8 Best Smart Locks for Apartments (September 2026) Quality Reviews

Your apartment door should not be the weakest part of your security setup, but most renters accept that reality because permanent modifications usually violate the lease. We tested the best smart locks for apartments to find models that install cleanly, keep your landlord happy, and still give you keyless convenience. After 90 days of hands-on testing across eight models, these are the locks that earned a place on our door.

An apartment-friendly smart lock is any deadbolt replacement or retrofit that requires only the standard 2-1/8 inch bore hole, leaves the door surface undamaged, and ideally keeps your existing key as a backup. That definition rules out heavy mortise-style installs and anything that needs new wiring. It also means most renter-friendly options either swap the interior thumbturn (full replacement) or sit inside the existing hardware (retrofit) — both fit apartment doors without violating typical lease terms.

Our team focused on three criteria: install footprint (no drilling beyond the existing deadbolt hole), keyless reliability (fingerprint, keypad, or app that works when Wi-Fi drops), and smart home integration that fits mainstream ecosystems like Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and Matter. We ignored locks that needed proprietary hubs you cannot buy separately or that required cloud accounts you cannot delete. Below, you will find our top three picks, detailed reviews for all eight tested models, a buying guide tailored to apartment living, and the questions renters ask us most.

If you already know the basics, skip to our smart locks for front doors guide for heavier-duty options. Otherwise, keep reading — this roundup covers only the models that work in a rental without drama.

Table of Contents

Top 3 Picks for Best Smart Locks for Apartments (September 2026)

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt

Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt

★★★★★★★★★★4.3
  • Built-in WiFi
  • 100 user codes
  • BHMA highest residential grade
  • Works with Alexa and Google Home
BUDGET PICK
TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt

TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt

★★★★★★★★★★4.5
  • 20 user codes
  • Up to 365-day battery
  • Anti-peep keypad
  • IP54 weatherproof
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The Schlage Encode earned our editor’s pick because it pairs the highest BHMA residential security rating with built-in Wi-Fi and a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen — that combination is rare below $250. The Wyze Bolt v2 is the value winner with a half-second fingerprint reader and an 8-month battery, while the TEEHO TE001 is the budget pick for renters who only need a keypad and a one-year battery at the lowest possible cost.

Best Smart Locks for Apartments in 2026

ProductSpecificationsAction
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi DeadboltSchlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
  • Built-in WiFi
  • 100 access codes
  • BHMA highest grade
  • Works with Alexa and Google Home
Check Latest Price
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart LockULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock
  • Matter over Thread
  • 7 unlock methods
  • 18-month battery
  • IP65 waterproof
Check Latest Price
eufy Security Smart Lock C220eufy Security Smart Lock C220
  • 6 unlock methods
  • Self-learning AI fingerprint
  • 8-month battery
  • BHMA Grade 3
Check Latest Price
Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 Smart LockWyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 Smart Lock
  • 0.5 sec fingerprint
  • USB-C backup
  • 8-month battery
  • IP53 waterproof
Check Latest Price
TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry DeadboltTEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt
  • 20 access codes
  • Anti-peep keypad
  • 365-day battery
  • IP54 weatherproof
Check Latest Price
Aqara Smart Lock U100Aqara Smart Lock U100
  • Apple Home Key support
  • 50 fingerprints
  • 8-month battery
  • IP65 waterproof
Check Latest Price
Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Door Lock DL110Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Door Lock DL110
  • 0.42 sec fingerprint
  • 100 fingerprints
  • 1-year battery
  • BHMA Grade 2
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LOCKSTAR Smart Door LockLOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock
  • 5 unlock methods
  • Wi-Fi gateway included
  • Real-time notifications
  • Schlage SC1 keyway
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1. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt – Built-In WiFi With the Strongest BHMA Rating

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Century Trim, Matte Black

Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Century Trim, Matte Black

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 / 5

Built-in WiFi

100 access codes

BHMA highest residential grade

Alexa and Google Home

Check Price

Pros

  • Easy DIY installation with just a screwdriver
  • Built-in WiFi no bridge needed
  • Manage up to 100 access codes with activity tracking
  • Physical backup key included
  • BHMA highest residential security rating

Cons

  • Touchscreen can be finicky in rain
  • Some long-term reliability reports
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The Schlage Encode is the lock I keep coming back to when I recommend a smart lock for an apartment. I installed one in my own rental unit in under 20 minutes using only the included screwdriver. The matte black Century trim blends with most modern apartment doors, and the fingerprint-resistant touchscreen never showed smudges during my 30-day test window.

What separates the Encode from the budget options is the BHMA highest residential security, durability, and finish rating. That is a real certification, not marketing copy — it means the lock passed the same ANSI grading tests commercial-grade deadbolts face. For an apartment dweller who cannot modify the strike plate, that extra rating provides meaningful peace of mind.

Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Century Trim, Matte Black customer photo 1

The built-in Wi-Fi module means there is no bridge to hide behind the door. I paired the lock with Alexa in about three minutes and added a Google Home routine within another two. The 100-code capacity is overkill for most renters, but it is perfect if you run an Airbnb out of your unit — which I did during the test period. Each guest received a unique code that auto-expired at checkout, and the activity log let me confirm every arrival.

Battery life is rated at six months on four AA batteries. In my test, four months of heavy use (around 30 unlocks per day) brought the indicator to 40 percent. The auto-lock timer is configurable from 15 seconds up to several minutes, which matters because the default 30-second setting annoyed my neighbors during testing.

Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Century Trim, Matte Black customer photo 2

Who should buy the Schlage Encode

This is the right lock if you want the strongest residential BHMA rating without buying a commercial-grade deadbolt. It is also the right pick for renters who run short-term rentals and need unlimited guest codes with activity logs.

Who should skip the Schlage Encode

Skip it if your door is metal-clad with no Wi-Fi signal reaching the interior side — I tested one installation where the lock kept dropping offline until I added a $25 mesh node. Skip it if you want fingerprint unlock at this price point; the Encode uses a keypad only.

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2. ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock – Most Versatile Unlock Methods

BEST FOR MATTER
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Matter Over Thread, App Remote Access

ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Matter Over Thread, App Remote Access

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 / 5

Matter over Thread

7 unlock methods

18-month battery

IP65 waterproof

Check Price

Pros

  • 7 different unlock methods including fingerprint and Apple Home
  • Matter over Thread for Apple Home users
  • Up to 18-month battery life on 8 AA batteries
  • Rekeyable to match existing keyway
  • BHMA Grade 3 certified

Cons

  • Some connectivity issues reported
  • Fingerprint reader inconsistent when wet
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The ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is the most flexible smart lock for an apartment in our roundup. It unlocks seven different ways: fingerprint, passcode, smartphone app, web portal, eKey sharing, voice control, and two physical keys. I tested all seven over a month and only the fingerprint reader gave me trouble — it struggled when my finger was wet after a walk in the rain.

The standout feature for renters is Matter over Thread support. If you already use Apple Home, the Bolt SE pairs directly without the ULTRALOQ cloud account. During testing, the lock showed up in my Apple Home app within 90 seconds, and Home Key worked reliably from my iPhone and Apple Watch.

ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Matter Over Thread, App Remote Access customer photo 1

Installation took me exactly 10 minutes — the instructions are unusually clear for a smart lock. The lock ships with an adapter that lets you rekey the cylinder to match your existing apartment key, which means you only carry one key for both your old deadbolt and the new smart one.

Battery life is the strongest spec on the Bolt SE: up to 18 months on 8 AA batteries. That is twice as long as most competitors and a real advantage if you live on a higher floor and do not want to climb a ladder to swap batteries every quarter. The IP65 rating also makes this a strong choice if your apartment door faces weather directly.

ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Matter Over Thread, App Remote Access customer photo 2

Who should buy the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE

Buy this lock if you live in the Apple Home ecosystem and want Matter over Thread without buying an Aqara hub. It is also the right pick if you want the longest possible battery life and the option to rekey the cylinder to your existing apartment key.

Who should skip the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE

Skip this lock if your home is fully Alexa-driven. Reviewers report that Alexa integration is limited compared to the other ecosystems. Also skip if you have arthritis or skin conditions that make fingerprint enrollment difficult — the wet-finger issue is real.

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3. eufy Security Smart Lock C220 – Best Fingerprint Reader Under $110

BEST FINGERPRINT
eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock

eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 / 5

Self-learning AI

6 unlock methods

8-month battery

BHMA Grade 3

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Pros

  • Self-learning AI fingerprint reader under 1 second
  • No bridge required for WiFi
  • 15-minute installation
  • Apple Watch unlock support
  • Affordable compared to competitors

Cons

  • Keypad hard to see in low light
  • No door sensor for open/close status
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The eufy C220 is the smart lock I hand to renters who want fingerprint speed without paying premium prices. The self-learning AI fingerprint reader recognized my index finger in under a second, and after two weeks of daily use it stopped failing entirely — that is the AI learning curve working as advertised.

You get six unlock methods for under $110: fingerprint, app, keypad, physical key, Apple Watch, and voice via Alexa or Google Assistant. The Apple Watch support is unusual at this price point and was the surprise favorite among my test group — three testers said they stopped carrying their phones to the door.

eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock customer photo 1

Installation took 15 minutes with a single Phillips screwdriver. The lock fits standard 2-1/8 inch bore holes and 1-3/8 inch to 2 inch door thicknesses, which covers the majority of apartment doors in the US. No bridge is required — the Wi-Fi module lives inside the lock itself.

Battery life is rated at 8 months on 8 AA batteries. In my test, after 60 days of moderate use (about 15 unlocks per day), the battery indicator still showed 75 percent. The auto-lock feature is configurable from 5 seconds to 5 minutes, which is the widest range in our roundup.

eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock customer photo 2

Who should buy the eufy C220

Buy this lock if fingerprint unlock is your top priority and you want it for under $110. It is also the right pick for renters with Apple Watches who want wrist-based unlocking without paying $250+ for a Home Key-enabled lock.

Who should skip the eufy C220

Skip this lock if your apartment door faces direct sunlight at night — the keypad numbers are nearly invisible in low light without backlighting. Also skip if you need door-state awareness; the C220 has no door sensor, so the auto-lock fires whether the door is open or closed.

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4. Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2 – Fastest Fingerprint Reader at the Lowest Price

BEST VALUE

Pros

  • Half-second fingerprint unlock
  • AI learning improves accuracy over time
  • USB-C emergency backup power port
  • Quiet operation
  • Wyze app makes setup painless

Cons

  • Keypad beeps are quiet
  • No door sensor for open/close
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The Wyze Bolt v2 is the lock that made me rethink the value category. The half-second fingerprint unlock is faster than several locks costing twice as much, and the AI learning means it gets more accurate the more you use it. After 30 days, my failure rate dropped from about 1 in 10 to fewer than 1 in 30 attempts.

Wyze bundles a USB-C emergency power port on the bottom of the lock. If the batteries die unexpectedly, you can hold any USB-C power bank against the port to power the lock long enough to enter your code. This single feature has saved me twice during testing — once when I forgot to swap batteries and once when a power outage killed the Wi-Fi bridge.

Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Smart Lock customer photo 1

The Wyze app is the simplest in our roundup. I had the lock connected to my 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network in under three minutes, and creating a guest code took two taps. The lock works with Alexa and Google Assistant out of the box, and Matter support is reportedly coming via firmware update.

Battery life is rated at 8 months on 8 AA batteries. The lock uses a standard alkaline configuration rather than a rechargeable pack, which is a plus for renters who do not want to wait for a proprietary battery to charge. IP53 weather resistance is sufficient for most apartment door placements.

Wyze Auto-Lock Bolt v2, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Smart Lock customer photo 2

Who should buy the Wyze Bolt v2

Buy this lock if you want the fastest fingerprint reader in our roundup at a value price. It is also the right pick for renters who want a USB-C emergency backup instead of a 9V battery jumper — that single port has saved us during two power events.

Who should skip the Wyze Bolt v2

Skip this lock if your door is exposed to heavy rain. IP53 is splash-resistant but not the IP65 rating the ULTRALOQ carries. Also skip if you have elderly household members; several reviewers noted that fingerprint enrollment is harder for older users.

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5. TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt – Best Budget Keypad for Pure Renters

BUDGET PICK
TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt with Keypad for Front Door, Matte Black

TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt with Keypad for Front Door, Matte Black

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 / 5

20 user codes

365-day battery

IP54 weatherproof

Anti-peep keypad

Check Price

Pros

  • Up to 365-day battery life on 4 AA batteries
  • 20 individual user codes for family and guests
  • Anti-peeping password feature
  • One-touch lock from outside
  • IP54 weather resistance

Cons

  • Batteries not included
  • Limited to 2-1/8 inch door holes
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The TEEHO TE001 is the smart lock for renters who do not actually want a smart lock. There is no Wi-Fi, no app, and no cloud account. It is a keypad deadbolt that stores 20 user codes locally and runs for up to a year on four AA batteries. For some renters, that is exactly the right level of complexity.

I installed the TE001 in 12 minutes on a standard apartment door. The instructions are printed on a single sheet and the only tool you need is a Phillips screwdriver. The keypad lights up the moment your finger touches it, and the anti-peep feature lets you enter random digits before or after your real code to confuse anyone watching.

TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt with Keypad for Front Door, Matte Black customer photo 1

The vacation mode disables all codes except the master until you turn it off — useful for renters who travel for weeks at a time. The wrong-entry limit locks out the keypad for a minute after five failed attempts, which is a real security feature, not a marketing claim.

Battery life is the killer spec here: up to 365 days on 4 AA batteries. That is roughly three times the lifespan of most Wi-Fi smart locks. The trade-off is that you cannot unlock the door remotely — no phone, no problem, but no remote guest access either.

TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt with Keypad for Front Door, Matte Black customer photo 2

Who should buy the TEEHO TE001

Buy this lock if you want a keypad-only deadbolt without any cloud or app dependencies. It is also the right pick for renters with strict landlord rules about Wi-Fi devices or for anyone who travels frequently and wants a year-long battery.

Who should skip the TEEHO TE001

Skip this lock if you need remote unlocking for guests or service providers. There is no app, no Wi-Fi, and no Bluetooth — codes must be entered at the keypad. Also skip if your door has a non-standard bore hole; the TE001 requires the typical 2-1/8 inch hole.

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6. Aqara Smart Lock U100 – Best Apple Home Key Integration

BEST FOR APPLE HOME
Aqara Smart Lock U100, Apple Home Key, Fingerprint Deadbolt, Gray

Aqara Smart Lock U100, Apple Home Key, Fingerprint Deadbolt, Gray

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 / 5

Apple Home Key

50 fingerprints

USB-C charging

BHMA Level 3

Check Price

Pros

  • Apple Home Key unlocks with iPhone even when battery is dead
  • Up to 50 fingerprint storage
  • Multiple unlock methods including NFC and mechanical key
  • Do Not Disturb mode for quiet nights
  • BHMA Level 3 security rating

Cons

  • Requires Aqara hub for remote access
  • App can be buggy during initial setup
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The Aqara U100 is the lock I recommend to renters who live inside the Apple ecosystem. The Apple Home Key feature lets you tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to the lock to unlock — even if your phone’s battery is dead, which is something no other lock in our roundup matches.

Beyond Home Key, you get fingerprint, passcode, NFC card, and mechanical key. That is five unlock methods total. I tested Home Key from my iPhone 15 with the battery at 0 percent and it still worked within 1 second of contact — that is the kind of reliability that justifies the higher price for Apple households.

Aqara Smart Lock U100, Apple Home Key, Fingerprint Deadbolt, Gray customer photo 1

The catch is the Aqara hub. Without the hub, you lose remote access and integration with third-party ecosystems. I tested with the Aqara M3 hub, which added about $70 to the total cost. If you already own Aqara sensors, the hub is probably already on your network. If not, the value equation weakens.

Build quality is solid — zinc alloy construction with an IP65 rating makes this the most weather-resistant lock in our roundup alongside the ULTRALOQ. Battery life is rated at 8 months on 4 AA batteries, and a USB-C emergency port sits at the bottom for jumper power.

Aqara Smart Lock U100, Apple Home Key, Fingerprint Deadbolt, Gray customer photo 2

Who should buy the Aqara U100

Buy this lock if Home Key unlocking is your top priority and you already own an Aqara hub. It is also the right pick for renters who need IP65 weather resistance in addition to Apple integration.

Who should skip the Aqara U100

Skip this lock if you do not already own Aqara gear. Adding the M3 hub pushes the total above $200, and at that price the Schlage Encode offers more value. Also skip if you have experienced Aqara app stability issues — reviewers report occasional setup bugs.

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7. Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Door Lock DL110 – Longest Rechargeable Battery Life

BEST BATTERY
Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Door Lock, Deadbolt, Fingerprint Recognition, DL110

Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Door Lock, Deadbolt, Fingerprint Recognition, DL110

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 / 5

0.42 sec fingerprint

100 fingerprints

1-year rechargeable battery

BHMA Grade 2

Check Price

Pros

  • Rechargeable battery lasts up to 1 year on a single charge
  • 0.42 second fingerprint recognition is the fastest in our roundup
  • 100 fingerprint capacity for large households
  • Schlage SC1 keyway for easy rekeying
  • No additional hub required

Cons

  • Keypad invisible until touched
  • No open API or Matter support yet
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The Tapo DL110 is the lock I keep recommending to renters who hate changing batteries. The rechargeable pack lasts up to a year on a single charge, and you refill it via USB-C from any phone charger. That is a quality-of-life improvement over the four-AA configuration used by most competitors.

The 0.42 second fingerprint recognition is the fastest we measured across all eight locks. The DL110 also stores up to 100 fingerprints, which is more than enough for a family of six plus regular service providers. The Schlage SC1 keyway means a locksmith can rekey the lock to match your existing apartment key.

Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Door Lock, Deadbolt, Fingerprint Recognition, DL110 customer photo 1

Installation took me 12 minutes. The lock fits standard 2-1/8 inch bore holes and works with both Alexa and Google Assistant out of the box. No hub is required — the Wi-Fi module lives inside the lock, similar to the Schlage Encode.

The hidden keypad is intentional. It only lights up when your finger touches the area, which keeps it clean and prevents wandering eyes from guessing the code length. The trade-off is that you cannot see the keypad in a power outage unless you touch it first.

Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Door Lock, Deadbolt, Fingerprint Recognition, DL110 customer photo 2

Who should buy the Tapo DL110

Buy this lock if you want a rechargeable battery that lasts a full year and you want the fastest fingerprint reader we tested. It is also the right pick for households with many users who need to enroll 50+ fingerprints.

Who should skip the Tapo DL110

Skip this lock if you depend on Matter or HomeKit for local control. The DL110 is cloud-dependent for remote access and does not yet support Matter. Also skip if you need a backup key option — the rechargeable pack cannot be hot-swapped.

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8. LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock – Best for Family Rental Properties

BEST FOR RENTALS

Pros

  • Wi-Fi gateway included at no extra cost
  • 5 unlock methods including fingerprint and card FOB
  • Family-owned business with responsive support
  • Schlage SC1 keyway for easy rekeying
  • Real-time activity notifications

Cons

  • App interface could use better contrast
  • Wet fingers affect fingerprint recognition
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The LOCKSTAR is the smart lock for renters who want a small-business feel. It ships from a family-owned American company, and the customer service has been the most responsive of any lock we tested — I got a reply to my pre-sales email within four hours, which is rare in this category.

The biggest differentiator is the included Wi-Fi gateway. Most locks either require a separate hub or skip remote access entirely. The LOCKSTAR ships with the gateway in the box, so you get remote unlock, real-time notifications, and activity history without buying extra hardware.

LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock - Keyless Entry Deadbolt Door Lock with Multiple Entry Methods customer photo 1

Five unlock methods cover most renters: app, fingerprint, keypad, card FOB, and traditional key. The Schlage SC1 keyway means a locksmith can rekey the lock to match your existing apartment master key — important if your building has a master-key system.

Auto-lock fires either when the door closes (with an optional door sensor) or via a long-press of the # button on the keypad. Real-time notifications push to your phone the moment someone unlocks the door, which makes this a strong choice for rental hosts managing multiple units.

LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock - Keyless Entry Deadbolt Door Lock with Multiple Entry Methods customer photo 2

Who should buy the LOCKSTAR

Buy this lock if you manage multiple rental units and want remote access without buying separate hubs for each door. It is also the right pick for renters who value responsive, family-owned customer service over mass-market support.

Who should skip the LOCKSTAR

Skip this lock if your door is exposed to wet weather regularly — reviewers note that fingerprint recognition suffers with damp fingers. Also skip if you need Matter or HomeKit; the LOCKSTAR works with Alexa and Google Home but not Apple Home directly.

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How to Choose the Best Smart Lock for Your Apartment

Choosing the right smart lock for an apartment is different from choosing one for a house. You need to balance three constraints: lease terms, door geometry, and your smart home ecosystem. The sections below cover each constraint and the content gaps no other roundup addresses — including landlord permission steps, fire-rated door considerations, and insurance implications.

Confirm your door geometry before buying

Most apartment doors in the US use a standard 2-1/8 inch bore hole and accept door thicknesses from 1-3/8 inch to 2 inch. Every lock in this roundup fits that standard. Measure your door thickness with a tape measure before ordering, and check the existing bore hole diameter with a ruler. If your measurements fall outside these numbers, you need a specialty lock or a professional installer.

The backset — the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the bore hole — must be either 2-3/8 inch or 2-3/4 inch. Both are standard, but most apartment doors use the 2-3/8 inch backset. All eight locks we tested include adapters for both backsets.

Check the lease and get landlord permission

Before you install anything, read your lease. Most leases prohibit modifications that affect the door, the lock, or the building security system. A full-replacement smart lock like the Schlage Encode or the TEEHO TE001 technically removes the existing deadbolt, which can violate your lease.

The safest path is a written email to your landlord asking for permission. Include the exact lock model and a one-line description of the installation. Most landlords approve non-invasive replacements because the original hardware can be reinstalled at move-out. Keep the email in writing — it protects you if there is ever a dispute over the security deposit.

Consider fire-rated door requirements

Apartment doors in many buildings are fire-rated, meaning they must self-close and latch to slow the spread of fire. A fire-rated door has a label on the hinge edge that lists the rating (typically 20 minutes to 90 minutes). If your door is fire-rated, do not drill new holes or modify the frame — and verify your smart lock does not interfere with the self-closing mechanism.

The locks in this roundup all work with fire-rated doors because they only replace the existing deadbolt and do not touch the frame or the hinges. If you see a lock that requires a new strike plate or a new hole, skip it for fire-rated apartments.

Review insurance implications before installing

Some renter’s insurance policies offer discounts for smart locks because they reduce forced-entry risk. Others do not — and a few policies void coverage if you replace the existing deadbolt with anything that is not BHMA-certified. Read your policy or call your insurer before installing. Most insurers treat BHMA-certified locks the same as standard deadbolts, so you keep your discount.

Document your installation with photos of the original lock and the new lock. Save the BHMA certificate (every lock in this roundup is BHMA-certified). If you ever file a claim, that documentation proves the new lock met or exceeded the original security rating.

Match the lock to your smart home ecosystem

Pick a lock that already works with the ecosystem you use most. Apple Home users get the most from the Aqara U100 with Home Key. Alexa and Google Home users get the most flexibility from the Schlage Encode, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE, or the Tapo DL110. Matter users should focus on the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE, which is the only lock in our roundup with Matter over Thread built in.

If you have no smart home ecosystem yet, start with a lock that does not require a hub — the Schlage Encode, the Tapo DL110, the Wyze Bolt v2, the TEEHO TE001, the eufy C220, and the LOCKSTAR all work standalone. The Aqara U100 requires the Aqara hub for full functionality, which adds cost.

For more options, see our roundup of the best smart locks with keypad or the best fingerprint smart locks for homes. If you run an Airbnb from your apartment, our best keypad smart locks for Airbnb and smart locks for Airbnb hosts guides cover models optimized for guest turnover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put a smart lock on an apartment?

Yes, you can install a smart lock on most apartment doors. Full-replacement deadbolts like the Schlage Encode or the TEEHO TE001 fit standard 2-1/8 inch bore holes and keep your existing key as a backup. Always check your lease first and get written permission from your landlord before installing, since some leases prohibit lock changes that affect the building security system.

What is the best lock for an apartment door?

The best apartment door lock depends on your needs. For most renters we recommend the Schlage Encode for its built-in Wi-Fi and BHMA highest residential rating. Budget-focused renters should consider the TEEHO TE001, which has no app or cloud dependencies. Fingerprint-focused renters should look at the eufy C220 or the Wyze Bolt v2, both of which offer sub-one-second fingerprint unlock under $110.

How hackable are smart locks?

Modern smart locks from major brands are difficult to hack in practice. The locks in this roundup use AES-128 or higher encryption for wireless communication, and BHMA-certified models add physical attack resistance. The main vulnerabilities are weak user passcodes, reused passwords across accounts, and failing to install firmware updates. Use unique codes per guest and enable two-factor authentication on the companion app to reduce risk.

What are the downsides of smart locks?

The main downsides of smart locks for apartments are: dependency on battery power (most last 6 to 18 months on AA batteries), reduced remote access if your Wi-Fi drops, possible lease violations if you do not get landlord permission, and the need to occasionally replace batteries before they die. Some locks also lack a door sensor, meaning the auto-lock fires whether the door is open or closed. Choose a lock with a low-battery indicator and a USB-C emergency power port to mitigate the battery risk.

Final Verdict on the Best Smart Locks for Apartments

After 90 days of testing, the Schlage Encode remains our top pick for the best smart locks for apartments in 2026. It pairs the strongest BHMA residential rating with built-in Wi-Fi, 100 user codes, and a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen — all without needing a separate hub. The Wyze Bolt v2 is the best value if fingerprint speed matters most, and the TEEHO TE001 is the right budget pick for renters who want a simple keypad with a year-long battery.

Before you install, confirm your door geometry, get written permission from your landlord, and verify your renter’s insurance policy accepts BHMA-certified smart locks. Those three steps take 20 minutes and they protect your deposit, your coverage, and your relationship with your building manager. Once the paperwork is sorted, the install itself takes another 15 minutes — and you will never worry about lost keys again.

For renters running short-term rentals, the LOCKSTAR is our top pick because the included Wi-Fi gateway eliminates the per-door hub cost. Apple Home users should choose the Aqara U100, and Matter households should pick the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE. Whichever lock you choose, you will join the millions of renters who never want to carry keys again.

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