Smart Locks for Renters That Keep Your Deadbolt: What You Remove, What You Keep and What Happens at Move-Out (2026)

By Sorted Home Guide editors · Research current as of October 7, 2026

Published October 12, 2026 · Last updated October 12, 2026

We haven’t installed or tested these locks ourselves. Our picks are based on manufacturer product pages, install guides, compatibility guides and warranty terms, U.S. government recall and incident databases, and published expert reviews, each credited where we use it. See How we researched this.

If you rent, you usually can’t swap out the landlord’s deadbolt. A retrofit smart lock gets around that: it fits over the inside of your existing deadbolt, replacing only the interior thumbturn, so the outside keyhole and your landlord’s key stay the same. But “renter-friendly” hides real differences. Some models reuse your thumbturn’s screws, one replaces the bolt inside the door, and each one fits a different set of deadbolts and doors. This guide covers what you take off and store, what you add, whether the landlord’s key still works, which doors each lock fits, and how to put the door back at move-out.

Quick picks by buyer type

None of these fits a door that has no separate deadbolt (a knob or lever lock only). See Which doors these locks fit.

We ordered these picks by how well each one fits a renter’s problem, based on install guides, compatibility guides, warranty terms and expert reviews. No brand pays for placement, and we don’t earn from these links.

The picks in detail

Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi (YRR10): our research pick for most renters

Yale Approach Lock with Wi-Fi YRR10-WF1-BSP

What it is: a lock body that mounts on the inside of your door over your existing deadbolt. Yale says it “installs on the inside of your door without replacing your existing deadbolt, so you can keep your keys as a backup” (Yale).

Key facts:

• What you remove: the interior thumbturn. The Verge says it “replaces your thumb turn, so you can still use your current lock and key” (The Verge). Yale’s install article was “temporarily unavailable” when we checked on Oct 7, 2026, so Yale hasn’t documented whether the back plate and screws are reused (Yale support).
• Fit: Yale says it works with “most single cylinder deadbolts” (Yale). Yale’s compatibility article lists mortise-prepped doors as not compatible and gives only the lock’s own size for this model (5.6” × 2.6” × 1.6”, 1.0 lb), with no door-thickness, backset or deadbolt list (Yale compatibility).
• Power and connection: 4 AA batteries (included) and a plug-in Wi-Fi bridge (Yale). The Verge reports 12-month battery life (The Verge).
• Features: Auto-Lock with DoorSense and an optional keypad (Yale). The Verge says it has no Matter support, and its compatibility list (Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings) doesn’t include Apple Home.
• Warranty: “2-Year Electronics Warranty” (Yale).
• Expert review: The Verge (updated Jan 14, 2026) named it the “Best smart lock for renters.” Its reviewer said it took “less than five minutes to install,” and listed the required Wi-Fi bridge, a big keypad and no Matter as cons.

Who it’s for:

• Renters with a standard single-cylinder deadbolt who want app access and auto-lock while keeping the landlord’s key.
• People who’d rather buy AA batteries than charge a lock or hunt for CR123 cells.

Who it’s not for:

• Apple Home or Matter households. The Verge says it has no Matter support, and Apple Home isn’t on its compatibility list.
• Anyone who wants to confirm the fit by measuring first. Yale publishes no thickness, backset or deadbolt list for this model.
• Mortise-lock doors.

Honest downsides:

• It needs a plug-in bridge for Wi-Fi.
• No Matter support, per The Verge, and Apple Home isn’t on The Verge’s compatibility list.
• Fit details aren’t published, so you’re relying on “most single cylinder deadbolts.”
• Yale’s own install instructions weren’t available when we checked.

Nuki Smart Lock (U.S. Deadbolt): our research pick for Matter and built-in Wi-Fi

Nuki Smart Lock U.S. Deadbolt

What it is: a retrofit lock with Wi-Fi built in, so there’s no separate bridge (Nuki). The Verge says you remove the thumbturn from your existing deadbolt, add a backplate and snap the Nuki into place (The Verge).

Key facts:

• What you remove: the interior knob (thumbturn) and its cover. The screws are reused for Nuki’s mounting plate, and a supplied adhesive strip holds the outside lock in place while you mount it (Nuki install guide).
• What you add: a mounting plate (plus an extension plate if your tailpiece is long), one of three adapters and the lock body (Nuki install guide).
• Fit: “most single cylinder deadbolts” with an interior thumbturn, indoor mounting only. On an inward-opening door, you need more than 1.38” from the deadbolt’s center to the frame and to the handle. On an outward-opening door, you need more than 1.58” to the frame and more than 1.38” to the handle. The tailpiece also has to fall within the zones on Nuki’s measurement card (Nuki compatibility guide).
• Power: a built-in rechargeable lithium-polymer battery that takes about 2 hours to charge through a magnetic port (Nuki). The Verge notes the battery isn’t removable and says it “should last 10 years” over its lifespan (not per charge), after which Nuki says a replacement plan will be offered.
• Smart home: Matter over Thread, per The Verge. The Verge also reports that Nuki Premium (remote access and notifications) has been included in the purchase price since Dec 3, 2025.
• Warranty: 2-year limited (Nuki terms, §5).
• Expert review: The Verge (updated Jan 14, 2026) named it its best retrofit lock and called it “a worthy replacement for our previous pick, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock” (The Verge).

Who it’s for:

• Renters who want Matter, so the lock can move with them between smart-home setups.
• People who want to measure their door against published clearance numbers before buying.

Who it’s not for:

• Doors where the deadbolt sits too close to the frame or the handle for Nuki’s clearance limits.
• Anyone uneasy about a battery that can’t be replaced. The Verge flags it as a longevity concern.

Honest downsides:

• The battery is built in and can’t be swapped, per The Verge.
• The clearance and tailpiece limits rule out some doors.
• An older PCMag review title still mentions monthly Wi-Fi fees, which The Verge reports are now included in the price, so check current terms before you buy (PCMag).

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th gen, AUG-SL05): our research pick for checking your exact deadbolt

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock AUG-SL05-M01-S01

What it is: a compact retrofit lock with Wi-Fi built in. August says “your landlord will still have full access to your apartment with the original keys” (August).

Key facts:

• What you remove: the interior thumbturn, plus its back plate if there is one. The thumbturn’s two screws are reused to hold August’s mounting plate, so keep track of them (August install guide, retailer-hosted copy).
• What you add: an adjustable mounting plate, an optional cover plate for oversized holes, a tailpiece adapter and the lock body. A DoorSense sensor goes on the door frame. An adhesive strip holds the outside of the lock in place during install (August install guide, retailer-hosted copy).
• Fit: single-cylinder deadbolts only. August’s deadbolt compatibility list names specific Kwikset, Schlage, Baldwin, Weiser, Emtek, Yale, Defiant and other models. It excludes mortise locks, double-cylinder deadbolts (a key on both sides), Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, single-sided deadbolts, integrated lock-and-handle sets and rim cylinders. Low-profile Kwikset, Weiser and Baldwin deadbolts aren’t supported, and Defiant DL61 deadbolts are supported only if made in 2014 or earlier. August doesn’t publish a door-thickness or backset limit for the retrofit.
• Power and connection: built-in Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz), no bridge. Two CR123 batteries, which August says last “up to 3 months” (August).
• Features: DoorSense included, Auto-Lock (30 seconds to 30 minutes) and auto-unlock by location. It works with Alexa, Google and Apple HomeKit. A keypad is sold separately (August).
• Warranty: 1 year (August).
• Expert reviews: CNET and PCMag each name it their best retrofit smart lock. The Verge used it as its previous retrofit pick before choosing Nuki.

Who it’s for:

• Renters who want to look up their exact deadbolt model before buying.
• Apple HomeKit users who want Wi-Fi without a bridge.

Who it’s not for:

• Doors with a low-profile Kwikset, Weiser or Baldwin deadbolt, a newer Defiant, a double-cylinder deadbolt or a mortise lock.
• Anyone who doesn’t want to replace batteries often. August’s own figure is up to 3 months.

Honest downsides:

• The battery claim is short, and CR123 cells are less common than AAs.
• The warranty is only 1 year.
• August’s product page doesn’t mention Matter.
• August doesn’t publish door-thickness or backset limits for the retrofit.

SwitchBot Lock Ultra: our research pick for jimmy-proof and mortise locks

SwitchBot Lock Ultra

What it is: a retrofit lock body that clips onto a frame mounted over your deadbolt. PCWorld calls it “a true retrofit lock that replaces only the interior portion of your deadbolt hardware,” and says “Your existing exterior escutcheon (including the key mechanism) and deadbolt remain in place” (PCWorld).

Key facts:

• What you remove: the interior thumbturn assembly. The frame mounts with your existing screws or SwitchBot’s replacements, per PCWorld, which says it installed “with just two screws.”
• What you add: an adjustable frame, a tailpiece adapter, the lock body and magnet/door-sensor stickers (SwitchBot).
• Fit: SwitchBot says it “works with most Single Deadbolts, Jimmy Proof & Mortise locks (with adapter)” (SwitchBot). Its compatibility page asks for at least 33 mm from the backset to the frame on an inward-opening door, or more than 40 mm on an outward-opening door. For jimmy-proof and mortise locks, it says to check the dimensions and mounting space or email support with photos, and notes that adhesive mounts “may not reach full strength” (SwitchBot compatibility). Your deadbolt has to turn at least 40° (SwitchBot Help Center). SwitchBot doesn’t publish a door-thickness range.
• Power: a rechargeable pack (three 18350 cells, 4,200 mAh). SwitchBot claims “12 months battery life” at 10 operations a day, plus backup and emergency power (SwitchBot). PCWorld cites 9 months.
• Connection: Bluetooth only. Wi-Fi, remote access and Matter need a SwitchBot hub, sold separately, per PCWorld.
• Warranty: 1 year (SwitchBot).
• Expert reviews: PCWorld (May 22, 2025) says that for renters whose landlord won’t allow changing the exterior lock, it’s “worth a serious look.” Gizmodo’s review is headlined “A Good Retrofit Smart Lock for Secondary Doors.”

Who it’s for:

• Renters with a jimmy-proof or mortise lock who are willing to confirm the fit with SwitchBot first.
• People who’d rather recharge a pack than buy disposable batteries.

Who it’s not for:

• Anyone who wants remote access without buying a hub.
• Anyone who wants a long warranty.

Honest downsides:

• Remote access and Matter need a separate hub.
• The warranty is only 1 year.
• SwitchBot’s battery-life claim (12 months) and PCWorld’s figure (9 months) differ.
• Fit on jimmy-proof and mortise locks depends on the adapter and your door, and SwitchBot says adhesive mounts may not reach full strength.

Level Bolt: our research pick if your landlord allows a bolt swap

Level Bolt

What it is: a smart bolt that goes inside the door, replacing your deadbolt’s bolt mechanism and the strike plate on the frame. Your existing outside keyed lock and inside thumbturn stay, though the bolt and the strike plate on the frame are Level’s. Level’s page says you keep your lock and “a standard key” (Level).

Key facts:

• What you remove: the existing bolt mechanism inside the door edge and the strike plate on the frame. The box includes the bolt, 2 strike plates, 4 screws and a battery (Level). This touches the door edge and the frame, which makes it the most invasive option here.
• Fit: most American standard deadbolts, including standard and low-profile ones, but not interlocking or mortise locks. It needs a door exactly 1¾” thick, a 2⅛” bore, a 2⅜” or 2¾” backset and a standard ANSI strike cut-out (Level compatibility guide).
• Power and connection: a CR2 lithium battery. Bluetooth plus Matter over Thread; remote access needs a Thread hub or Level’s optional Connect Wi-Fi bridge (Level).
• Durability claim: Level rates the Bolt for 250,000 cycles (Level). That’s Level’s claim.
• Warranty: 2-year limited, from shipment, and only for purchases from Level or an authorized reseller (Level return and warranty policy).

Who it’s for:

• Renters whose landlord agrees to a bolt and strike-plate swap and who want the door to look unchanged.
• Doors that match Level’s exact size requirements.

Who it’s not for:

• Renters who can’t touch the bolt or the frame.
• Doors that aren’t exactly 1¾” thick, and mortise or interlocking locks.
• Anyone who wants a keypad in the box. None is included.

Honest downsides:

• It’s the most invasive install here, and you need to keep the original bolt and strike plate for move-out.
• Remote access needs a Thread hub or Level’s bridge.
• The warranty only covers purchases from Level or an authorized reseller.
• We didn’t find a current independent review of this version.

Comparison table: what you remove, what you keep

Sources: see each pick above. “Not documented” or “not mentioned” means the maker’s materials we reviewed don’t say. It doesn’t mean the feature is absent. *Cost tiers compare the makers’ own list prices on Oct 7, 2026. They aren’t Amazon prices and can change.

Buying advice: what other guides skip

Which doors these locks fit

Check your door before you shop:

• A single-cylinder deadbolt with a thumbturn inside: this is what every lock here is built for. Then check the details below.
• A double-cylinder deadbolt (a keyhole on both sides): August excludes it (August list). The other makers here describe single-cylinder deadbolts as their standard fit.
• A mortise lock (a large lock body set into the door edge, often with the deadbolt and handle in one unit): August, Yale and Level exclude it (August list; Yale compatibility; Level guide). SwitchBot says the Lock Ultra works with mortise locks with an adapter, and asks you to check dimensions or contact support first (SwitchBot compatibility).
• A jimmy-proof (rim) deadbolt: SwitchBot claims Lock Ultra support with an adapter. August excludes rim cylinders.
• A low-profile deadbolt: August excludes low-profile Kwikset, Weiser and Baldwin models. Level supports low-profile deadbolts.
• No separate deadbolt (a knob or lever lock only): none of these locks fits. They all need an existing deadbolt.

Measure: Nuki and SwitchBot publish clearance minimums from the deadbolt to the frame (see their picks above), and Level publishes a full door spec. August and Yale don’t publish thickness or backset limits for these models, so compare your deadbolt with August’s list, or with Yale’s “most single cylinder deadbolts” wording.

Do you need your landlord’s permission?

Read your lease, and ask your landlord in writing before you install anything, even if nothing gets drilled. SafeHome also advises asking your landlord first (SafeHome). Here’s what you can tell them, per the makers’ pages and install guides, and PCWorld for SwitchBot:

• Over-the-thumbturn models (Yale, Nuki, August, SwitchBot) replace only the inside thumbturn. The outside keyed lock and the deadbolt stay, so the landlord’s key keeps working. August and Nuki reuse the thumbturn’s screws (August install guide; Nuki install guide).
• August’s DoorSense sensor goes on the door frame. We haven’t reviewed how it attaches, so ask August if your lease restricts adhesives on the frame.
• Level Bolt replaces the bolt inside the door and the frame’s strike plate, which is a bigger change to ask about.

We can’t tell you what your lease allows.

Lease and emergency checklist

Before you install:

• Get the landlord’s OK in writing, and note which original parts you’ve removed.
• Confirm the landlord’s key still opens the door from outside once the lock is on.
• Think through what happens if the batteries, Wi-Fi or your phone fail. With the over-the-thumbturn models, the outside keyhole is unchanged, so carry your key. SafeHome raises the same question (SafeHome).
• If you turn on auto-lock, make sure everyone who needs to get in, including the landlord for emergency entry, still has a working key.
• If your building has an intercom or buzzer, check how it fits with your new entry routine. None of the makers here covers intercoms in the materials we reviewed.

Move-out: how to put the door back

For the over-the-thumbturn models: take off the lock body, the mounting plate and the adapter, then refit the stored thumbturn (and its back plate) with the original screws. For the Level Bolt, reinstall the original bolt and strike plate. Keep the original parts and screws in a labeled bag from day one.

Hubs, batteries and app risk

• Hubs: Nuki and August have Wi-Fi built in. The Yale needs its plug-in bridge. The SwitchBot needs a hub for remote access and Matter (PCWorld). Level needs a Thread hub or its Connect bridge.
• Batteries: AA (Yale), CR123 (August, “up to 3 months” per August), CR2 (Level), or rechargeable (Nuki built-in; SwitchBot pack).
• Subscriptions: The Verge reports that Nuki’s Premium features have been included in the purchase price since Dec 3, 2025. Check each app’s current terms before you buy.
• If the company drops the app: it has happened. Kwikset says that “as of November 14, 2025 ASSA ABLOY will cease supporting the Kevo app and web portal,” affecting the Kevo Convert retrofit and other Kevo locks. Physical keys and fobs still work (Kwikset). Matter support (Nuki, Level, and SwitchBot with a hub) lets a lock work with other smart-home apps, which can matter if the maker’s own app changes.

Recalls and incident reports

On Oct 7, 2026, we searched CPSC recall records for every lock model on this page, and none has a recall. We also searched SaferProducts.gov incident reports for each pick, and none came up. SaferProducts.gov reports are submitted by consumers and aren’t verified. Recall status can change, so we re-check these picks monthly.

Also considered (and why they’re not picks)

• Kwikset Kevo Convert. Kwikset ended support for the Kevo app and web portal on Nov 14, 2025 (Kwikset). Some older roundups still list it. Don’t buy one for its smart features.
• August Smart Lock (3rd gen, AUG-SL04). August now sells it bundled with the August Connect Wi-Fi bridge and 4 AA batteries. It works with existing single-cylinder deadbolts and has a 1-year warranty (August; August 3rd gen). It’s an older design, and the bundle isn’t a lower-cost route to the same features as the Wi-Fi model above. We didn’t find a current expert review.
• SwitchBot Lock Pro. It’s superseded by the Lock Ultra. PCWorld recommends the Ultra over it, and The Verge says the Lock Pro “requires you to replace the rear of your lock” (PCWorld; The Verge). SwitchBot’s own product page gives conflicting battery specs (SwitchBot).
• Full-replacement smart locks (such as the Level Lock and Schlage Encode). They replace the whole deadbolt, including the outside keyed side, so they’re outside the scope of this guide (The Verge).

How we researched this

We did not install or test these locks. Our research team compiled published information on Oct 7, 2026:

• Install guides, compatibility guides, specs and warranty terms from each maker.
• Recall and incident records from CPSC recall data and SaferProducts.gov.
• Expert reviews from The Verge, PCWorld, CNET, PCMag and Gizmodo, each credited where we cite it.

To make our list, a lock had to keep the landlord’s existing keyed lock working and give a renter enough to judge fit, from the maker’s published fit and install information or from expert reviews. Yale publishes less fit detail than the others, which we note in its section. We then matched each pick to the renter problem it fits best. We didn’t use Amazon customer ratings or reviews. No brand paid for placement, and we don’t earn from the links in this guide. Where sources disagreed, such as SwitchBot’s battery-life claim versus PCWorld’s figure, we’ve said so on the page.

Questions or corrections? contact us

Sources (accessed Oct 7, 2026)

• Yale Approach (YRR10): product page · compatibility article · install article (unavailable Oct 7, 2026)
• Nuki (U.S. Deadbolt): product page · compatibility guide · install guide · terms and warranty · PCMag review (older)
• August Wi-Fi (4th gen): product page · install guide (PDF, retailer-hosted copy) · deadbolt compatibility list
• SwitchBot Lock Ultra: product page · compatibility page · minimum turn angle · PCWorld review · Gizmodo review
• Level Bolt: product page · compatibility guide (PDF) · return and warranty policy
• Also considered: Kwikset Kevo shutdown · August Smart Lock + Connect · August 3rd gen · SwitchBot Lock Pro
• Expert reviews and advice: The Verge · CNET · PCMag · SafeHome
• Recalls and incidents: CPSC recalls · SaferProducts.gov