Best Smart Locks for Renters: Keep Your Keys, No Drilling

Quick answer: The best smart locks for renters install on the inside of the door over your existing deadbolt, so the outside lock and your keys stay as they are. According to their manufacturers, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock and the Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi both work this way. Check your lease and tell your landlord before you change a lock.

Specifications checked against manufacturer pages on 23 October 2026. We have not physically tested these locks; this guide is based on manufacturer documentation. This is not legal advice.

What makes a smart lock renter-friendly?

Most smart deadbolts replace your whole lock. That is a permanent change and may break your lease. A renter-friendly lock leaves the outside of the door alone:

• Retrofit design: it fits over your existing deadbolt on the inside of the door and replaces only the thumbturn.
• Your keys still work: the original keyway stays, so the landlord and your spare keys keep working.
• Easy to undo: you can remove it when you move out and leave the door as you found it.

Best smart locks for renters

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the clearest renter pick. August says to leave your outside lock alone and install on the inside of the door over your existing deadbolt, and that you keep your existing deadbolt and keys. It connects over built-in Wi-Fi and works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri/HomeKit. See August Wi-Fi Smart Lock compatibility.

Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi

The Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi uses the same idea: it fits over your existing deadbolt on the inside of the door. Yale describes it as compatible with most single-cylinder deadbolts and a good choice for renters. It is listed as working with Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings. Yale does not confirm Apple Home, so Apple users should look at the August lock instead. See Yale Approach compatibility.

Locks that replace your deadbolt

The Schlage Encode Plus is a strong lock, but it replaces your deadbolt. Only choose it if your lease or landlord allows the change, and keep your old hardware so you can put it back. The Wyze Lock Bolt is Bluetooth only and Wyze lists no Alexa or Google support, so it is a poor fit if you want voice control.

Before you buy

1. Read your lease and ask your landlord. Some leases forbid changing locks or require the landlord to have access.
2. Check your deadbolt type. Retrofit locks fit specific deadbolts, usually single-cylinder ones.
3. Keep your keys. A retrofit lock leaves your key working, which helps if the batteries die.
4. Check your ecosystem in the compatibility checker before you order.

More renter ideas: smart home for renters, video doorbells for renters and smart apartment setup. Compare all options in best smart locks.

FAQ

Do I need my landlord's permission to install a smart lock?

Check your lease. A retrofit lock does not change the outside of the door, but some leases still restrict lock changes or require landlord access. When in doubt, ask.

Can I take the lock with me when I move?

Yes. A retrofit lock can be removed and your original thumbturn put back. Keep the parts you removed.

What if the battery dies?

With a retrofit lock your original key still works. Replace the batteries when the app warns you.

Sources

• August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
• Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi
• Wyze Lock Bolt