new screws into the door frame. Completely reversible.

Keep Your Original Key Working

Test that your original key still works from outside after installation. Give your landlord a guest access code if they ask — they never need to know about the smart lock at all.

Best Smart Locks for Renters 2026

All of these are add-on style — no drilling, no hardware replacement, landlord-safe.

System	Type	Monitoring	Starting Price	Action
August Smart Lock Pro	Add-On	Optional	$149/mo	Check Deal →
Wyze Lock	Add-On	Optional	$34/mo	Compare Plans →
Level Bolt	Internal	Required	$99/mo	View Offer →
Schlage Encode Smart Deadbolt	Replacement	Optional	$199/mo	Check Deal→

FAQ

Common Renter Questions

Everything you need to know about securing your rental — without breaking your lease.

Will my landlord know I installed a smart lock?

If you use an add-on lock like August, your door looks completely unchanged from the outside. The lock attaches to the interior thumb-turn only. Unless your landlord enters your unit and specifically inspects the interior of your door, they will not notice.

Can my landlord still access my apartment with their key?

Yes — add-on smart locks do not change your key cylinder. Your landlord’s original key still works to open the door from outside. Your original key also still works. The smart lock only adds keyless entry options.

What happens if the smart lock battery dies?

Your original key always works as a backup — add-on locks never disable the key cylinder. Most smart locks also send low-battery alerts weeks in advance. Batteries typically last 6–12 months with normal use.

Do I need to tell my landlord about the smart lock?

For an add-on lock that doesn’t change any hardware, most leases don’t require disclosure. If your lease says “no modifications,” a non-drilling add-on lock is generally not considered a modification. When in doubt, a quick email to your landlord usually gets an easy yes.

Can I take my smart lock when I move out?

Yes — add-on smart locks uninstall in minutes. Remove the smart lock, and your deadbolt is exactly as it was before. No marks, no damage, no evidence you ever had one.

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