6 Best Door Locks for Rental Properties: Deadbolt, Smart and More

Securing your rental property is extremely important; you need to protect your investment while also ensuring the safety and privacy of your tenants. Before anything else, your first line of defense should be a good door lock. But with so many options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In this article, we'll explore the six best door locks for rental properties to help you make an informed decision and keep your property and tenants safe.

The best rental property door locks include:

• LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock: Best Overall Door Lock
• Kwikset Cameron: Best Budget Door Lock
• Schlage B60N505: Best Deadbolt
• Eufy S230 Smart Lock: Best Touchscreen Lock
• August WiFi (4th Generation) Smart Lock: Best Upgrade Lock
• Wyze Lock Bolt: Simplest Smart Door Lock

How We Selected the Best Rental Property Door Locks

To ensure that we only recommended the best rental property door locks, we researched and analyzed landlord recommendations and online reviews. We also considered several factors, including price, durability, safety features, and ease of use.

We evaluated these rental property door locks based on:

• Landlord Recommendations: We looked at the door locks that experienced landlords recommended the most. These locks have been tried and tested by professionals in the field.
• Online Reviews: We scoured the internet for customer reviews on various door locks. We considered both positive and negative reviews to gauge the overall user experience with each lock.
• Price: We wanted to make sure that the locks we recommended were affordable and provided good value for money.
• Durability: We looked for door locks that could withstand wear and tear, extreme weather conditions, and attempted break-ins.
• Safety Features: We only recommended door locks that had advanced safety features, such as anti-pick, anti-bump, and anti-drill features. We also considered locks that had deadbolts, smart features, and other locking mechanisms that provided enhanced security.
• Ease of Use: Finally, we looked at how easy it was to install and use the door locks.

According to our criteria, the best door locks for rental property landlords is the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt because it offers advanced security features. Additionally, its compatibility with a variety of smart home systems, easy installation process, and user-friendly mobile app make it an excellent choice for landlords looking for a secure and convenient lock for their rental properties.

The best rental property door locks are:

1. LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock: Best Overall Door Lock

Rental property owners and Airbnb hosts, take note: the LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock is a game-changer in property security and management. Highly rated with a 4.7 out of 5 stars from 205 reviews, this keyless deadbolt offers multiple entry methods, including a secure app, fingerprint touch ID, keypad code, FOB, and traditional key. This variety ensures that both you and your guests can access the property easily and securely.

The LOCKSTAR brand promises modernity and efficiency, and this smart lock is no exception. It features a sleek, black design that blends seamlessly with any door style. One of its standout features is the auto-lock function, providing peace of mind for those with busy lives. Simply close the door, and it locks automatically.

What sets this smart lock apart is its complete event history via a customized app. This feature sends real-time notifications to your phone, showing who has opened your lock and when. This is especially useful for rental property owners who want to monitor access to their properties.

Installation is straightforward, with a simple DIY approach. The package includes an easy-to-follow installation guide, a screwdriver, and a drill piece (if required). This makes it suitable for almost any door and ideal for those who prefer a hands-on approach to property upgrades.

For rental property owners, the LOCKSTAR Smart Door Lock is a perfect fit. It offers complete control via a secure app from anywhere. Unlike some competitors, everything needed is included with your purchase today, including the Wi-Fi gateway/bridge, ensuring that you have all the tools necessary for immediate setup and use.

This smart lock isn't just a security device; it's an enhancement to the guest experience and a boost to your property's appeal in the competitive rental market.

2. Kwikset Cameron: Best Budget Door Lock

A reliable standby (it came out in 2004), the Kwikset Cameron is our top pick for the best overall budget door lock for rental properties. It provides excellent value for money while offering advanced security features that give both landlords and tenants peace of mind. Get it on Amazon and on the Kwikset website.  

One of the standout features of the Kwikset Cameron is its SmartKey technology, which allows landlords to easily rekey the lock in just a few seconds. This means that landlords can quickly and easily change the lock's key without having to hire a locksmith or replace the entire lock. The Kwikset Cameron is made from durable materials that are built to last (no touchpads here) ensuring that it can withstand the wear and tear of constant use.

Still, it doesn't offer some of the more advanced features of more expensive smart locks, such as built-in WiFi connectivity or compatibility with smart home systems. Additionally, it may not be the best choice for landlords who want a lock with a more modern or stylish design. Despite everything, the Kwikset Cameron is an excellent choice for rental property landlords who want a simple, reliable, and secure lock that won't break the bank.

3. Schlage B60N505: Best Deadbolt

The Schlage B60N505 is a solid choice for rental property landlords looking for a high-quality, heavy-duty deadbolt lock. This simple budget-friendly lock may just be what you need to secure your property. Get it on Amazon, or visit the Schlage website for more information.

At first glance, you’ll notice the solid construction of the Schlage B60N505 which includes a reinforced steel bolt and an anti-pick shield that helps prevent tampering. Additionally, its patented Snap and Stay technology makes installation a breeze, which is especially important for landlords who need to install multiple locks quickly and efficiently.

It is worth noting that some users have reported issues with the lock jamming or sticking over time, which can be frustrating and potentially problematic in emergency situations.

With a Grade 1 rating, this basic lock will protect your property and tenants from any security breaches. And though it’s not a smart lock, it remains an excellent choice for rental property landlords who prioritize security and reliability.

4. Eufy S230 Smart Lock: Best Touchscreen Lock

As the 5th generation, 2022 version of Eufy’s smart lock, expect that the Eufy S230 Smart Lock will impress. First of all, its sleek design and intuitive touchscreen interface already make it a standout option in the market. Buy it from the Eufy website (there’s also a video option), or check out Eufy’s Amazon store.

It has built-in WiFi, which allows for easy remote access and control from anywhere with the Eufy app. It also has an impressive battery life, lasting up to a year with regular usage. Aside from being able to use your fingerprint in a matter of seconds, the lock comes with two physical keys for backup entry, in case the battery runs out or the touch screen malfunctions.

Though the lock mainly operates via the app and the touchscreen, everything is secure thanks to its AES 256 security chip encryption–so landlords and tenants alike don’t need to worry about any digital and physical security breaches.

Keep in mind that some users have reported issues when trying to use the touchscreen with wet or dirty fingers. This, plus its price tag, brings it down a bit on our list. However, if you can afford the investment, then this lock is more than worth it.

5. August WiFi (4th Generation) Smart Lock: Best Upgrade Lock

Are you looking for a lock to upgrade your current, outdated security system without having to replace it entirely? If you're looking for a lock that doesn't require replacing your existing deadbolt, the August WiFi Smart Lock (4th Generation, released in 2021) is the perfect choice. Get this tiny lock on Amazon, or purchase it directly from the August website.

This lock easily fits over your existing deadbolt, allowing you to keep your keys (though you probably won’t need them) while adding a layer of smart security. Plus, with built-in WiFi, you can control the lock from anywhere using the August app, Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings.

Unlike other smart locks, we love the August’s ability to work with your existing deadbolt. This means you don't have to go through the hassle of replacing your lock or getting new keys made. The lock is also easy to install and comes with step-by-step instructions to help you get set up quickly without having to hire a professional.

This is a great upgrade for an existing system, as the app allows you to track who comes in and out of your property. So it adds an extra layer of security, while allowing you to retain the look and feel of your property (the lock is only added to the inside of your door). The only potential drawback of this lock is that it does require a bit of setup time, especially if you're not tech-savvy. However, once the lock is set up, it's incredibly user-friendly and convenient.

6. Wyze Lock Bolt: Simplest Smart Door Lock

‍

The Wyze Lock Bolt is our top pick for the best simple smart lock, perfect for those who want a smart lock without all the bells and whistles. It’s incredibly easy to install and use, with no additional components required, making it an excellent choice for those who want a seamless smart home experience without the hassle of complex installation.

Launched in the first half of 2022, you can get this on Amazon, though it is slightly cheaper on the Wyze website.

This lock has a sleek and minimalistic design that blends in well with any decor. This Bluetooth lock can be controlled through the Wyze app, which provides a user-friendly interface for remote access and management so you can track who enters and leaves your property. It also has some other nifty features, like an auto-lock timer and a quick fingerprint scanner.

However, it does not have a physical key option, meaning you’ll have to rely entirely on the app, scanner, or keypad to lock and unlock your door. This can be tricky, as if the lock malfunctions you may have to call in a professional. If you rely on one door for your property (i.e., no back or side door), then the Wyze Lock Bolt may not be a good fit.

Key Takeaway

A lock is your first line of defense against a security breach. Investing in the proper locks for your rental is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of your tenants, their belongings, and your property. Moreover, installing the right lock can help you save money in the long run by reducing the likelihood of break-ins and property damage. So don’t wait–invest in one of these six today and get the peace of mind that you and your tenants deserve.