According to a report by the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), 67% of renters want keyless smart locks—nearly as many as want property-wide access control (75%). But smart locks aren’t just convenient for residents. They solve challenges for everyone: property managers, owners and operators too:
Lost keys and high costs of key replacement.
Difficulty managing access for multiple residents and service providers.
Outdated lock systems that compromise security.
If you’ve been considering switching to smart locks in your apartment community, you’ve probably noticed the sheer number of them on the market. Careful consideration of features, resident satisfaction and value will ensure you select the best smart lock for your property.
Benefits of smart locks for apartment buildings
More and more multifamily communities are switching to smart locks, and for good reasons:
Residents’ growing expectations for tech-enabled amenities
Convenient living features like keyless entry systems becoming critical market differentiators
The operational savings that come with streamlined access control and security
Here are the main benefits of implementing smart locks in your apartment community.
Enhanced security
Smart locks add more peace of mind for you and your residents. Many have keyless entry options, eliminating the risk of lost or stolen keys. Advanced features like biometric authentication ensure credentials can’t be shared, while encrypted key codes help prevent cybersecurity threats.
Activity logs allow community managers and security teams to monitor access events in real time to limit security breaches—and, after the fact, to assist in investigations. You’ll get records of who enters common areas, amenities and restricted areas.
Keyless convenience
Keyless smart locks deliver more than just a minimal risk of lost or stolen credentials. They’re also more convenient than traditional locks. Residents no longer have to carry keys with them. Plus, they can lock and unlock their doors remotely via smartphone apps, making it easy to let guests in and double-check locks while away.
Maintenance teams also love keyless entry. Temporary access codes allow them to move quickly between units that need attention without having to stop by the office to check out keys.
Operational efficiency for property managers
Smart locks can also make your on-site team more efficient. Community managers can easily reprogram access credentials between residents. Some brands can even connect to your PMS to automate a credential switch at move-in and move-out.
Meanwhile, your staff doesn’t have to spend valuable time managing physical keys for maintenance technicians to check out. And what are all those costs you used to pay to replace a lock when someone loses a key? Gone.
Integration with property management systems
In addition to automated credential management, integrations with your other security systems can further streamline your operations. Integrating with your intercom system allows residents to remotely allow visitors to enter your community, often using the same app that controls their smart locks. Meanwhile, integrating with your control system means that residents can use the same credentials throughout your community while limiting residents to only the buildings, floors and amenities they need.
Multifamily communities also benefit from the scalability of integrations, multiplying the time and money savings across an entire portfolio.
Resident appeal and retention
Between the added peace of mind and convenience, smart locks are an in-demand amenity that contributes to resident satisfaction and helps your leasing staff attract and retain renters. As more and more communities adopt this technology, smart locks can help you stay competitive in a tight rental market.
Key features to look for in smart locks
There are a lot of smart locks on the market, but not all of them will be a good fit for your multifamily community. Here’s what to look for:
Remote access control
The ability to lock and unlock doors remotely via a mobile app or PMS allows community managers to grant or revoke access from anywhere. That streamlines maintenance operations, helps delivery drivers minimize their time in your community and is invaluable in an emergency.
Integration with smart home ecosystems
Compatibility with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit provides the convenience of controlling locks with voice commands.
Audit trails and activity logs
Every access event is recorded with smart locks, including whose credentials were used and when. That helps residents keep track of who’s in their homes and allows community managers to know who’s in shared areas at any time.
Biometric authentication
Advanced credentials like fingerprints and facial recognition can’t be shared, adding a layer of protection that relying on PIN codes or traditional metal keys simply can’t.
Durable, weather-resistant build
Most smart locks are designed to be used in both high-rise and garden-style applications, which is essential for exterior-facing apartment doors or buildings in areas with extreme climates.
Multiple credential options
Multiple options for unlocking doors, like PIN codes, RFID cards, mobile apps and physical keys, accommodate different users, such as residents, their guests, delivery drivers, prospects and maintenance staff. Multiple credentials can also provide backup options or multi-factor authentication.
Scalability for multifamily properties
When you implement the same smart locks across an entire community or portfolio, your staff can manage multiple locks from a centralized platform. That simplifies access control for large properties with many units and shared spaces.
Battery life and power backup
Modern smart locks have long-lasting batteries, low-battery alerts and backup power options to ensure no one loses access due to a dead battery. It can also ensure security in the event of a power outage.
The 14 top smart locks for apartment buildings in 2025
These are the best smart locks available in 2025.
SmartRent smart locks
SmartRent smart locks are built specifically for the rental industry to deliver the best resident experience, optimize your operations and minimize your costs. All locks integrate with SmartRent’s many other solutions, including access control, intercoms, Smart Apartments, Self-Guided Tours and Work Management.
Unlock using the Resident App, PIN code and Apple Wallet
Run on Z-wave to maximize features and battery life
Integrate with Apple Home Kit, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
August Smart Lock Pro
August Smart Locks attach to traditional-style deadbolts to turn a regular lock into a smart lock. They’re a great option for residents in communities without smart locks. Renters can install them without removing the existing deadbolt or damaging doors.
Unlocks with smartphone app, fingerprint or PIN code
Connects via WiFi
Integrates with Apple Home Kit, Google Assistant and Alexa
Yale Assure Lock SL
From a longstanding, reliable name in locks, the Yale Assure Lock SL is a smart deadbolt with a keypad and smartphone app. It’s compatible with many IoT solutions, including SmartRent, and comes in a chrome or matte black finish.
Unlock with the keypad or app
Connects via BLE, Z-Wave Plus and Zigbee
Door position sensor so you know when a door is open
Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
From another reliable name in locks, the Schlage Encode WiFi Deadbolt uses WiFi. It’s best for garden-style properties with Community WiFi or single-family homes with plenty of bandwidth. It includes a built-in alarm and doesn’t require a hub.
Unlocks with a smartphone app, PIN code or metal keys
Connects via WiFi
Integrates with Alexa and Google
Kwikset Halo Touch
Kwikset is known for delivering locks that can easily be rekeyed without a locksmith, making them ideal for single-family homes and leasing offices. The Kwikset Halo Touch is their fingerprint lock, and it can store fingerprints for up to 50 users.
Unlock with a fingerprint, smartphone app or metal key
Connects via WiFi
Integrates with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Brilliant
Lockly Secure Pro
The Lockly Secure Pro features a unique keypad design that prevents unauthorized users from guessing PIN codes. It’s ideal for luxury communities with a large budget per lock and comes with a deadbolt or latch.
Uses PIN codes, fingerprint, app, voice or metal keys
Connects via WiFi
Integrates with Apple Home Kit, Google Assistant, Alexa Alexa and Samsung SmartThings
Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro
The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro from Utec was a crowd-funded smart lock with a unique keypad system. It embeds a PIN code into a random string of numbers so no one can look over a resident’s shoulder to see their code. It’s a good option for buildings with a lot of traffic
Unlocks with a PIN codes, fingerprint, smartphone app, Apple watch or metal key.
Connects via its built-in WiFi, or add a bridge to use with Z-Wave or Bluetooth
Integrates with Alexa, Google, Samsung SmartThings and IFTTT
Samsung SHP-DH537 Digital Door Lock
The Samsung SHP-DH537 Digital Door Lock has a lever handle with keypad options and RFID reader. Its safety features, such as child-proofing, high-temperature alarm and intrusion alarm, make it a great option for family-focused communities.
Unlock with an RFID card, PIN code, smartphone app or metal key
Connects via WiFi
Integrates with Samsung SmartThings
Level Lock+
Level Lock+ is unique because it looks like a regular deadbolt but has smart features like keyless entry and remote unlocking. It’s ideal for luxury communities with tech-savvy residents.
Unlocks with a PIN code, key card, smartphone app, voice or metal keys
Connects via Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC and Matter-over-Thread
Integrates with Apple Home Kit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Samsung SmartThings
Igloohome Smart Mortise 2+
The Igloo Smart Mortise 2+ features a thin design, hard-to-copy metal keys and a panic exit system. It’s ideal for communities with thick wooden doors and a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Unlock with an app, PIN codes, RFID tag or metal key
Uses Bluetooth to connect
Integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Eufy Security Smartlock Touch
Eufy has a line of capable smart locks, cameras, doorbells, alarms, lights and other smart devices like baby monitors, robot vacuums and lawn mowers. However, because all devices run on Bluetooth or WiFi and can therefore interfere with each other and eat up bandwidth, Eufy is best for communities with fewer smart devices.
Unlock with fingerprint, PIN code, phone app or metal key
Connects using Bluetooth and WiFi
Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Hornbill Smartlock
Hornbill has a variety of smartlock types for a variety of access options and finishes. Hornbill is best for communities that plan to self-install but still want access to customer service and tech support.
Unlocks with a smartphone app, voice, PIN code, fingerprint, voice, keycard or metal key
Connects via Bluetooth and WiFi
Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Sifely Smartlock
Although plenty of homeowners use Sifely, these locks are really designed for multifamily, hotel and business applications. Sifely Smart Locks have an open API, which enables you to integrate it with your PMS to manage all community locks. Property managers can also use Sifely’s manager portal.
Unlock with PIN code, fingerprint, smartphone app, keycard, key fob or metal key
Connects via Bluetooth and WiFi
Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Nest x Yale Smartlock
Rather than creating its own smart lock software, Yale has partnered with Nest to deliver reliable security with modern features. This lock doesn’t use metal keys, making it best for communities that want to eliminate them completely.
Unlocks using the Nest app, voice or PIN code
Connects via WiFi
Compatible with Google Assistant
How to choose the right smart lock for your apartment building
Choosing the right smart lock can help you maximize security, efficiency and resident satisfaction while keeping your expenses as low as possible. But shopping for smart locks can be overwhelming. There are so many available and some are quite costly, and you don’t want to make a mistake you’ll regret. Here’s how to make your choice easier.
Understand your building’s needs
Start with the requirements of your unique property, including the number of units and property layout. How many smart locks will you need, and who will manage them all?
Consider resident demographics, too. Older adults and people who are new to smart technology will appreciate simplified usage, while younger, more tech-savvy residents might want the latest, greatest locks.
Evaluate integration with property management systems
Smart locks that easily integrate with your existing systems will help streamline your workflows. If you connect your PMS, you could:
Automatically manage credentials at move-in and move-out.
Connect your work management solution to help technicians access units without needing to check out keys.
Handle lockouts and monitoring remotely to help scale and centralize your portfolio.
Security features and certifications
Look for features that align with or improve your security protocols, operations and resident satisfaction, such as:
Tamper alerts so you know when a security breach is occurring.
End-to-end encryption to keep credentials confidential and secure.
Remote locking and unlocking to empower residents to control access to their homes—and get remote assistance for a lockout.
Ease of use for residents and managers
Choose smart locks that are convenient and simple for the people who will use them most: your residents and staff. You’ll see greater satisfaction and faster learning curves.
Look for features like:
Mobile app accessibility: How intuitive is your app? Do people need more than one app to live or work in your community? Does your app have accessibility features for people with disabilities?
Touchscreen keypads: Can the keypad light up in the dark and withstand harsh weather conditions?
Voice assistant integration: Can residents use their Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Apple Home Kit to unlock their doors?
Power source and connectivity
To get all the features and benefits of smart locks, they must stay powered and connected. If not carefully managed, that can add work for your maintenance team. Consider the battery life of your smart locks and whether you’ll get low battery alerts, and choose smart locks with a backup power or entry option. Keep batteries lasting longer by choosing low-power connection options like Z-Wave or BLTE.
Speaking of connectivity, Z-Wave is one of the more reliable connection types, but your devices (or the hub they connect to) will also need to stay connected to WiFi so you can retain continuous remote management. So consider Community WiFi, which keeps all devices connected even after a resident moves out and cancels their internet service.
Scalability for growing properties
If you plan to expand your portfolio, get smart locks that can scale with it. You want your smart lock solution to last, not become cumbersome as soon as you buy or develop your next community. Choose features that are easy to manage, whether you have 50 units or 50,000 units. Cloud-based systems with automation features offer potential scalability.
Budget considerations
Smart lock costs should be evaluated in three key areas:
Initial equipment costs for the smart locks themselves.
Installation expenses to ensure proper setup.
Long-term maintenance, including repairs, upgrades and battery replacement.
Consider that some options with lower initial costs may result in higher long-term expenses. Conversely, if preserving capital expenditure (CapEx) is a priority, a solution with a higher operating expenditure (OpEx) may be a viable alternative.
Warranty and customer support
Minimize frustration and long-term expenses by choosing a reliable provider that provides excellent service that goes beyond the sales process. Find a lock with a strong warranty and customer support. Your residents and staff will value accessible troubleshooting resources.
The right smart lock for your apartment building
Smart locks are quickly becoming an expected amenity for residents and a necessary efficiency investment for community managers. Features like remote management, keyless entry and integrations with other proptech solutions make them invaluable for modern apartment communities.
Shopping for smart locks can be overwhelming, but now you have the knowledge to make the right choice for your communities. Learn more about SmartRent smart locks to see if they’re the right fit for you.