If you’re looking for the best keyless entry lock for an apartment, here are our picks after installing smart locks every week in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens apartments: the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock for most renters, the Yale Assure Lock 2 for keypad flexibility, the Schlage Encode Plus for iPhone households, the Yale Assure Lock SL for a fully key-free door, and the Level Bolt when the lock has to stay invisible. This 2026 guide covers the top renter-friendly keyless door locks for apartments — smart locks that install in minutes without drilling, don’t touch the exterior hardware your landlord cares about, and let you ditch keys for good. These picks are based on which keyless entry locks actually hold up in real NYC buildings, not just which ones have the prettiest app.
Bottom line: for most NYC renters, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is the best overall pick because it installs over the existing deadbolt with no door modification, so it works as a smart lock for apartment living and keeps the outside hardware unchanged. If you are comparing smart locks for apartments, start with whether your lease or building rules allow exterior hardware changes.
Smart locks for apartments compared
| Lock | Type | How you unlock | Exterior hardware unchanged? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Retrofit (interior thumbturn) | App, auto-unlock, original key | Yes | Most renters; strict landlords |
| Yale Assure Lock 2 | Full deadbolt replacement | Keypad, app, key (keyed models) | No | Keypad lovers; smart-home setups |
| Schlage Encode Plus | Full deadbolt replacement | Apple Home Key tap, keypad, app, key | No | iPhone and Apple Watch users |
| Yale Assure Lock SL | Full deadbolt replacement | Touchscreen keypad, app | No | Going completely key-free |
| Level Bolt | Invisible (inside existing deadbolt) | App, original key both sides | Yes — looks untouched | Co-ops and boards with strict rules |
Retrofit and invisible models are the safest choice for renters: your original key still works, your landlord’s master key still works, and you reinstall the old thumbturn in minutes when you move out. If your building or door needs a full replacement done right, our smart lock installation service covers Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens — or call (212) 204-1655.
The best smart locks for apartment renters, by scenario
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock — best for most renters
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a top choice for renters for one simple reason: it fits right over your existing deadbolt on the inside of your door. The outside of your door looks exactly the same, and your original keys still work — which means your landlord can still use their master key for maintenance or emergencies, keeping you in compliance with your lease. When you move out, you remove the lock, swap the original thumbturn back in, and take it with you.
Yale Assure Lock 2 — best keypad option for smart homes
If you love having options, the Yale Assure Lock 2 lets you unlock with a sleek keypad or directly from your smartphone, and it integrates smoothly with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. For apartment dwellers, that means managing guest codes, checking lock status, and folding the door into routines like a “goodnight” scene. It replaces the whole deadbolt, so confirm your landlord is on board first.
Schlage Encode Plus — best for iPhone users
The Schlage Encode Plus features Apple Home Key, which lets you unlock your door with a simple tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch — no app-opening required, as easy as paying with your phone. It combines Schlage’s security reputation with a keypad and physical key backup, making it the pick for anyone living in the Apple ecosystem.
Yale Assure Lock SL — best fully key-free design
Ready to ditch keys entirely? The Yale Assure Lock SL offers a slim touchscreen keypad and app entry with no keyhole at all — a clean, minimalist look that’s easy to use day or night. You can create and share unique entry codes for guests, dog walkers, or deliveries right from your phone. Because there’s no mechanical key backup, make sure you’re comfortable with its battery-backup options before choosing it.
Level Bolt — best no-visible-hardware option
The Level Bolt hides the smart components inside your existing deadbolt, so both sides of the door look completely untouched and your original key works from outside and in. That makes it the go-to for co-ops, condos, and managed buildings where the board prohibits any visible change to the door. It’s also one of the models we recommend most for rentals, alongside August.
Choosing a smart lock for an apartment in NYC: building rules first
Apartment smart locks in NYC have to clear two hurdles a suburban house never faces: your landlord and the fire code.
Check your lease and talk to your landlord first. Many leases have clauses about altering locks. Many NYC property management companies prohibit changing the deadbolt entirely — in those buildings, “retrofit” smart locks that replace only the interior thumbturn are the answer, because the exterior keyhole stays unchanged and the landlord keeps key access.
NYC fire code compliance. Under NYC Multiple Dwelling Law, apartment entrance doors must be self-closing and self-latching, and your smart lock must not interfere with the door’s fire rating. Avoid double-cylinder deadbolts (which require a key from the inside) — they are a fire hazard and illegal for residential apartment exits in New York City.
Building fob systems are separate. The lock on your apartment door is completely independent of the lobby’s fob or intercom system. You can install a smart lock on your own door without touching the building’s entry system.
No-drill installation. Retrofit models like August and Level Bolt need only a screwdriver — no new holes, no altered door. If you want the full walkthrough, see our guide to installing a smart lock without drilling.
Which features actually matter for keyless entry in apartments
- Security rating. Look for ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or Grade 2 certification — it tells you how the lock held up to testing for force, impact, and bolt strength. Digitally, the app should use strong encryption and offer two-factor authentication.
- Battery life and backup. Most smart locks run for months to a year on standard batteries, with weeks of low-battery warnings in the app. Many key-free models have terminals where a 9V battery gives a temporary jump-start; if all else fails, our 24/7 emergency locksmith can get you back inside without damaging the lock.
- A non-digital backup plan. A dead phone or Wi-Fi outage shouldn’t strand you. Prefer a physical keyhole or a keypad as a failsafe, and carry the physical key if your lock has one.
- App quality and guest access. You’ll use it daily: creating temporary codes for guests and dog walkers, setting schedules, checking the activity log, and getting real-time alerts. Auto-lock — securing the door 30 seconds to a few minutes after it closes — is the feature renters end up loving most.
- Smart-home fit. Check compatibility with HomeKit, Alexa, or Google Assistant, and look for Matter support to future-proof the lock across ecosystems.
FAQ: smart locks for apartments
Do I really need to ask my landlord before installing a smart lock?
Yes — check your lease and have the conversation first. Many landlords are open to it, especially with retrofit models that don’t alter the original door hardware and keep their master key working.
Can I install a smart lock in my rental apartment in NYC?
Yes, provided you use a retrofit model that doesn’t alter the exterior hardware or key. We recommend brands like August or Level Bolt for rentals. Always check your lease agreement first.
What happens if my Wi-Fi goes out — will I be locked out?
No. Most smart locks use Bluetooth to connect directly to your phone nearby, and keypads work with no internet at all. Wi-Fi is mainly for remote features like away-from-home locking and real-time alerts.
What if the battery dies and I don’t have my key?
You’ll get weeks of low-battery warnings first. Many key-free models accept a 9V battery for temporary power, and a 24/7 emergency locksmith can always open the door safely if you’re caught out.
Which smart lock should I get if I’m moving in a year or two?
A retrofit model. It replaces only the interior thumbturn, your original key keeps working, and you reinstall the old hardware in minutes when you move — taking the smart lock to your next apartment.
Is there a smart lock installer near me?
Yes — Golden Key Locksmith NYC installs smart locks across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens from our Upper West Side showroom at 328 Columbus Ave, making sure the device fits your door and connects correctly.
Not sure your door will take the lock you picked? NYC apartment doors — steel frames, mortise cylinders, gates — rule out more models than the spec sheets admit. Our smart lock installation team in NYC confirms fit before you buy and has it working on the door, app paired, in one visit — call (212) 204-1655.
Comparing mechanical upgrades too? See our guide to high-security locks for NYC apartments, and read 7 things to know before choosing a smart lock for an apartment before you buy. Want it installed right the first time? Call Golden Key Locksmith NYC at (212) 204-1655 — licensed (NYC DCA #2065742) and available across all boroughs.
