Every turnover comes with the same question: did the last tenant return every key? Rekeying costs money and takes time. A keypad or smart lock lets you remove old access codes and issue new ones. If the lock also uses a physical key, changing the code does not invalidate copies of that key; plan for rekeying when needed.
They aren't right for every property, though. Here's how I'd think about it.
Three types of locks
Keypad deadbolts (no Wi-Fi). You enter a code on the keypad. There's no app and no internet connection to fail. These are the simplest option and a good fit for most long-term rentals.
Smart locks with an app. These connect through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth so you can create, schedule and delete codes from your phone. They cost more, but they're great for short-term rentals or for managing properties you don't live near.
Retrofit smart locks. These attach to your existing deadbolt. They can work for tenants who want to keep the original hardware, but they're usually not the first choice for a landlord.
Features that matter for rentals
Multiple user codes. You want separate codes for the tenant, a contractor and yourself. Look for a lock that supports plenty of codes, so each person has their own.
Auto-lock. Tenants forget. Auto-lock saves you from a call about an unlocked door.
A backup key. Batteries die. Pick a lock with a physical key override or a way to power it from outside, like a 9-volt battery terminal.
Low-battery alerts. The lock should warn you well before it dies, ideally with a sound or an app notification.
Weather rating and a solid grade. Look for a durable build designed for exterior use. The ANSI/BHMA grade on the box tells you how well the lock holds up. Grade 1 is the toughest, and Grade 2 is common for residential locks.
Easy installation. If you manage a lot of doors, a lock that fits a standard pre-drilled door and installs with a screwdriver will save you hours.
My four picks: pros, cons and why I would choose each
For a rental, I want a lock that solves an access problem without adding unnecessary work. Here is how I would choose among these four options based on their features. These are feature-based recommendations, not claims that I have personally tested every product.
| Product | Best fit | Why it stands out | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kwikset Powerbolt 250 | Nearby long-term rentals | 25 user codes, 5 one-time codes and SmartKey rekeying | Code management happens at the lock |
| Tapo DL100 Wi-Fi smart lock | Rentals needing remote access management | App control, up to 200 codes and activity logs | Remote features depend on internet access |
| Yale Code keypad deadbolt | Simple keypad entry without an app | 20 codes, auto-lock and key backup | No Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or app control; not upgradeable |
| Vewaci wall-mounted key lockbox | Temporary contractor access during a rehab or turnover | Shares an existing physical key | A key can be copied or left out of the box |
Kwikset Powerbolt 250: my practical keypad option
View the Kwikset Powerbolt 250 on Amazon.
Why I would choose it: For a long-term rental nearby, I would prioritize simple entry and straightforward turnover management. The combination of individual codes, one-time access and SmartKey rekeying is useful when I need to manage both codes and physical keys.
Pros
- Supports 25 user codes and 5 one-time codes for separate access needs.
- SmartKey lets you rekey the cylinder to a compatible KW1 key.
- Customizable auto-lock and a lit keypad help with everyday entry.
- Standalone operation avoids an internet connection or hub.
Cons
- No remote app control; code changes need on-site access.
- Four AA batteries are required and sold separately. Battery upkeep is still part of maintenance.
- Issued physical keys still need to be managed and rekeyed when appropriate.
Best fit: A nearby rental where code access matters more than remote management.
Feature source: Kwikset Powerbolt 250.
Tapo DL100: my option for remote access management
View the Tapo DL100 on Amazon.
Why I would choose it: I would choose this when access management is costing me trips to the property. Remote app control and individual codes can help coordinate authorized guests and contractors when I cannot meet them there.
Pros
- Remote lock/unlock through the Tapo app, with activity logs.
- Up to 200 codes, plus keypad, nearby Bluetooth and two backup keys.
- Auto-lock and an exterior USB-C emergency-power port.
- Manufacturer estimates up to seven months on Wi-Fi or ten on Bluetooth; actual battery life varies.
Cons
- Remote functions need internet access; do not assume a tenant's network will remain available.
- More setup and upkeep than a standalone keypad: app permissions, connectivity and batteries.
- Code-use logs do not prove who entered if someone shares a code.
Best fit: A rental with a reliable connection where remote management provides practical value.
Yale Code: my second simple keypad option
View the Yale Code keypad deadbolt on Amazon.
Important distinction: This is a non-connected keypad lock, not a Bluetooth smart lock. Yale states that it does not work with the Yale Access app and cannot be upgraded with a Wi-Fi bridge.
Why I would choose it: I would consider it when I want tenants to use a code without downloading an app or setting up a connected account. Its appeal is the simple setup rather than remote features.
Pros
- Stores up to 20 codes, managed directly on the lock.
- Keypad access and a physical backup key.
- Optional 30-second auto-lock.
- No phone or app needed for setup and everyday entry.
Cons
- No Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, remote unlocking or app-based code management.
- Cannot be upgraded to a connected model later.
- Four AA batteries are sold separately, and code management requires a visit.
Best fit: A rental where straightforward code access is the goal.
Feature source: Yale Code product guide and FAQ.
Vewaci key lockbox: my temporary contractor-access option
View the Vewaci key lockbox on Amazon.
Why I would choose it: During a rehab or turnover, I would consider a wall-mounted lockbox when authorized contractors need an existing key and replacing the door lock is unnecessary. It offers a way to coordinate access without meeting for every handoff.
Pros
- Shares the property's existing key without replacing its door hardware.
- Useful for temporary access at a vacant property.
- A wall-mounted box stays in a designated location when properly installed.
Cons
- Requires permission and suitable mounting; installation may leave holes.
- Someone can copy the key, lose it or fail to return it.
- Changing the box code does not disable copies of the door key.
- It does not strengthen the door's deadbolt.
Best fit: Limited, temporary access with a clear plan to retrieve the key and remove the box.
Check the linked listing for exact capacity, mounting hardware, reset instructions and outdoor suitability. I would not infer a burglary-resistance rating from a “weatherproof” description.
How I would choose between them
For a nearby long-term rental, the Kwikset Powerbolt 250 is my starting point when SmartKey rekeying and one-time codes are useful. The Yale Code is another option when I want straightforward keypad entry with no app setup. I would choose the Tapo DL100 when remote access management will save trips, and consider the Vewaci lockbox for temporary contractor access.
Neither keypad option becomes remotely manageable simply because it has electronic buttons. And with any keyed lock, removing a code does not invalidate an old physical key.
Tips for using smart locks with tenants
Put it in the lease. Say who controls the codes, that the tenant can't change the lock without your permission, and how you'll give notice before you enter. State and local laws about landlord entry and lock changes vary, so check yours.
Reset access at every turnover. Delete old tenant and contractor codes before issuing new ones. If physical keys were issued, assess rekeying as well; changing a code does not disable those keys.
Keep an access log. Record who was authorized and when access was issued or deleted. Keep active codes in a secure place rather than a broadly shared tracker. Your Landlord Maintenance & Repair Tracker is a good place to log contractor access.
Do a lock check during inspections. Test the lock, replace the batteries and note any wear. If you use my Rental Inspection Checklist, add the lock to the list.
When not to bother
If a tenant has lived in a unit for years and nothing is changing, a standard lock is fine. And if your property has bad Wi-Fi or you'd rather not support an app, stick with a basic keypad deadbolt.
My recommendation
For most small landlords, a keypad deadbolt with a backup key is the best balance of cost and simplicity. If you manage short-term rentals or properties far away, a Wi-Fi smart lock is worth the extra money because remote code changes save you trips.
For a broader supply list, see my rental property turnover essentials.
Educational information only. Not legal, tax or financial advice. Check your local landlord-tenant laws on lock changes and entry.