A smart lock transforms rental property management. Instead of hiding keys under doormats or meeting every guest for handoff, you generate a unique access code for each booking, share it in the check-in message, and it automatically expires at checkout. No key copies floating around, no lockouts, no midnight phone calls about lost keys.
The best rental locks need four things: reliable WiFi connectivity for remote management, easy guest code creation and scheduling, auto-lock to prevent guests from leaving doors unlocked, and a physical keypad (not just an app) so guests don't need to download anything.
Quick answer
- Best overall: Schlage Encode Plus — built-in WiFi, no hub needed, Apple Home Key, rugged build
- Best retrofit: August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen — keeps existing deadbolt exterior, adds smart interior
- Best modularity: Yale Assure Lock 2 — swap modules for WiFi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Apple Home
- Best fingerprint option: Lockly Visage — 3D facial recognition and fingerprint reader
Schlage Encode Plus — Best Overall for Rentals
The Schlage Encode Plus is the most reliable rental lock available. Built-in WiFi means no hub, no bridge, no extra hardware — it connects directly to your router. Create access codes remotely through the Schlage Home app, set schedules (active only during booking dates), and monitor lock/unlock activity in real time.
The lock holds up to 100 access codes, which is more than enough for any rental. Auto-lock engages after 30 seconds (adjustable). The keypad is responsive and backlit for night arrivals. Build quality is commercial-grade — this lock handles thousands of cycles without issues.
Schlage Encode Plus also supports Apple Home Key, meaning guests with iPhones can unlock with a tap (if you share access through Apple Home). It's the only lock in this list with Home Key support.
Battery life runs 6-12 months on 4 AA batteries. The lock connects to 2.4GHz WiFi only — make sure your property's router has a dedicated 2.4GHz band available. For WiFi connectivity troubleshooting, see our Schlage Encode WiFi fix guide. Check current prices on Amazon.
August WiFi Smart Lock 4th Gen — Best Retrofit
August's approach is different: it replaces only the interior side of your existing deadbolt. The exterior looks exactly the same — same key, same appearance. Guests (or neighbors, or emergency contacts) can still use a physical key from outside.
The 4th Gen model has built-in WiFi, eliminating the need for the old August Connect bridge. It supports remote access, auto-lock, auto-unlock (based on phone proximity), and guest access through the August app.
For rentals, the app-based guest access works well but requires guests to download the August app. This is less ideal than a keypad. If you want keypad access with August, you'll need to add the separate August Smart Keypad ($50-70). That adds cost but gives guests a code-based entry option.
August works with Alexa and Google Home. Apple HomeKit support requires additional configuration. Battery life is roughly 3-6 months on CR123 batteries. Check current prices on Amazon.
For lock troubleshooting, see our August smart lock guide.
Yale Assure Lock 2 — Best Modular Option
Yale Assure Lock 2 uses swappable radio modules — buy the lock once, then choose WiFi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Apple Home module separately. This future-proofs your investment and lets you match the lock to your property's smart home setup.
With the WiFi module, you get remote access and code management through the Yale Access app. The keypad is clean and modern-looking with a touchscreen interface. Auto-lock, scheduled codes, and activity logging are all included.
The Apple Home module option makes this the best rental lock for HomeKit-focused properties. Yale Assure Lock 2 with the Apple Home module supports Home Key for tap-to-unlock.
Battery life runs 9-12 months on 4 AA batteries. The lock supports up to 250 access codes. Yale's app is straightforward for managing codes and checking lock history. Check current prices on Amazon.
Lockly Visage — Best Biometric Option
Lockly Visage adds 3D facial recognition and a fingerprint reader to the smart lock equation. For properties where you want biometric access in addition to codes, this is the most advanced option.
The PIN Genie keypad displays numbers in random positions each time, preventing code theft from smudge patterns. WiFi is built in for remote management. The lock supports offline access codes that work even without WiFi.
This lock is best for high-end rentals or property managers who want maximum security. The facial recognition works in the dark with IR sensors. The downside is cost — Lockly Visage is significantly more expensive than the other options, and the app experience isn't as polished as Schlage or Yale. Check current prices on Amazon.
Setting Up Smart Locks for Rental Properties
Guest code workflow: Create a time-limited code before each booking. Share it in your check-in message (Airbnb, VRBO, or direct booking). The code activates at check-in time and expires at checkout. Delete it after the stay.
Auto-lock is non-negotiable. Guests will forget to lock the door. Set auto-lock to engage 30-60 seconds after the door closes. Every lock in this list supports this feature.
Keep a physical key backup. Smart locks occasionally fail — dead batteries, WiFi outages, software glitches. Always have a hidden lockbox with a physical key as backup. Schlage and Yale include a physical keyhole. August uses your existing key.
Monitor battery levels remotely. Getting a low-battery alert while guests are mid-stay is critical. All four locks send battery warnings through their apps. Replace batteries proactively when they drop below 25%.
For detailed installation steps, see our smart deadbolt installation guide. For a broader comparison of smart locks, check our best smart lock guide.
FAQ
Do guests need to download an app? Not with Schlage, Yale, or Lockly — guests just use the keypad code. August requires the app unless you add the separate August Smart Keypad.
What if WiFi goes down at the property? All four locks continue to work via keypad codes even without WiFi. You lose remote monitoring and code management until WiFi is restored, but guests can still enter.
How many guest codes can I create? Schlage Encode Plus supports 100 codes. Yale Assure Lock 2 supports up to 250. August supports unlimited virtual keys through the app. Lockly supports 8 fingerprints and multiple codes.
Will these locks work with Airbnb's smart lock integration? Yale and August have direct Airbnb integration that auto-generates and shares codes based on booking dates. Schlage and Lockly require manual code creation.