Choosing the best keypad door locks for rental properties comes down to one number: how many times a year the door has to change hands. A keypad deadbolt turns every turnover from a service call into a settings change, because you delete one code and add another instead of chasing key copies or paying a locksmith to rekey a cylinder.
We pulled eight keypad deadbolts and smart locks, checked the certification grade, battery type, code capacity, weather rating, and physical key override on each one, then weighed them against what landlords actually complain about: lockouts, dead batteries, and tenants who resent being forced onto PIN-only entry. This guide covers exterior entry doors for long-term rentals, short-term rentals, and scattered small portfolios.
Quick picks before the details. The TEEHO TE001 is the best overall for rental properties because it holds a 4.5-star average across close to 6900 ratings, carries up to 20 codes, and includes two backup keys. The ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is the pick for scattered doors you manage remotely, since the Wi-Fi is built in and you get a full access history without a hub. The Kwikset 917HFL Halifax lever is the best fit for long-term tenants, with BHMA AAA certification, a Disable Passage mode for landlord control, and a 9V battery rated up to three years.
Last updated in 2026. We lean on published specifications and buyer feedback rather than brand marketing, and every pick below states whether it has a physical key override.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Keypad Door Locks for Rental Properties in 2026
TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt
- 20 codes plus one-time PIN
- 4 AA batteries rated up to 365 days
- IP54 water resistance
- Two backup keys included
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock
- Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi with no hub
- 50 codes and 50 fingerprints
- Access history log
- ANSI BHMA certified and IP65
Kwikset 917HFL Halifax Lever
- BHMA AAA certified
- Up to 30 user codes
- Disable Passage landlord mode
- 9V battery rated up to 3 years
All 8 Keypad Door Locks Compared Side by Side (October 2026)
This is the table most landlords wanted from the vendor roundups: grade, power, code capacity, connectivity, and where each lock earns its place. Every entry keeps a physical key override, because a rental door you cannot open when the batteries die is a code violation waiting to happen.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt |
|
Check Latest Price |
| ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Kwikset 917HFL Halifax Lever |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Tapo DL110 Smart Wi-Fi Lock |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Kwikset SmartCode 260 Deadbolt |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Kwikset Powerbolt 250 Deadbolt |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Schlage Camelot Keypad Deadbolt |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Amazon Basics Keypad Deadbolt |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt – Best Overall for Rentals
TEEHO TE001 Keyless Entry Deadbolt with Keypad for Front Door, Matte Black
ANSI Grade 3
20 codes plus one-time PIN
4 AA batteries, 365-day rating
IP54 aluminum alloy body
Pros
- 20 user codes plus a self-deleting one-time guest PIN
- Configurable 10-99 second auto-lock and one-touch lock
- IP54 water-resistant aluminum alloy body
- Two backup keys and screwdriver-only installation
- 4.5-star average across nearly 6900 ratings
Cons
- No app or wireless so codes are entered at the keypad
- Fits 2-1/8 inch bores only and not 38mm holes
- Factory reset required before first use
- AA batteries not included
The TEEHO TE001 is the balance point of this whole list. It carries a 4.5-star average across 6896 ratings, and in a category where the popular mid-priced picks sit at 4.1, that gap matters more to a property manager than any app feature.
What you get is 20 individual user codes plus a self-deleting one-time PIN. That one-time code is the feature that quietly solves contractor access: hand the plumber a code, and it deletes itself after they leave. The auto-lock is adjustable from 10 to 99 seconds, and there is a one-touch lock for people who prefer to press the button and walk away.
On the technical side, it runs on 4 AA batteries rated for up to 365 days, carries a low-battery indicator, and adds an anti-peeping function and a wrong-entry lockout. The body is aluminum alloy with an IP54 water resistance rating, and two backup keys come in the box alongside a latch and strike plate.
Two backup keys matter more than they sound. Tenants who hate PIN entry still need a way in when the code is forgotten, and tenant resentment toward keypad-only access with no key fallback comes up constantly in landlord forums. A keyed cylinder is the fastest answer to a lockout call.
Check the bore size before you buy
This lock fits a 2-1/8 inch (54mm) door hole only, and it will not accept 38mm holes. That single specification eliminates it for a set of doors, so measure one door before ordering for a whole portfolio.
It also has to be reset at the factory before first use so it can auto-detect door handing. Owners who skip that step often assume the lock is defective, because a reversed door will not swing open reliably.
Where the TE001 is the wrong pick
ANSI Grade 3 is the lowest tier here, and the spec sheet does not claim BHMA certification. On a first-floor door in a higher break-in area, a Grade 2 model from this same list is the better decision.
There is also no Wi-Fi and no app, so you walk to the door to add a code. That is fine for a single long-term rental, and a poor fit for scattered short-term rentals where you hand off access remotely.
2. ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock – Best for Remote Management
ULTRALOQ Bolt SE Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Matter Over Thread, App Remote Access
ANSI BHMA certified and IP65
50 codes and 50 fingerprints
Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, no hub
Matter over Thread support
Pros
- Hub-free 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi for remote unlock and lock
- 50 codes and 50 fingerprints stored on the lock
- Access history log with real-time notifications
- Matter over Thread support for smart-home setups
- IP65 weather resistance in a zinc alloy body
Cons
- Matter over Thread needs a Thread Border Router hub that is not included
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only so the router needs to be close
- Regular firmware updates keep Matter integrations current
The ULTRALOQ Bolt SE is one of two locks here with Wi-Fi built into the deadbolt itself, so remote unlock works without buying a separate hub. For a landlord with doors in three different buildings, that removes the single most common install complaint about connected locks.
Code capacity is the other headline. It stores up to 50 access codes and 50 fingerprints on the lock, which means a college town door cycling through tenants every month or two never runs out of slots. Real-time notifications and a full activity history tell you who opened the door and when.
Security specs are respectable: ANSI/BHMA certified, IP65 waterproof, zinc alloy body, and two mechanical emergency keys in the box. The touch keypad, auto-lock timer, and fingerprint reader give you seven ways in, from a physical key to voice control through Apple Home, Alexa, Google Assistant, or SmartThings.
Thread mesh battery life is rated up to 18 months, and low-battery alerts push to the app instead of waiting for the keypad to complain. Operto, a lock vendor, has argued that a large share of guests will refuse an app download just to get through a door, which is why the keypad path here stays fully usable offline.
Check your Wi-Fi before you commit
The radio is 2.4 GHz only, and the manufacturer suggests keeping the router within roughly 70 feet of the door. Concrete and metal entry doors are the usual reason a connected deadbolt performs poorly, so test the signal where the door actually sits.
Matter over Thread support needs a compatible Thread Border Router hub, which is not included. If your smart home is Apple-based that hub may already exist; if you run nothing, ignore the feature.
Where the Bolt SE is the wrong pick
Door sensor support is limited here, so it will not tell you whether the door is merely ajar. If you want open-and-closed status rather than just unlock events, one of the lever-format or log-focused alternatives may suit you better.
Connected locks also add a firmware dependency. The lock still opens with a code or fingerprint when the connection drops, but remote unlock stops working until the network comes back, so keep the mechanical keys somewhere reachable.
3. Kwikset 917HFL Halifax Lever – Best for Long-Term Tenants
Kwikset 917HFL-514S Smartcode Keypad Electronic with Halifax Lever SmartKey with 6AL Latch and RCS Strike Matte Black Finish
BHMA AAA certified
Up to 30 user codes
9V battery rated up to 3 years
Disable Passage landlord mode
Pros
- Lever replaces an entire knob and deadbolt set in one retrofit
- Disable Passage mode requires a key or code every time
- BHMA AAA the highest residential rating available
- 9V battery rated up to 3 years and changed in place
- SmartKey re-keying plus reversible handing
Cons
- Exterior handle set screw can loosen over time
- Tight center spacing can block the battery cover
- No Wi-Fi or app so it suits long-term rather than short-term rentals
This is a lever, not a deadbolt, and that changes the install. Instead of adding hardware to a door that already has a knob and a deadbolt, you replace the whole set through a single bore, which is faster on metal security doors where drilling a second hole is painful.
It is also the pick with BHMA AAA certification, the highest residential security, durability, and finish rating available. For a front door on a ground-floor rental, that is the strongest certified security in the group.
Disable Passage mode is the feature built for landlords. Choose it and the lock re-engages every single time, so a tenant cannot leave the door on passage and walk away from an unlocked entrance. Auto Lock and standard Passage modes are there when you want them.
Power is one included 9V battery rated for up to three years, changed in place without pulling the interior assembly. It stores up to 30 customizable user codes, and SmartKey lets you rekey the cylinder in seconds so one key opens several doors.
Mind the backset and the spacing
The center-to-center spacing between knob and deadbolt is tight, and some owners find it blocks access to the battery cover and programming button. Check the interior clearance before you commit, especially on a door with an existing lever.
Buyers also report the exterior handle set screw loosening over time, and the extended latch position can leave the latch sitting short of the bore on some frames. Both are manageable, but neither is a set-and-forget detail.
Where the Halifax lever is the wrong pick
There is no Wi-Fi and no app, so it cannot handle contactless self check-in for a short-term rental. For a tenant who stays two years, that limitation is irrelevant.
It is also a heavier, larger hardware change than a deadbolt. On a wooden interior-style door where you only want to swap the deadbolt, this is more hardware than the job requires.
4. Tapo DL110 Smart Wi-Fi Lock – Best for Fingerprint Entry
Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Door Lock, Deadbolt, Fingerprint Recognition, DL110
BHMA Grade 2 certified
Fingerprint unlock in 0.42 seconds
Up to 100 fingerprints
Rechargeable pack rated about 1 year
Pros
- Fingerprint reader unlocks in roughly 0.42 seconds
- Rechargeable USB-C battery pack rated about 1 year
- Scheduled and one-time guest codes with an access log
- BHMA Grade 2 certification with two backup keys
- Hidden Schlage SC1 keyway that re-keys to an existing key
Cons
- Keypad digits stay hidden until the screen is touched
- Cloud-only with no local network or Matter support
- Each code must be registered separately on every lock
The Tapo DL110 combines a 4.5-star average with a 0.42-second fingerprint reader, and it stores up to 100 fingerprints. For a building where the same housekeeping crew and maintenance team come and go, a fingerprint removes every code-sharing problem that keypad-only doors create.
It also uses a rechargeable battery pack rather than AA cells, and that pack is rated for about a year of operation. Across a portfolio, swapping one proprietary pack a year is a different maintenance rhythm from chasing four AAs in every door.
Access control is genuinely good for rentals: resident profiles with permanent codes, one-time codes, scheduled guest codes, and an access event log showing who unlocked the door and when. Auto-lock and one-touch lock are both present, and the adjustable latch fits both standard deadbolt setbacks.
The emergency power path matters more than it looks. There is a USB-C port on the interior and a second external port at the bottom of the exterior, so a dead battery does not automatically mean a locked-out tenant. The hardware keyway is Schlage SC1 compatible and re-keyable.
Test the keypad with someone who is not a regular
The keypad digits stay invisible until the screen is touched, which speeds up fingerprint entry and slows down everybody else. If the door serves short-term guests who will not use an app, that hidden display is a real friction point.
The doorbell button under the cap is hypersensitive and generates false app notifications. Several buyers changed or disabled it, so expect to tune that setting on day one.
Where the DL110 is the wrong pick
It is cloud-only. There is no local network access, no web interface, no open API, and no Matter support, so your access control depends entirely on the vendor service staying reachable.
Codes and fingerprints are registered per lock, not per account. If you run several doors, you register the same tenant on each one separately, and the review count of 799 is among the smallest samples in this roundup, so expect more early-firmware surprises than with the picks above.
5. Kwikset SmartCode 260 – Best for High-Turnover Doors
Kwikset SmartCode 260 Keyless Entry Electronic Keypad Deadbolt Door Lock
Grade 2 BHMA certified
50 user codes plus 10 one-time codes
4 AA batteries for 12 months
SmartKey self-re-keying
Pros
- 50 user codes plus 10 one-time codes
- Grade 2 BHMA certification up to 2.5x stronger than Grade 3
- SmartKey re-keying with an included learn tool
- Vacation Mode and Intrusion Alert for vacant doors
- Installs with a screwdriver in 15-20 minutes
Cons
- Written instructions are hard to follow and printed small
- Re-handing is undocumented so a powered lock can install reversed
- Some locks bind internally and stop locking or unlocking
Where the TE001 tops out at 20 codes, the Kwikset SmartCode 260 holds 50 user codes plus 10 one-time codes. On a door that turns over every few weeks, that headroom means you never have to overwrite a live tenant code to add a showing or a plumber.
It is also Grade 2 BHMA certified, which the spec sheet puts at up to 2.5x stronger than Grade 3. That matters on a first-floor entry, where the cheap Grade 3 tier in this roundup is the wrong place to economize.
SmartKey re-keying lets you learn any KW1 key, and the learn tool is included, so one master key can open the whole property. Kwikset locks are widely used across landlord portfolios precisely for this reason, and rekeying after a turnover takes about a minute.
Two landlord modes round it out. Vacation Mode disables the keypad entirely for a vacant property, and Intrusion Alert locks the keypad out for a minute after three wrong entries. Both are useful on doors that sit empty between tenants.
Follow the install video, not the booklet
Owners consistently rank the printed instructions as the weak point: hard to read, printed small, and light on detail. The BILT 3D interactive app walks through the install, and watching it once saves an hour of confused programming.
Re-handing the lock after it has been powered up is not documented, and a reversed unit installs backwards. Set the handing before the first power-on, every time.
Where the SmartCode 260 is the wrong pick
A small number of locks bind internally every few weeks and stop locking or unlocking until they are disassembled. With 1222 ratings that is not a large share, but on a rental door it is the difference between an inconvenience and an emergency call.
Power is 4 AA alkaline batteries for a stated 12 months, and the batteries are not included. That is a shorter interval than the 9V models here and it means two visits a year per door unless you fold it into inspections.
6. Kwikset Powerbolt 250 – Best Value for Working Portfolios
Kwikset Powerbolt 250 10-Button Keypad Matte Black Transitional Electronic Deadbolt Door Lock, Featuring Convenient Keyless Entry, Customizable User Codes and Auto-Locking
25 user codes plus 5 one-time codes
SmartKey self-re-keying
4 AA batteries for 12 months
Auto-lock from 30 seconds to 10 minutes
Pros
- SmartKey re-keying to any KW1 key in seconds
- 25 user codes plus 5 one-time codes
- Auto-lock adjustable from 30 seconds to 10 minutes
- Intrusion alert after 3 failed code attempts
- Tap-to-light LED keypad for night entry
Cons
- One-time code steps are missing from the printed manual
- Re-handing after power-up is undocumented
- Flat strike plate leaves a raw gap in the frame
- Some locks stop locking after a few months
The Powerbolt 250 is the mid-tier answer: 25 user codes, 5 one-time codes, SmartKey re-keying, and a 4.1-star average across 2291 ratings. It sits between the budget models and the premium deadbolt, and for a portfolio that just needs codes to work, that middle is defensible.
SmartKey is the feature that keeps it in serious landlord portfolios. Rekeying to a KW1 key takes seconds, so the same key opens several doors, and turnover code changes take about a minute rather than a locksmith visit.
Auto-lock runs from 30 seconds to 10 minutes, which is a wider range than most of the non-connected locks here, and the tap-activated keypad lighting makes night entry without fumbling for a torch workable. Intrusion alert locks the keypad out for a minute after three wrong entries.
Vacation Mode disables the keypad entirely, which is the correct setting for a property sitting vacant between tenants. It runs on 4 AA alkaline batteries for a stated 12 months minimum, and the batteries are not included.
The documentation gap is the real cost here
One-time code programming steps are absent from the printed manual, and re-handing a lock after power-up is undocumented. Both bite hardest on a door with a high turnover, because that is exactly when you are programming codes in a hurry.
The other complaint worth weighing is the flat rectangular strike plate. Compared with Kwikset wrapped strike plates it leaves a visible raw wood gap in the frame, and on a rental where appearance matters at move-in, plan to fill it.
Where the Powerbolt 250 is the wrong pick
No ANSI or BHMA grade is published in the listing specifications, so you are buying on brand and reviews rather than on a certified rating. On a higher-risk entry door, choose a model that states its grade.
Buyers also describe the body as thin for exterior duty, and a few locks stop locking or unlocking after several weeks or months. If your doors take weather directly, pick something with a published weather rating.
7. Schlage Camelot Keypad Deadbolt – Best Certified Grade 2 Build
Schlage Electronic Keypad Deadbolt Lock, Camelot Trim, Satin Nickel
Grade 2/AAA rated
Up to 19 programmable user codes
9V battery rated up to 2 years
Screwdriver-only retrofit
Pros
- Grade 2/AAA metal construction
- Retrofits over an existing deadbolt with a screwdriver
- Illuminated silicone-coated keypad
- 9V battery with low-battery indicator and 2-year life
- Limited lifetime mechanical warranty
Cons
- No wireless or app so codes are entered at the keypad
- Codes must be typed quickly during programming or the sequence resets
- 3-year electronics warranty
This Schlage Camelot deadbolt is rated Grade 2/AAA for security and durability in residential and light commercial use, and it holds a 4.4-star average across 6736 ratings. On the locksmith subreddit, Schlage is the brand most often named for build quality, and Schlage is the name that comes up first on BiggerPockets when landlords discuss short-term rental locks.
It installs over an existing deadbolt with a screwdriver, which is the cheapest possible retrofit path. If the door already has a deadbolt in it, you are minutes away from keypad entry and nobody needs to rekey anything.
Power is a single 9V battery rated for up to two years of typical life, with a low-battery indicator, which means a set-and-forget maintenance interval. The silicone-coated illuminated keypad stays readable in the dark and resists wear from frequent use.
Capacity is 19 programmable user codes plus 2 pre-programmed out of the box, and there is a physical key backup with an interior thumbturn. Operating temperatures run from minus 35C to 66C on the outside escutcheon, so cold and heat are less of a concern here.
Know the weather limits before you spec it
The outside escutcheon handles minus 35C to 66C, but the inside escutcheon is rated only to minus 10C to 50C. In an unheated porch or a northern climate, the interior module is the part that fails first, so keep it inside the thermal envelope.
The model carries a limited lifetime mechanical and finish warranty alongside a 3-year electronics warranty. On a rental, that split is exactly what you want: the mechanism is covered long term, and the battery-powered board is covered for the realistic service life.
Where the Schlage is the wrong pick
There is no wireless or app connectivity, so you manage codes by walking to the door. For a long-term rental that is fine; for a scattered short-term portfolio, it is a maintenance trip each time.
Programming is manual, and codes have to be typed quickly during setup or the sequence resets. Budget for that learning curve on your first door rather than discovering it during a move-in.
8. Amazon Basics Keypad Deadbolt – Best for Multi-Door Setups
Amazon Basics Electronic Keypad Deadbolt Door Lock with Auto Lock, Customizable User Codes, One-time Codes, Touch-Control Keyless Entry, Traditional, Satin Nickel, 1-Pack
6 user codes plus one-time guest codes
Auto-lock from 10 to 99 seconds
KW1 re-keyable cylinder
Fits 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inch doors
Pros
- Largest review base in the set with over 11600 ratings
- KW1 cylinder re-keys to an existing house key
- Retrofits an existing Kwikset deadbolt hole in about 15 minutes
- Factory reset button in the battery compartment
- Multi-pack configurations for multi-door portfolios
Cons
- Programming is manual and unforgiving
- Printed instructions widely criticized as incomplete
- Tight locking tolerance when pulling the door handle
- Bulky interior escutcheon
- Some locks report early electronic failure
With 11625 ratings, it is the most-reviewed lock in the roundup, and volume that large tells you something a spec sheet cannot: the failure modes are already documented. It is a proven workhorse, and the 4.1-star average reflects the price tier rather than a design flaw.
The practical draw is the KW1 keyway. You can rekey the cylinder to an existing house key, so the lock joins a Kwikset-based portfolio instead of becoming one more key nobody can duplicate at the hardware store.
It fits standard preparations for doors from 1-3/8 to 1-3/4 inches thick, and it retrofits into an existing Kwikset deadbolt hole with the screw holes already aligned, which is why buyers put install time at about 15 minutes.
Outside entry is by touch keypad with auto-lock adjustable from 10 to 99 seconds, and inside you get a traditional thumbturn plus a key backup outside. A factory reset button in the battery compartment is the escape hatch when a programming code is lost.
Six codes is not many codes
Six user codes plus temporary single-use guest codes is the smallest code capacity here. That works for a duplex with a tenant and a maintenance contact, and it starts to strain on a door shared by four people.
You also have to change the default 0000 programming code and delete the default 1234 user code before handing the door over. Skipping that step is the single most common setup mistake with this model.
Where the Amazon Basics is the wrong pick
Locking tolerance is tight, and pulling the door handle while locking can stop the bolt engaging. Tenants who rush the door will notice this more than you will.
Some locks report dead-on-arrival or early electronic failure, the interior escutcheon is bulky because it holds the motor and four AA batteries, and the printed instructions are widely criticized. If you want the fewest support calls per year, the picks above are sturdier ground.
How to Choose a Keypad Door Lock for a Rental Property
Work through these eight criteria in order. The first three decide whether the lock is even usable on your doors, and the rest decide whether it stays usable across a portfolio.
Physical key override. Non-negotiable. A keypad without a keyed cylinder means a dead battery becomes a locksmith visit with a tenant locked out of their home.
Published ANSI or BHMA grade. Grade 1 and Grade 2 are residential security standards; Grade 3 is the budget tier. First-floor and street-facing doors deserve Grade 2.
Door fit. Check the bore diameter, the door thickness range, and whether the backset and handing work on your existing frame before ordering.
Battery type and stated life. A single 9V rated at two to three years beats four AAs at twelve months for a portfolio you inspect quarterly.
Code capacity and one-time codes. Count the doors, not the tenants. Twenty codes is plenty for a duplex, and thin for a four-person building.
Offline operation. Every lock here opens with a code when the network is down, but only a connected lock can be unlocked remotely. Decide which failure you can live with.
Landlord-specific modes. Vacation Mode, Disable Passage, and intrusion lockout are built for vacant doors and high-turnover, not for guest convenience.
Rekey or reprogram cost. SmartKey-style self-rekeying turns a one-key portfolio into a one-key portfolio. That saves a service call at every turnover.
If you want a broader look at connected entry hardware, our guides to the best smart locks and smart locks with keypad cover the feature side in more depth. For access control that identifies people rather than codes, see our picks for fingerprint smart locks.
Keypad Lock vs Traditional Deadbolt for Rentals
A keypad lock wins on turnover, because changing who can enter is a code edit instead of a cylinder change. A traditional deadbolt wins on cost per door and on familiarity, and for a single unit with a stable tenant it is a defensible choice.
The comparison usually comes down to what your turnover actually costs you. A locksmith visit plus new keys, multiplied by four turnovers a year, is the number a keypad lock has to beat. Where that math is thin, a rekeyable deadbolt is the honest recommendation, and the top-ranking locksmith advice on this query agrees.
Where keypad locks genuinely lose is the day the batteries die and the tenant is at the wrong end of it. That is why every pick here keeps a keyed cylinder, and why a documented battery schedule matters more than any app feature.
Battery Life and Lockouts: What Landlords Actually Need to Know
The loudest complaint in landlord forums is not security, it is lockouts. One Reddit user described a building keypad lock refusing to open as a code violation because it was the only way in or out, and that scenario is entirely preventable.
Stated battery life in this group ranges from 365 days on four AAs through 12 months on four AAs, up to two years on a 9V, three years on the Kwikset lever, and about a year on the Tapo rechargeable pack. Treat those as interval estimates, not guarantees; cold weather and heavy daily use pull them down.
Three habits cut the lockout rate sharply. Check the low-battery indicator during every scheduled inspection rather than waiting for a complaint. Keep the mechanical keys in a known, accessible place at the property. And build battery replacement into the turnover checklist, so a move-out and move-in is when the cells get swapped.
Smart locks add a second failure mode. If the connection drops, remote unlock stops working even though the keypad still opens the door, so always keep a locally valid access path. The Tapo DL110 includes an external emergency power port on the exterior, which is worth having on a door where nobody is there to fetch a battery.
Can a Landlord Require a Keypad Lock? Tenant Rights and Entry Rules
Generally you can upgrade an entry lock, but you usually cannot require keypad-only access with no physical key fallback. That point comes up repeatedly in landlord and tenant forums, and it is worth settling before you install anything.
This is not legal advice, and tenancy law varies by state, province, and country. Two practical rules cover most cases: changes to the entry system usually require advance notice, and your access for entry and repairs must still respect the tenant’s notice and quiet-hours rights.
The least contentious path is a lock that adds codes while keeping the existing keyed cylinder. Every pick on this list does that, which means you gain code-based turnover control without removing the tenant’s key.
How to Install a Keypad Deadbolt on an Existing Door
Most of these locks fit over an existing deadbolt, and the whole job takes about 15 minutes with a screwdriver. You will need a Phillips screwdriver, a tape measure, and the new strike plate that comes in the box.
Check the door. Measure the bore and the door thickness, and confirm the model fits. The TEEHO, for example, only accepts a 2-1/8 inch bore.
Set the handing before power-on. Decide which way the door swings and set the lock accordingly, because re-handing a powered lock is undocumented on several models here.
Remove the existing deadbolt. Unscrew the interior thumbturn and pull both halves out of the door.
Fit the new spindle and bolt. Thread the spindle through the edge bore, align the strike, and screw the mounting plate to the door edge.
Mount both escutcheons. Attach the interior and exterior assemblies, tightening evenly rather than over-torquing the screws.
Install the batteries and change the defaults. Replace the factory programming code and delete the default user code before anyone else touches the door.
Test every code and the key override. Program each tenant and contractor code, then confirm the physical key and the interior thumbturn both work with the door open.
If the door is metal, a fire-rated assembly, or a narrow aluminum stile, stop and check with a locksmith first. Drilling a second bore in a rated door can void its listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best keypad door lock for a rental property?
The TEEHO TE001 is the best overall pick for a rental property, holding a 4.5-star average across 6896 ratings with 20 user codes, a self-deleting one-time guest PIN, and two backup keys. It runs on 4 AA batteries rated up to 365 days and carries an IP54 water resistance rating. For scattered doors managed remotely, the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE adds hub-free Wi-Fi and an access history log.
Which keypad door lock is the most secure?
Security is decided by the published ANSI or BHMA grade, and the Kwikset 917HFL Halifax lever is the strongest certified option here at BHMA AAA, the highest residential rating available. The Kwikset SmartCode 260 and the Tapo DL110 are both Grade 2 BHMA certified, and the Schlage Camelot deadbolt is rated Grade 2/AAA. On any of these, pair the lock with a reinforced strike plate and a solid strike box.
What are the disadvantages of keypad door locks?
The main disadvantages are battery dependence, manual code programming that can be fiddly, no physical key on some models, and the loss of remote access when a connected lock loses its network. Programming errors also leave tenants locked out mid-move-in if codes are not tested. Choose a lock with a keyed override, a low-battery indicator, and one-time codes to reduce each of these risks.
Can you install smart locks on rental property?
Yes, on property you own or manage, and usually on a tenant-occupied door with advance notice. Most keypad deadbolts retrofit over an existing deadbolt in about 15 minutes with a screwdriver. Check the bore diameter, door thickness, and handing before ordering, and do not drill a second bore in a fire-rated or metal security door without consulting a locksmith first.
Can a landlord force a tenant to use a keypad lock?
You can usually upgrade the entry lock, but requiring PIN-only entry with no physical key is a different question and is contested by tenants. Tenancy law varies by location, and this is not legal advice, so check your local rules. The safer approach is a keypad lock that keeps a keyed cylinder, plus written advance notice of the change, which preserves your tenant’s notice and entry rights.
How long do batteries last in a keypad door lock?
In this roundup, stated life runs from 365 days on four AA batteries, through 12 months on other four-AA models, to two years on a 9V battery, three years on the Kwikset lever, and about one year on the Tapo rechargeable pack. Cold weather and daily heavy use shorten those intervals. Check the low-battery indicator at every inspection and keep mechanical keys on site.
What smart lock does Airbnb recommend?
Airbnb has announced direct integration with the Schlage Encode, which is also the most-recommended lock on BiggerPockets for short-term rentals. None of the eight locks in this roundup carries that specific integration, so if self check-in through the platform is non-negotiable, verify compatibility before buying. Otherwise the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE and Tapo DL110 both handle scheduled codes and remote unlock from their own apps.
Conclusion: The Best Keypad Door Locks for Rental Properties in 2026
The best keypad door lock for a rental property is the TEEHO TE001, because it pairs the highest rating in this group with enough codes for a real household, a one-time PIN for contractors, and two backup keys for the day the batteries die. Add the ULTRALOQ Bolt SE when you need remote unlock and an access log, or the Kwikset 917HFL when a single lever can cover the whole door with a Disable Passage mode built for landlords.
Whichever you fit, the maintenance habits decide the outcome more than the hardware does: check the low-battery indicator at every inspection, keep the keyed override working, and test each code before a tenant arrives.