Smart Locks for Rental Properties

[Madelyn Felix]

Who is already using smart locks for their rental properties?  

[John McDonald]

Smart locks are becoming more common in rentals, especially short-term and multifamily units.

Pros:

• No need to rekey between tenants

• Can grant/revoke access remotely (great for maintenance or showings)

• Access logs for added security

• Tenants like the convenience

Cons:

• Dependence on batteries or Wi-Fi—can fail if not maintained

• Some tenants may be uncomfortable with perceived privacy concerns

• Higher upfront cost and potential for tech support issues

• If the system fails, physical access could be a problem

For long-term rentals, a keypad lock with manual override might be a better balance—still allows for code changes without rekeying, but avoids some of the tech pitfalls of smart locks tied to Wi-Fi or apps.

Whatever you choose, just make sure there's a backup access method and clear communication with tenants about how it's managed.