Key takeaways
- When considering a rental property lock, we recommend that you pay close attention to durability, ease of use, and installation requirements.
- Five locks for rental properties that you should buy include the August Smart Lock Pro, Schlage Encode, Kwikset SmartCode, Yale Assure, and Schlage Sense Deadbolt.
As a property manager, ensuring the safety and security of rental properties is a top priority. One of the most crucial aspects of property security is your choice of rental property locks. As a result, you will have to familiarize yourself with the latest in smart lock technology.
In this post, we cover the best lock for your rental property. Next, we go over how you should choose and maintain your rental locks. Lastly, we provide an overview of five additional locks that may benefit your property.
This post covers:
- The best rental property lock integration
- 5 rental property locks to buy
- Can you put a smart lock on a rental property?
- Factors to consider when choosing rental property locks
- How to maintain rental property locks
- Benefits of investing in quality locks for rental properties
The best rental property lock integration
ButterflyMX offers the best access control and security integrations for your rental property. Our ButterflyMX access control products are featured in over 10,000 properties and have over 20,000 five-star reviews.
Moreover, ButterflyMX integrates with over 80 smart lock models, enabling both property staff and residents to manage the entire system, including smart locks on unit doors, via the ButterflyMX app or dashboard.
Our range of products includes Video Intercoms, Keypads, Card Readers, Vehicle Readers, and Elevator Controls, which operate under a single operating system. This unified setup allows property staff to efficiently oversee all devices through a convenient web-based dashboard that is accessible on the go.
With ButterflyMX integrated smart locks, rental property residents benefit from the convenience of using a single app on their smartphones to enter the building, access amenity spaces, and unlock their unit doors. Meanwhile, property staff can easily manage resident access permissions across all devices with a simple click.
5 best rental property locks to buy
Here are the five best property locks to simplify access at your rental:
- August Smart Lock Pro
- Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
- Yale Assure Lock SL
- Kwikset SmartCode 916
- Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt
1. August Smart Lock Pro
This is a product from August Home, Inc. What’s notable about this lock is that it’s compatible with most standard single-cylinder deadbolts, making it easy to retrofit to existing doors.
Features:
- Keyless entry. Uses smartphone connectivity (Bluetooth) for keyless entry.
- Remote access. Allows locking/unlocking remotely via the August app.
- Voice assistant integration. Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri for voice commands.
- Auto-lock & unlock. Automatically locks when you leave and unlocks when you arrive.
- DoorSense technology. Indicates whether your door is securely closed and locked.
- Easy installation. Installs over existing deadbolts on the inside of your door.
2. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
This smart deadbolt offers advanced encryption technology to ensure secure communication between devices.
Features:
- Built-in WiFi. No additional hubs or accessories are required for connectivity.
- Keyless entry. Touchscreen keypad allows entry with a unique access code.
- Remote access. Control and monitor from anywhere using the Schlage Home app.
- Voice assistant compatibility. Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Battery life. Supports long battery life with a low battery indicator.
- Easy installation. Replace your existing deadbolt with a screwdriver in minutes.
Check out our review of the Schlage Encode >>
3. Yale Assure Lock SL
The Yale Assure Lock offers a slim profile with a modern aesthetic that is suitable for various door styles.
Features:
- Keyless touchscreen. Capacitive touchscreen for keyless entry.
- Voice control. Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
- Remote access. Connects to WiFi with the Yale Connect WiFi Bridge (sold separately).
- Auto-lock. Automatically locks the door after a set time.
- Tamper-resistant. Built-in alarm sounds if someone tries to tamper with the lock.
- Battery backup. Uses 4 AA batteries with a low battery indicator.
Check out our review of the Yale Assure Lock >>
Discover how ButterflyMX integrates with smart locks:
4. Kwikset SmartCode 916
Kwikset is part of the Spectrum Brands Hardware and Home Improvement Group. This device comes with SmartKey Security, allowing you to rekey your lock in seconds.
Features:
- Touchscreen keypad. Backlit touchscreen keypad for keyless entry.
- Smart home integration. Works with Z-Wave smart home systems for remote control.
- Customizable user codes. Manage up to 30 user codes for family and guests.
- Auto-lock. Automatically locks the door after 30 seconds.
- Alarm technology. Alerts you to potential security breaches.
- Secure screen technology. Prevents code detection from fingerprints on the touchscreen.
5. Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt
Depending on the type of door that you have, a smart deadbolt might be a useful alternative to a standard smart door lock. This deadbolt offers a high level of encryption and security features for peace of mind.
Features:
- HomeKit compatibility. It works with Apple HomeKit to control using Siri voice commands.
- Keyless touchscreen. Illuminated touchscreen keypad for keyless entry.
- Remote access. Requires the Schlage Sense WiFi Adapter for remote access (sold separately).
- Built-in alarm. Alerts you to potential security threats.
- Battery life. Uses 4 AA batteries with a low battery warning.
- Easy installation. Replace the existing deadbolt with a screwdriver in minutes.
Can you put a smart lock on a rental property?
Yes, you can put a smart lock on a rental property. Rental property locks serve as the first line of defense against unauthorized access, theft, and potential liability issues. They are not just about protecting tenants and their belongings but also safeguarding the property itself from damage and unauthorized entry.
Types of rental property locks:
- Deadbolt locks. Deadbolts are among the most common and secure types of locks used in residential properties. They feature a solid metal bolt that extends into the door jamb and frame, providing excellent resistance to forced entry.
- Smart locks. Smart locks have gained popularity due to their convenience and enhanced security features. These locks can be operated using a smartphone app, keypad, or even biometric scanners. They allow property managers to grant access remotely, monitor entry logs, and easily change access codes when needed.
- Keypads. Keyless entry systems utilize PIN codes, mobile phones, or key cards instead of traditional keys. We highly recommend them because they are convenient for tenants and property managers alike, as they eliminate the need for physical keys and reduce the risk of unauthorized key duplication.
- Padlocks and chain locks. These locks are typically used for securing external gates, sheds, or storage areas within rental properties. They offer flexibility and are easy to install and replace as needed.
- Window locks. Often overlooked in favor of door locks, window locks are essential for securing ground-floor windows and preventing unauthorized access. They come in various designs, including sliding window locks, latch locks, and key-operated locks.
Factors to consider when choosing rental property locks
In addition to the size of your property, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing a smart lock system.
Factors to consider include:
- Security level. Assess the security needs of the property and choose locks that offer the appropriate level of protection.
- Durability. Select locks made from high-quality materials such as solid brass or stainless steel to ensure longevity and resistance to tampering.
- Ease of use. Consider the usability of the locks for both tenants and property managers. Smart locks and keyless entry systems offer convenience through remote access and programmable codes.
- Installation requirements. Ensure that the locks are compatible with the existing doors and frames in the rental property. Seek professional installation if needed to guarantee proper functionality.
How to maintain rental property locks
- Regular inspection. We recommend scheduling routine inspections of all locks and entry points within the property to check for signs of wear, damage, or otherwise malfunction.
- Prompt repairs and replacements. You should address any issues with locks promptly to maintain security standards. Replace old or damaged locks to prevent potential security breaches.
- Key management system. Implement a secure key management system to track the distribution and return of keys among tenants and maintenance personnel.
- Educate tenants. Provide tenants with guidelines on locking doors and windows when leaving the property and encourage them to report any security concerns promptly.
- Stay informed about security trends. We advise you to keep up to date with advancements in lock technology and security best practices to enhance the overall security of rental properties.
- Ensure proper connectivity. Make sure that your smart lock receives the proper WiFi connectivity, or it might not function properly. Additionally, make sure that your lock is connected to private WiFi and not public WiFi, as there can be security risks with public WiFi.
Benefits of investing in quality locks for rental properties
Investing in high-quality rental property locks offers several benefits for property managers:
Enhanced security
Protect tenants and property from break-ins and unauthorized access. Additionally, secure smart locks will possibly dissuade would-be thieves from even trying to break into your property. Unlike traditional locks, smart locks are more likely to alert residents if someone tries to break into one.
Tenant satisfaction
When a tenant knows that you have quality locks and access control, they’ll feel more safe and at peace at your property.
Furthermore, tenants will love the convenience that a smart lock brings. This is because they won’t have to worry about physical access credentials and can open their locks remotely for guests.
Property value
Increase the marketability and value of your property by emphasizing security features to prospective tenants. Millennials are your biggest audience when it comes to renters, and millennials love properties with the latest technology. Furthermore, smart locks give the impression that your building is hip and modern.
