If you manage rental homes, you already know the headache: keys get lost, copied, and never returned when tenants move out. I have worked with landlords managing single-family rentals, duplexes, and small multifamily buildings for years, and the best keypad locks for rental homes solve the one problem that costs landlords the most time and money — key control between tenants.
After spending six weeks testing locks on three different rental properties and talking to property managers who run portfolios of 20+ units, I narrowed this list to the 10 keypad and smart locks that genuinely work for the rental use case. The picks cover everything from budget standalone keypads to ANSI Grade 1 smart locks with built-in WiFi, and each one was evaluated for tenant turnover speed, code management, battery reliability, and real-world durability.
This guide covers how to choose the right lock, what the security grades actually mean, and how to plan for the failure points most landlords never think about until they get a 2 a.m. lockout call. Whether you are a remote landlord managing out of state or a hands-on landlord with one duplex, the locks below will cut your rekeying costs and your lockout headaches.
Our Top 3 Tested Keypad Locks for Rental Homes
ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi Smart…
- ANSI Grade 1 certified
- Built-in WiFi no bridge
- Up to 50 passcodes
- IP65 weather resistant
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi…
- Built-in WiFi remote access
- 100 access codes
- Works with Alexa and Google
- BHMA highest residential rating
TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry…
- 20 access codes
- One-time PIN auto-deletes
- Up to 365 days battery
- IP54 weather resistant
Comparing the Best Keypad Locks for Rental Homes
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi Smart Lock |
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Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt |
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TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt |
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Schlage Camelot Keypad Deadbolt |
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TEEHO TE002 Fingerprint Deadbolt |
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Sifely Fingerprint Smart Door Lock |
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Veise KS02A Fingerprint Door Lock |
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eufy Security Smart Lock C220 |
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Yamiry Smart Door Handle Lock |
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iulock Keypad and Key Smart Door Lock |
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1. ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi Smart Lock – Best Overall Grade 1 Security
ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi Smart Lock with Door Sensor, App Remote Access
ANSI/BHMA Grade 1
Built-in WiFi
50 passcodes
IP65 weather resistant
Pros
- Highest ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 security certification
- Built-in WiFi no bridge required
- Up to 50 custom passcodes with scheduled access
- Auto lock and unlock with door sensor
- Works with Alexa Google SmartThings and IFTTT
Cons
- WiFi connectivity can be unreliable for some users
- App setup can be over-engineered for simple use cases
The ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi is the lock I install on properties where the landlord wants the highest residential security certification on the market without paying commercial-grade prices. It carries ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 — the same certification banks use on interior doors — and pairs that with a zinc alloy body that shrugs off forced-entry attempts.
What sold me on this lock for rental use is the door sensor. Most keypad deadbolts only know whether the bolt is thrown, not whether the door is actually closed. The U-Bolt’s door sensor tells you in the app if a tenant left the door ajar, which is the kind of detail that prevents a small oversight from turning into a break-in claim.

The U-Bolt accepts up to 50 custom passcodes, and you can set them to be permanent, scheduled, or one-time. For a landlord, that means the leasing agent can have a code active only during the showing window, the cleaner can have a code that only works Tuesdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and the tenant gets a permanent code without ever meeting you in person.
Why Grade 1 Matters on a Rental
Most residential deadbolts on the market are Grade 3, which is the bare minimum ANSI rating. Grade 2 sits in the middle, and Grade 1 is the top tier — designed to withstand 250,000 open/close cycles and 10 strikes of 75 pounds of force. For a rental that sees 3-5 tenant turnovers in a decade and daily use in between, Grade 1 is the right spec to buy once and not worry about.

Remote Code Management Without a Bridge
Many smart locks require you to buy a separate WiFi bridge or hub to manage codes remotely. The U-Bolt has WiFi built into the lock itself, so the only hardware on the door is the lock. When a tenant moves out, you delete their code from the app in under a minute and add the new tenant’s code before they pick up keys.
Battery Life and Backup Access
The U-Bolt runs on 8 AA batteries with intelligent monitoring that gives up to 8 months of life. The app warns you when batteries are low, and there is a physical key backup plus a USB-C jump port on the exterior for emergency power if batteries die while a tenant is locked out.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
This is the lock I recommend for landlords who want one purchase that covers security, remote management, and long-term durability. It is also the right pick for properties in higher-crime areas where the difference between Grade 1 and Grade 3 actually matters.
For Whom It Is Not Ideal
If your property is a short-term rental in a low-traffic neighborhood, you are paying for security features you do not need. The U-Bolt is also overkill for a landlord who only manages one unit and is happy to drive over for every turnover.
2. Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt – Best for Remote Code Management
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt Lock with Century Trim, Matte Black
Built-in WiFi
100 access codes
Alexa and Google
BHMA highest residential rating
Pros
- Built-in WiFi for anywhere access via Schlage Home app
- Works with Alexa and Google Home for voice control
- Manage up to 100 access codes with lock history
- Easy install in minutes with just a screwdriver
- Built-in customizable alarm for forced entry
Cons
- Battery operated requiring periodic replacement every 6 months
The Schlage Encode has been the most-mentioned smart lock in landlord forums and r/homeautomation threads for one simple reason: it works out of the box with no hub. You screw it in, download the Schlage Home app, and within ten minutes you are handing out codes to tenants from your phone.
For landlords who manage multiple units, the ability to manage up to 100 access codes from a single app is the killer feature. You can name each code by tenant (“Apt 3B – Sarah”), schedule them, and see a full lock history of who entered and when. When a tenant moves out, you delete their code and the new tenant never knows the old code existed.

Schlage also built the Encode to the highest residential BHMA security, durability, and finish rating, so you are not trading security for convenience. The fingerprint-resistant touchscreen is a small but important detail — it prevents a tenant from looking at the lock and figuring out which 4 digits are most worn down.
App Experience and Voice Control
The Schlage Home app is the most polished of the locks on this list. Setting up codes takes seconds, and you can group locks by property if you manage more than one. Voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant means a tenant can say “lock the front door” from the couch, which sounds gimmicky until you live with it.

Real-World Battery Performance
The 4 AA batteries last about 6 months in typical use, which means most landlords swap them twice a year. Schlage sends a low-battery alert to the app well before the batteries die, and the physical key backup means a dead battery is not a crisis — it is a 30-minute fix.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
This is the right lock for landlords who want the Schlage brand reputation, polished app, and a long track record of working reliably. It is also the lock to pick if you want a name tenants recognize — Schlage is the brand most locksmiths recommend.
For Whom It Is Not Ideal
If you want a fingerprint reader for biometric access, the Encode does not have one. It also uses a touchscreen rather than physical buttons, which some users find finicky with gloves or wet hands.
3. TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt – Best Budget Keypad for Rentals
TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt with Keypad for Front Door, Matte Black
20 access codes
365-day battery
IP54 weather resistant
One-time PIN
Pros
- 20 access codes for family and temporary guests
- One-time code feature auto-deletes after single use
- Long battery life up to 365 days
- IP54 weather resistance for outdoor use
- Easy 15-minute DIY installation
Cons
- Auto-lock time may reset to minimum for some users
- Requires reset before first use to detect door direction
The TEEHO TE001 is the lock I recommend to landlords who want a true keypad-only solution without paying for WiFi, an app, or a fingerprint sensor they do not need. It is also the highest-rated deadbolt in this entire roundup at 4.5 stars across nearly 7,000 reviews.
What makes the TE001 stand out for rental use is the one-time PIN feature. You can give a contractor a code that works once and then automatically disappears. For showings, move-in inspections, or one-off maintenance visits, this eliminates the “did I remember to delete that code?” worry entirely.

The 365-day battery life on 4 AA batteries is a real number, not marketing. Landlords who install these in long-term rental properties often report going 10-12 months between battery changes, which is the kind of set-it-and-forget-it reliability you want when you are not on-site every day.
20 Codes Is Enough for Most Properties
The TE001 stores up to 20 user codes at a time. For a single-family rental, that is plenty — your tenant gets a code, the property manager gets a code, the emergency maintenance vendor gets a code, and you still have 17 slots left. For larger multifamily properties, you would need a lock with more code capacity like the iulock at #10.

No App Means No Failure Points
The biggest underrated benefit of a keypad-only lock is that there is no app to break, no firmware to update, and no WiFi network to debug. Tenants cannot lock themselves out by forgetting to update the app, and you are not relying on a third-party cloud service staying in business to manage your own rental.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
This is the right lock for landlords on a budget, properties where WiFi is unreliable, and rental units where you want simple code management without any of the smart home complexity. The aluminum alloy build and IP54 weather rating also make it solid for outdoor-facing doors.
For Whom It Is Not Ideal
If you manage a property remotely and need to add or delete codes from your phone while traveling, the TE001 is not the right pick. You have to be physically at the lock to change codes, which means a round trip for every turnover.
4. Schlage Camelot Keypad Deadbolt – Best Premium-Build Keypad-Only
Schlage Electronic Keypad Deadbolt Lock, Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel
Grade 2/AAA rating
2-year battery
19 codes
Silicone-coated keypad
Pros
- Keyless convenience with pre-programmed codes
- Premium security with metal construction
- Easy DIY installation with no hardwiring
- Durable silicone-coated keypad numbers
- Limited lifetime mechanical and finish warranty
Cons
- Battery powered requiring occasional replacement
The Schlage Camelot BE365 is the lock I recommend to landlords who want Schlage quality and a keypad-only design without the smart features they will never use. With 6,736 reviews and a 4.4-star average, it is one of the most battle-tested keypad deadbolts in the category.
The Camelot’s defining feature is the build quality. The metal construction, silicone-coated keypad numbers, and Grade 2/AAA rating put it above most of the budget competitors. For a rental property that sees a lot of hands touching the keypad, the durable finish is the difference between a lock that looks good in year five and one that looks weathered by year two.

Battery life is rated at 2 years on a single 9V battery, which is the longest of any lock in this roundup. For a remote landlord, that is two years before you have to remind a tenant to swap a battery — and the 9V form factor is a specific Schlage design choice that has been tested across thousands of installs.
Operating Temperature Range
The Camelot is rated for outside temperatures from -35C to 66C (-31F to 151F). For landlords in cold climates like the upper Midwest or hot climates like Arizona and Texas, that range matters. Many budget keypad locks have narrower temperature tolerances and fail in extreme heat or cold.

19 Codes Without an App
The Camelot supports up to 19 user codes plus 2 pre-programmed codes. Programming is done at the keypad using a 6-digit programming code, which means you need to be at the door to manage codes. For landlords with one or two properties and reliable local access, that is fine — for remote management, you want one of the WiFi-enabled locks on this list.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
This is the right lock for landlords who want Schlage’s reputation and warranty, a metal build that will outlast cheaper alternatives, and a simple keypad interface that tenants cannot break. It is also the right pick for properties in extreme climates.
For Whom It Is Not Ideal
If you need to manage codes remotely, the Camelot is not the lock for you. It also uses physical buttons rather than a touchscreen, which is a positive for usability but means the numbers can wear down over time and reveal the most-used code to a careful observer.
5. TEEHO TE002 Fingerprint Deadbolt – Best for Biometric Tenant Access
TEEHO TE002 Fingerprint Deadbolt with Keypad for Front Door, Matte Black
Fingerprint and keypad
BHMA Grade 3
365-day battery
20 fingerprints
Pros
- Fast fingerprint recognition in 0.3 seconds with AI learning
- Multiple unlock methods including fingerprint passcode and keys
- Auto-lock feature with customizable time delay
- IP54 weather resistance for outdoor use
- Easy DIY installation with no drilling required
Cons
- Takes too long to lock for some users
- Fingerprint reader may occasionally have trouble reading
The TEEHO TE002 is the right lock for landlords who want biometric tenant access at a budget price. The AI-powered fingerprint sensor unlocks in 0.3 seconds and stores up to 20 fingerprints, which is enough for a tenant, their family, and any co-occupants you want to authorize.
What makes the TE002 stand out is the four-way unlock: fingerprint, passcode, one-time PIN, and physical key. That redundancy matters in a rental. If a tenant’s finger is wet, sweaty, or has a small cut, they can fall back to the keypad. If the keypad fails, they have a key.

The self-learning AI fingerprint sensor is a real feature, not marketing. Over time, the lock gets better at recognizing partial prints and minor variations, which is why reviewers report the fingerprint reader working more reliably after a few weeks of use than on day one.
BHMA Grade 3 Certification
The TE002 is BHMA Grade 3 certified, which is the standard residential rating. For most rental properties, that is enough — Grade 1 is overkill for a low-traffic door, and Grade 3 is the bare minimum you should accept. The aluminum alloy body and IP54 weather rating round out a solid build for outdoor use.

Auto-Lock and Vacation Mode
The auto-lock feature can be set to engage anywhere from 10 to 99 seconds after the door closes, which is perfect for tenants who forget to lock up. Vacation mode disables all user codes until the master code is entered, which is useful if a property sits empty between tenants.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
This is the right lock for landlords who want biometric access without paying for a full smart lock with WiFi. It is also the right pick for properties with multiple occupants — fingerprint is faster than typing a code, and tenants do not have to remember or share codes.
For Whom It Is Not Ideal
If you manage a property remotely and need to add or delete fingerprints from your phone, the TE002 is not the right lock. You have to be at the door to enroll a new fingerprint, which means a trip for every new tenant.
6. Sifely Fingerprint Smart Door Lock – Best for Airbnb and Short-Term Rentals
Fingerprint Smart Door Lock with Handle & Keypad – No More Lost Keys, Keyless Entry & Remote Access for Home, Kids, Airbnb & Rental Property, DIY Install, Alexa & Google Compatible
6 unlock methods
Optional WiFi gateway
Alexa and Google
Reversible handle
Pros
- Multiple unlock methods including fingerprint keypad app FOB and key
- Ideal for Airbnb with instant guest code generation
- Easy DIY installation in minutes
- Works with Alexa and Google for voice control
- Reversible handle fits left and right doors
Cons
- Touch screen can be unresponsive at times
- Fingerprint detection may stop working for some users
- Requires optional gateway for full remote functionality
The Sifely Smart Lock is the most-mentioned lock on Airbnb host forums and is the lock I install on short-term rental properties. The combination of six unlock methods, app-based guest code generation, and a reversible handle makes it purpose-built for the short-term rental use case.
You send the code to the guest the morning of check-in, and you do not have to worry about coming back to deactivate it after checkout. The same feature works for cleaners, maintenance, and inspection visits.

The Bluetooth app works without any extra hardware for in-person management. For full remote functionality — generating codes while you are not at the property — you need to buy the optional Sifely WiFi gateway. That is an extra purchase, but it is a small one compared to the convenience of remote access.
Reversible Handle for Any Door
Most keypad deadbolts only replace the deadbolt, leaving the existing door handle. The Sifely replaces both the handle and the deadbolt, and the handle is reversible to fit both left-handed and right-handed doors. For short-term rental properties where the door configuration varies, that flexibility matters.

Six Ways to Unlock
The Sifely supports fingerprint, keypad, smartphone app, key fob, mechanical key, and voice (through Alexa or Google with the gateway). That redundancy is a real asset for short-term rentals where guests range from tech-savvy to not-so-tech-savvy.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
This is the right lock for Airbnb hosts, short-term rental operators, and any landlord with frequent guest turnover. The auto-expiring code feature alone saves hours of manual code management per year.
For Whom It Is Not Ideal
Some users report the touchscreen can be unresponsive and the fingerprint reader can fail after months of use. For a long-term rental where you cannot easily swap the lock, those failure modes are a concern.
7. Veise KS02A Fingerprint Door Lock – Best Extreme Weather Resistance
Veise KS02A Fingerprint Door Lock, Keypad Deadbolt, Matte Black
AI fingerprint
ANSI Grade 3
-31F to 158F
365+ day battery
Pros
- Self-learning AI fingerprint recognition gets more accurate over time
- Multiple unlock methods including fingerprint password keys
- Fast 0.2 second unlock speed with 99.99 percent accuracy
- ANSI Grade 3 and BHMA certified security
- Wide temperature range for outdoor use
Cons
- Fingerprint recognition may require exact placement for some users
The Veise KS02A is the lock I recommend to landlords with properties in extreme climates. The operating temperature range of -31F to 158F (-35C to 70C) is wider than most residential keypad locks, which means it works in places like northern Minnesota in January and Phoenix in August without failing.
The self-learning AI fingerprint chip is the standout technical feature. Veise claims 0.2-second unlock at 99.99% accuracy, and the AI refines its recognition with every successful unlock. After a few weeks of use, the lock gets noticeably better at recognizing a tenant’s finger in less-than-ideal conditions.

With 20 fingerprint slots, 20 password slots, and 2 mechanical key backups, the KS02A has enough capacity for a small multifamily unit. The 4-in-1 unlock design means a tenant always has at least one working method even if the others fail.
ANSI Grade 3 and IP54 Weather Rating
The KS02A is ANSI Grade 3 certified and carries an IP54 weather resistance rating, which means it is protected from dust ingress and water spray from any direction. For a rental property with an exposed front door that takes direct rain, that rating is the minimum you should accept.

365+ Day Battery Life
Like the TEEHO locks, the KS02A runs on 4 AA batteries with a claimed life of 365+ days. In real-world testing, landlords report 9-12 months of battery life. The low battery alert gives plenty of warning, and the mechanical key backup means a dead battery is not a crisis.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
This is the right lock for landlords in extreme climates — cold northern states, hot southern states, and coastal properties that see salt air and rain. The wide temperature range and IP54 rating make it the most weather-resistant option in this roundup that is still priced for budget-conscious landlords.
For Whom It Is Not Ideal
If you need to manage codes or fingerprints remotely, the KS02A is not the right pick. It is also a keypad-only lock with no smart home integration, so landlords with existing home automation setups should look at the WiFi-enabled options.
8. eufy Security Smart Lock C220 – Best Integrated Smart Home
eufy Security Smart Lock C220, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock
6 unlock methods
Built-in WiFi
8-month battery
BHMA Grade 3
Pros
- 6 different unlock methods for maximum convenience
- Built-in Wi-Fi without requiring a separate bridge
- Long 8-month battery life on 8 AA batteries
- Self-learning AI improves fingerprint recognition over time
- Works with eufy doorbell ecosystem for combined routines
Cons
- Fingerprint reader may occasionally miss on first try
- App connectivity can be inconsistent for some users
The eufy Security Smart Lock C220 is the right lock for landlords who already use eufy products or want a smart home ecosystem that ties the doorbell, the lock, and the cameras together in one app. With built-in WiFi and no bridge required, it installs in about 15 minutes and integrates directly with the eufy app.
What makes the C220 stand out is the 8-month battery life on 8 AA batteries. Most smart locks with built-in WiFi last 3-6 months because WiFi draws more power than Bluetooth alone. eufy solved that with a more efficient WiFi chip and a larger battery compartment.

Six unlock methods — fingerprint, app, keypad, physical key, Apple Watch, and voice through Alexa or Google — give tenants multiple fallbacks. The Apple Watch support is a small but appreciated touch for tenants who carry a watch but not their phone on every dog walk.
100,000+ Lock/Unlock Cycles
The C220 is BHMA Grade 3 certified and rated for 100,000+ lock and unlock cycles. For a rental that sees 10-15 entries per day from a tenant, their family, and guests, that is enough cycles for 18+ years of use. Few locks in this price range are tested to that cycle count.

Integration with eufy Doorbells
If you already run a eufy doorbell, the C220 unlocks the door from the live doorbell view — you see who is at the door and tap once to unlock. For a landlord who uses eufy cameras and a doorbell, this is the lock that completes the system without adding another app.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
This is the right lock for landlords with existing eufy products and for tenants who use Apple Watch. It is also the right pick for landlords who want long battery life and the convenience of a single app for cameras, doorbell, and lock.
For Whom It Is Not Ideal
Some users report inconsistent app connectivity and occasional fingerprint misreads. If you have a tenant who is not tech-savvy and does not want to download another app, a simpler keypad-only lock like the TEEHO TE001 is a better pick.
9. Yamiry Smart Door Handle Lock – Best for Multi-Property Managers
Smart Door Handle Lock with Keypad, Yamiry Fingerprint Knob for Front Door
6-in-1 unlock
10-minute install
Reversible handle
App remote codes
Pros
- 6 different unlock methods including fingerprint and app control
- Quick 10-minute installation on most standard doors
- Ideal for landlords and property managers with multiple properties
- Reversible handle fits both left and right-handed doors
- Remote access and code generation via app
Cons
- Requires separately sold WiFi gateway for full remote functionality
- App setup can be complex for some users
The Yamiry Smart Door Handle is the lock I recommend to landlords who manage multiple properties and want to control all of their locks from a single app. Yamiry built the management experience around the landlord workflow, and the result is a lock that is genuinely easier to operate at scale.
The 10-minute install is real — I timed it on a standard 1-3/4 inch door. The reversible handle works on both left and right-handed doors, which is essential when you are installing across multiple units with different door swings.

Six-in-one unlock means fingerprint, Bluetooth app, passcodes, key fobs, mechanical keys, and Alexa voice. For a tenant with a key fob, they can tap to unlock without typing a code or using a fingerprint — which is faster when their hands are full of groceries.
Managing Multiple Locks in One App
Yamiry’s app is built around the multi-property workflow. You can group locks by property, assign codes to specific units, and see entry history for each lock. For a landlord with 5-10 units, that single-app management is the feature that saves the most time.

Remote Code Generation Requires a Gateway
The full remote functionality — generating codes while you are off-site, viewing lock history from your phone — requires the separately sold WiFi gateway. That is an extra cost on top of the lock itself, but it is a one-time purchase per property that lasts as long as the gateway does.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
This is the right lock for landlords with small portfolios who want one app to manage everything. The reversible handle and 10-minute install also make it ideal for landlords who do their own installations across multiple properties.
For Whom It Is Not Ideal
The requirement for a separately sold WiFi gateway is a friction point. If you do not want to buy an extra piece of hardware for each property, look at the Schlage Encode or the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt which have WiFi built in.
10. iulock Keypad and Key Smart Door Lock – Best 50-Code Capacity for Large Properties
iulock Keypad & Key Smart Door Lock, 50 User Codes, Waterproof, Auto Lock – Matte Black
50 user codes
IP65 weather
USB-C backup
18-month battery
Pros
- Up to 50 user codes for large families or offices
- Premium metal construction with heavy-duty feel
- Passage mode available when you don't want auto-locking
- Silent mode option for quiet operation
- USB-C backup charging in case batteries die
Cons
- Programming procedure can be difficult
- Rubber sealing gaskets challenging to install
- Knobs may be difficult to turn without rubber grips
The iulock IU-30 is the lock I recommend to landlords with large properties where the standard 20-code limit is not enough. With 50 customizable codes and 1-15 digit code lengths, the iulock handles a duplex, a small apartment building, or a co-living space without breaking a sweat.
The IP65 weather resistance rating is the highest in this roundup — IP65 means the lock is fully dust-tight and protected from water jets from any direction. For a rental property with an exposed door in a coastal or rainy climate, that rating is the difference between a lock that lasts 5 years and one that lasts 10.

The USB-C backup charging is a small detail that prevents a major headache. If a tenant’s batteries die, you can connect a USB-C power bank to the front of the lock to power it temporarily and let them in. No more 2 a.m. lockout calls.
50 Codes, 1-15 Digit Lengths
Most keypad locks cap at 4-8 digit codes. The iulock lets you set codes from 1 to 15 digits, which is a security feature. A 6-digit code has 1 million possible combinations, while a 15-digit code has 10^15 — making brute force guessing functionally impossible.

Passage Mode for Open Access Windows
Passage mode disables the auto-lock and lets the door swing freely without a code, which is useful for move-in day, cleaning crews, or open house events. Most locks in this roundup have a similar feature, but the iulock’s implementation is the most straightforward to toggle.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
This is the right lock for landlords with large properties who need more than 20 codes, and for properties in extreme weather. The USB-C backup is also a major win for landlords who do not want to deal with 9V battery jump starts on the Schlage locks.
For Whom It Is Not Ideal
Some users report the programming procedure is harder to learn than other locks, and the rubber sealing gaskets can be tricky to install correctly. If you are a first-time keypad lock installer, the TEEHO TE001 has a friendlier setup process.
How to Choose the Best Keypad Lock for Your Rental Property
Choosing a keypad lock for a rental property is a different decision than choosing one for your own home. The factors that matter most are tenant turnover speed, code management at scale, and failure planning for when something goes wrong. Here is how I think through the decision.
Understanding ANSI/BHMA Security Grades
The ANSI/BHMA grading system rates deadbolts on three levels. Grade 3 is the minimum residential standard — it passes basic forced entry and cycle testing, but it is the spec on most cheap locks. Grade 2 is the mid-range standard and is the most common spec on quality residential locks like the Schlage Camelot. Grade 1 is the highest residential standard and the same certification used on commercial buildings — the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt on this list is Grade 1 certified.
For a rental property, I recommend Grade 2 or higher. Grade 3 locks are fine for interior doors or low-risk exterior doors, but the upgrade to Grade 2 is a small price increase for a meaningful security improvement. The full breakdown of smart lock security standards is worth reading before you commit.
Tenant Turnover and Code Management
The single biggest operational benefit of a keypad lock is tenant turnover. With a keyed lock, every turnover costs you either a locksmith visit (typically $50-150) or the time to rekey the lock yourself. With a keypad lock, turnover takes 30 seconds: delete the old code, add a new one.
For landlords managing more than one property, the time savings compound. The smart locks with built-in WiFi in this roundup let you manage codes from your phone, so you do not have to drive to each property to change codes. That is the difference between 5 minutes per turnover and 5 hours of driving.
Battery Life and Lockout Failure Planning
Every battery-powered lock will eventually die. The question is what happens when it does. The locks in this roundup handle failure in three ways: physical key backup, USB-C or 9V jump power, and low battery alerts sent to your phone or tenant’s phone.
For a rental property, I require both a physical key backup and a low battery alert. Tenants are not always diligent about reporting dying batteries, and a tenant locked out at 11 p.m. on a Sunday is a 5-star review killer for an Airbnb or a tenant relations problem for a long-term rental. The smart locks with 6-12 month battery life reduce the frequency of this risk but do not eliminate it.
SmartKey Security and Rekeying Options
Kwikset’s SmartKey technology lets you rekey a lock in 30 seconds using only the existing key and a small tool. That is a legitimate advantage for landlords — you can rekey the entire property to a new master key without taking the locks apart.
The honest tradeoff is that SmartKey has known security limitations. The sidebar mechanism is vulnerable to certain bypass attacks using a specific tool or technique, which is why some landlords prefer the Schlage pin tumbler design instead. For most rental properties, the convenience of rekeying outweighs the security concern, but you should make that decision with your eyes open. The Kwikset smart lock options carry the SmartKey feature, while the Schlage options use a traditional pin tumbler.
Remote Access vs Keypad-Only for Your Use Case
The biggest decision you will make is whether to buy a keypad-only lock or a smart lock with WiFi. Keypad-only locks are simpler, cheaper, and have longer battery life. Smart locks let you manage codes remotely, see entry history, and integrate with voice assistants and home automation.
My rule of thumb: if you live within 30 minutes of the property and do not have frequent turnovers, a keypad-only lock is the right pick. If you are a remote landlord, manage multiple properties, or run short-term rentals, the WiFi-enabled smart locks pay for themselves in time saved within the first year. The Schlage smart lock lineup is the most polished option for landlords who want the WiFi route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you install smart locks on rental property?
Yes, landlords can install smart locks on rental property, and there are no federal laws prohibiting it. Many states require that you provide the tenant with a working key or access method, which a smart lock satisfies as long as you provide a backup method (physical key, backup code, or app access). Always check your state and local landlord-tenant laws before installation.
What are the disadvantages of keypad door locks?
The main disadvantages of keypad door locks are: batteries can die and lock out tenants, codes can be shared with unauthorized people, the keypad or fingerprint reader can fail over time, and smart locks with WiFi can lose connectivity. For rental use, the lockout risk is the biggest concern and is mitigated by choosing a lock with a physical key backup and a low battery alert.
What is the best lock for a rental property?
The best lock for a rental property is one that lets you change access quickly between tenants. For long-term rentals, a keypad-only lock like the TEEHO TE001 or Schlage Camelot is reliable and low-cost. For short-term rentals and remote landlords, a smart lock with built-in WiFi like the Schlage Encode or ULTRALOQ U-Bolt lets you manage codes from anywhere. The single most important feature is the ability to revoke old access without a locksmith.
Who pays for a tenant lockout in a rental property?
In most U.S. states, the landlord is responsible for providing working access to the property and bears the cost of lockouts caused by lock failure. If the tenant lost their code or failed to use the lock properly, the lease may assign the cost to the tenant. Check your state laws and your lease language, and document the lock condition at move-in. Many landlords now include a one-time free lockout clause in the lease to clarify expectations.
Are smart locks worth it for landlords?
Smart locks are worth it for landlords who manage more than one property, run short-term rentals, or live far from the rental. The ability to change codes remotely saves 1-2 hours per turnover, and the entry history lets you confirm when a tenant or vendor actually accessed the property. For landlords with a single nearby property and infrequent turnovers, a keypad-only lock provides most of the same operational benefits at a lower cost.
Picking the Right Keypad Lock for Your Rental
The best keypad locks for rental homes are the ones that fit your operational reality, not the ones with the longest spec sheets. If you are a remote landlord with multiple units, the ULTRALOQ U-Bolt WiFi or Schlage Encode are worth the premium for the remote code management and Grade 1 security. If you are a budget-conscious landlord with a single property and infrequent turnovers, the TEEHO TE001 gives you 90% of the operational benefit at a fraction of the cost.
For short-term rental hosts, the Sifely Smart Lock with its auto-expiring guest codes is purpose-built for the workflow. For landlords in extreme climates, the Veise KS02A’s wide temperature range is unmatched. For property managers with large portfolios, the iulock’s 50-code capacity and the Yamiry’s multi-lock app are the right picks.
Whichever lock you choose, buy a backup battery and a spare key, document the lock model and admin codes in a place only you can access, and include lock operation in your tenant move-in walkthrough. Doing those three things turns a keypad lock from a gadget into a reliable part of your rental operation. The right lock, installed in 2026, will pay for itself in rekeying costs saved within the first turnover and continue saving you time and money for years.








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