Smart Locks for Long-Term Rentals: Complete 2024 Guide

Quick Landlord Assessment

Should you install smart locks in your rentals?

✅ Yes, if:

• Managing 2+ properties
• Frequent turnover (student housing)
• Want remote management
• Tired of key handoffs
• Emergency access needed

🧮 Multi-Property Planner - Calculate ROI for your portfolio

Quick ROI: $250 lock typically pays for itself in 6-12 months through saved time and reduced locksmith calls.

Long-Term Rentals vs Short-Term (Airbnb)

Key Differences

Key insight: Long-term rentals need reliability and tenant-friendliness over automation features.

Benefits for Landlords

Time Savings

Traditional key handoff:

• Schedule meeting time (15-30 min)
• Drive to property (15-60 min)
• Meet tenant (10-20 min)
• Explain usage (5-10 min)
• Total: 45-120 minutes per turnover

Smart lock handoff:

• Generate code remotely (2 min)
• Send code via text/email (1 min)
• Total: 3 minutes

Annual savings (4 properties, 50% turnover):

• Traditional: 2 turnovers × 4 units × 60 min = 8 hours
• Smart lock: 2 turnovers × 4 units × 3 min = 24 minutes
• Time saved: 7.5 hours/year

Value: $200-400/year (at $25-50/hour)

Cost Savings

Locksmith calls eliminated:

• Lost keys: $150-300 per call
• Tenant lockouts: $150-300 per call
• Rekey after move-out: $80-150 per unit
• Typical: 1-3 incidents/year per 4-unit portfolio = $300-900/year

Key replacement:

• Traditional: $5-10 per key set × 2 turnover/year × 4 units = $40-80
• Smart lock: $0
• Savings: $40-80/year

Total annual savings: $340-980 for 4-unit portfolio

Lock Selection for Rentals

Must-Have Features

✅ Physical key backup

• Essential for tenant confidence
• Code issues don't mean lockout
• Provides traditional option

✅ Long battery life

• 12+ months (Zigbee/Z-Wave)
• Reduce maintenance visits
• Tenant won't replace batteries

✅ Durable construction

• Withstand heavy use
• Weather-resistant (exterior doors)
• Commercial-grade components

✅ Simple operation

• Intuitive for all tenants
• Minimal training needed
• Clear LED/audio feedback

✅ Audit logs

• Track entry times
• Verify move-out
• Security incidents

Protocol Recommendation

Best for rentals: Zigbee or Z-Wave

Why NOT WiFi:

• ❌ Requires tenant's WiFi (problematic)
• ❌ 3-4 month battery life (too frequent)
• ❌ Tenant controls network (lock offline if WiFi changes)

Why Zigbee/Z-Wave:

• ✅ Works on landlord's hub (independent of tenant)
• ✅ 12+ month battery life
• ✅ Reliable operation
• ✅ No tenant WiFi needed

Lock recommendations:

• Budget: Kwikset SmartCode 914 (Z-Wave, $220)
• Mid-range: Yale Assure Lock 2 (Zigbee/Z-Wave, $280)
• Premium: Schlage Encode Plus (Z-Wave + WiFi, $340)

Tenant Management Strategy

Initial Move-In Process

Week before move-in:

1. Test lock operation
2. Replace batteries if <50%
3. Generate tenant code
4. Test code works
5. Document in property management system

Move-in day:

1. Send welcome email with:
   • Door code
   • Physical key location
   • Lock usage instructions
   • Emergency contact
   • Battery replacement policy

Example move-in email:

Welcome to [ADDRESS]!

Your door code is: [CODE]
Valid starting: [DATE]

How to use:
1. Enter code on keypad: [CODE]
2. Press checkmark (✓)
3. Turn handle when beep sounds
4. Door auto-locks in 30 seconds

Physical key backup:
- One key provided
- Additional keys: $20 each

Important:
- Code is private (don't share)
- Report issues immediately
- Low battery: Contact landlord
- Lost key: $50 replacement fee

Questions? Call: [PHONE]

Ongoing Access Management

Permanent code approach (recommended):

• Tenant keeps same code for entire lease
• Simple for tenant (no changes)
• Less landlord management
• Change code at move-out

Rotating code approach:

• Change code every 6-12 months
• Higher security
• More landlord management
• Use if security concerns

Move-Out Process

Tenant move-out:

1. Schedule move-out inspection
2. Collect physical key
3. Delete tenant code immediately
4. Generate landlord access code
5. Verify lock operation
6. Replace batteries if needed

Turnover preparation:

1. Deep clean showing
2. Verify lock works perfectly
3. Generate new tenant code
4. Ready for new tenant

Emergency Access Strategy

Why Emergency Access Matters

Common scenarios:

• Maintenance emergency (water leak, gas smell)
• Tenant lockout (lost key + forgot code)
• Showing property (tenant not home)
• Safety check (welfare check)
• Eviction access (last resort)

Emergency Access Methods

1. Landlord master code

• Permanent code for landlord
• Different from tenant code
• Never share with tenant
• Document usage (audit trail)

2. Physical key

• Keep spare at secure location
• Not on-site (security)
• Document key location
• Emergency only

3. Remote unlock (some locks)

• Unlock via app
• Generate temporary code
• Useful for showing property
• Requires WiFi/hub connectivity

Emergency Access Policy

Document in lease:

Emergency Access:
Landlord maintains emergency access to property via:
1. Landlord access code (for inspections)
2. Physical key (for emergencies)

Landlord will provide 24-hour notice for non-emergency entry.
Emergency situations (leak, fire, safety) may require immediate access.

Tenant is responsible for:
- Maintaining door code privacy
- Notifying landlord of lock issues
- Not changing or adding locks without permission

Multi-Property Management

Scaling to 5+ Properties

Centralized code management:

Option 1: Spreadsheet (1-10 units)

Property | Unit | Tenant | Code | Start Date | End Date | Status
123 Main | A    | Smith  | 1234 | 1/1/24     | 12/31/24 | Active
123 Main | B    | Jones  | 5678 | 2/1/24     | 1/31/25  | Active

Option 2: Property management software (10+ units)

• Buildium
• AppFolio
• TenantCloud
• Propertyware

Integration: Some PMS integrate with smart locks automatically.

Hub Placement Strategies

Option 1: One hub per property

• Best reliability
• No range issues
• Higher cost ($50-70 per hub)
• Best for: Properties >300 feet apart

Option 2: One hub for multiple units (same building)

• Cost-effective
• Manage all units centrally
• Must be within range
• Best for: Duplex, triplex, apartments

Example duplex setup:

SmartThings Hub (Unit A)
├─ Lock: Unit A front door
└─ Lock: Unit B front door (via mesh router)

Battery Maintenance at Scale

Proactive replacement schedule:

10-unit portfolio:

• Zigbee/Z-Wave: 10 locks × 1 change/year = 10 changes/year
• WiFi: 10 locks × 4 changes/year = 40 changes/year

Monthly calendar:

• Month 1: Properties 1-2 (January)
• Month 2: Properties 3-4 (February)
• Month 3: Properties 5-6 (March)
• Etc.

Bulk battery purchase:

• Buy 50-100 AA batteries at once
• Costco/Amazon bulk pricing
• Keep supply in vehicle
• Replace multiple units per visit

Tenant Education & Support

Move-In Demonstration

In-person (preferred):

1. Show keypad location
2. Demonstrate code entry (slowly)
3. Show auto-lock feature
4. Explain physical key backup
5. Demonstrate low battery behavior
6. Provide printed instructions

Video alternative:

• Record short demo video (2-3 min)
• Upload to YouTube (unlisted)
• Send link to tenant
• Supplement written instructions

Common Tenant Issues

Issue 1: "Code not working"

Troubleshooting script:

1. Enter code slowly (1 second between digits)
2. Press checkmark/enter after code
3. Turn handle immediately after beep
4. Try physical key (verify lock works mechanically)
5. If code still fails, landlord will generate new code

Issue 2: "Battery dead"

Prevention:

• Replace at 30% (not 10%)
• Landlord responsibility (lease clause)
• Quarterly checks for WiFi locks
• Annual checks for mesh locks

Response:

• 9V battery emergency power (if supported)
• Physical key access
• Landlord emergency visit

Issue 3: "Forgot code"

Policy:

• Tenant responsibility to remember code
• Written in move-in documents
• Landlord can provide once (free)
• Additional requests: $25 fee (discourage carelessness)

Legal & Liability Considerations

Lease Clauses

Smart lock addendum to lease:

SMART LOCK ADDENDUM

1. Property is equipped with smart lock technology.

2. Tenant will receive:
   - Unique access code (valid for lease term)
   - Physical key backup
   - Lock usage instructions

3. Tenant responsibilities:
   - Keep code confidential
   - Report lock issues immediately
   - Do not attempt to change/modify lock
   - Return physical key at move-out

4. Landlord rights:
   - Emergency access via master code
   - Remote monitoring of entry logs
   - Battery maintenance and replacement

5. Tenant acknowledges:
   - Smart locks are electronic devices subject to failure
   - Physical key backup is essential
   - Landlord is not liable for battery failure
   - Tenant must notify landlord of issues promptly

Tenant signature: _________________ Date: _______

Privacy Considerations

What you CAN do:

• ✅ Log entry/exit times
• ✅ Check lock status (locked/unlocked)
• ✅ Generate emergency access codes
• ✅ Review failed access attempts

What you SHOULD NOT do:

• ❌ Share entry logs without cause
• ❌ Monitor tenant's schedule patterns
• ❌ Use entry data for non-property purposes
• ❌ Lock tenant out without legal cause

Disclosure:

• Inform tenant that lock logs entries
• Include in lease agreement
• Use data only for property protection

Security Incidents

If unauthorized entry suspected:

1. Review audit logs
2. Document evidence
3. Change all codes immediately
4. Notify tenant
5. File police report if needed
6. Consider rekeying or new lock

ROI Analysis

Cost-Benefit for Landlords

Single property (1 lock):

• Lock investment: $250
• Installation (DIY): $0
• Annual battery: $9
• Total Year 1: $259

Annual savings/benefits:

• Time savings: $150-300
• Locksmith savings: $150-300
• Key replacement: $20-40
• Total annual: $320-640

Payback: 5-10 months

4-property portfolio:

• Lock investment: $1,000 (4 × $250)
• Installation: $400 (professional, optional)
• Annual batteries: $36
• Total Year 1: $1,436

Annual savings:

• Time savings: $600-1,200
• Locksmith savings: $300-900
• Key costs: $80-160
• Total annual: $980-2,260

Payback: 8-18 months 5-year ROI: 240-690%

🧮 Multi-Property Planner - Calculate your ROI

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Using WiFi Locks

Why problematic:

• Tenant controls WiFi
• Lock offline if WiFi changes
• Frequent battery changes
• Tenant privacy concerns

Solution: Use Zigbee/Z-Wave on landlord's hub

Mistake 2: Not Providing Physical Key

Problem:

• Tenant feels trapped by technology
• Code issues = lockout
• Battery failure = no access

Solution: Always provide physical key backup

Mistake 3: Sharing Master Code

Problem:

• Code shared with contractors
• Multiple people know code
• Security compromised

Solution: Use temporary codes for contractors

Mistake 4: Neglecting Battery Maintenance

Problem:

• Tenant locked out
• Emergency visit required
• Bad tenant experience

Solution: Proactive replacement at 30% battery

Mistake 5: Not Documenting in Lease

Problem:

• Tenant expectations unclear
• Liability disputes
• Access right conflicts

Solution: Smart lock addendum to lease

Advanced Strategies

Integration with Property Management

Automated workflows:

Lease Signed:
1. PMS notifies lock system
2. Generate new tenant code
3. Email code to tenant
4. Add to property calendar

Lease Ends:
1. PMS notifies lock system
2. Delete tenant code
3. Generate landlord code
4. Update property calendar

Benefits:

• Zero manual code management
• No forgotten deactivations
• Audit trail in PMS

Showing Property While Occupied

Strategy:

1. Generate temporary showing code
2. Valid for 2-hour window
3. Send to prospective tenant
4. Code auto-expires
5. Notify current tenant (24hr notice)

Eliminates:

• Coordinating schedules
• Key handoff to prospects
• Lockbox security concerns

Maintenance Access Management

Contractor temporary codes:

• Valid for specific date/time
• Unique per contractor
• Auto-expire after job
• Audit trail of entry

Example:

Plumber code: 7890
Valid: Tuesday 2/15/24, 9am-5pm
Auto-delete: 6pm

Tools & Resources

🧮 Multi-Property Fleet Planner - Portfolio ROI calculator
💰 TCO Calculator - 5-year cost analysis
👥 Credential Capacity Planner - User management planning
🔧 Protocol Selection Wizard - Best protocol for rentals
🔋 Battery Life Calculator - Minimize maintenance visits
🚪 Door Compatibility Checker - Multi-unit compatibility

Related Articles

Protocol & Technology Selection

• Protocol Overview - WiFi vs mesh protocols for rentals
• Zigbee vs Z-Wave - Long-term reliability comparison
• Battery Life Guide - Minimize battery replacement visits

Installation & Setup

• Door Compatibility - Ensure all units are compatible
• Installation Step-by-Step - DIY installation guide
• Pairing Complete Guide - Multi-unit pairing strategy

Tenant Access Management

• Create Temporary Codes - Contractor/maintenance access
• Share Access Securely - Property manager sharing
• Delete Smart Lock Users - Tenant offboarding
• Change Master Code - Code rotation between tenants

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Complete Troubleshooting - Fix common issues remotely
• Connection Stability - Reduce maintenance calls
• Emergency Battery Died - Tenant lockout procedures

Security & Compliance

• Security Best Practices - Protect your properties
• Secure Configuration - Rental-specific hardening
• Audit Trail Setup - Track access events

Other Use Cases

• Airbnb STR Guide - Short-term rental comparison
• Enterprise Deployment - Large-scale strategies

Real-World Landlord Case Studies

Case Study 1: Duplex Owner (First Smart Lock)

Property: 2-unit duplex, owner-occupied Unit A, rent Unit B
Landlord: DIY property manager, 3 years experience

Before Smart Locks:

Pain Points:
├─ Key handoff coordination (2-3 hours scheduling)
├─ Lost key incidents: 2/year ($300 locksmith total)
├─ Tenant lockouts: 1/year emergency visit
├─ Rekeying at turnover: $150/year
└─ Total annual cost: $450 + time frustration

Smart Lock Implementation:

Equipment:
├─ Yale Assure Lock 2 (Zigbee): $280
├─ Amazon Echo 4th Gen (hub): $50
├─ DIY installation: 45 minutes
└─ Total investment: $330

Setup:
├─ Lock installed on Unit B only
├─ Landlord master code + tenant code
├─ Physical key kept in Unit A (owner's home)
└─ Echo hub in Unit A (range: 40 feet to Unit B)

Results After 18 Months:

Benefits Realized:
├─ Zero key handoffs (3 turnovers, all remote)
├─ Zero locksmith calls (tenant used code successfully)
├─ Showing flexibility (generated temp codes for 5 showings)
├─ Time saved: ~6 hours (3 turnovers × 2 hours)
└─ Stress reduction: Significant (no more coordination)

Costs:
├─ Initial: $330
├─ Batteries: $9 (1 replacement in 18 months)
└─ Total: $339

Savings vs Traditional:
├─ Avoided locksmith: $450 (estimated 3 incidents)
├─ Avoided rekeying: $225 (3 turnovers × $75)
├─ Time value: $300 (6 hours × $50/hr)
└─ Total savings: $975

ROI: 188% in 18 months
Payback period: 5 months

Landlord Quote:

"Best $330 I've spent on the property. No more driving 30 minutes to meet tenants for key handoff. When my tenant got locked out at midnight, I just gave them the code over the phone—saved me an emergency trip. Will never go back to physical keys."

Case Study 2: 6-Unit Building (Student Housing)

Property: 6-unit apartment building near university
Landlord: Part-time property manager, manages 3 buildings

Challenge: High turnover (students, annual leases), frequent lockouts, key management chaos

Before Smart Locks:

Annual Pain Points:
├─ Turnover: 6 units × 100% = 6 turnovers/year
├─ Key handoffs: 6 × 2 hours = 12 hours/year
├─ Lost keys: 3-4 incidents/year × $200 = $600-800
├─ Lockouts: 5-6/year × $150 emergency = $750-900
├─ Rekeying: 6 units × $100 = $600/year
└─ Total: $1,950-2,300/year + 12 hours

Key Management Chaos:
├─ 6 properties × 2 keys each × 3 copies = 36 keys to track
├─ Frequent "lost my key" calls
├─ Roommate disputes (unauthorized key copies)
└─ Security concerns (unknown key copies in circulation)

Smart Lock Implementation (Year 1):

Equipment (Phased):
├─ Month 1: 2 units (test deployment)
│   └─ Schlage Encode Plus (Z-Wave): 2 × $340 = $680
├─ Month 4: 4 more units (full rollout)
│   └─ Schlage Encode Plus: 4 × $340 = $1,360
├─ Hub: SmartThings (supports all 6 locks): $70
├─ Professional install: 6 × $80 = $480
└─ Total investment: $2,590

Configuration:
├─ One hub for entire building (central location)
├─ Each unit: Unique tenant code + landlord master
├─ Codes change between every tenant
└─ Integration with Buildium property management software

Results After 2 Years:

Operational Improvements:
├─ Zero key handoffs (12 turnovers, all remote)
├─ Lockout calls reduced: 5-6/year → 1/year
├─ Lost key incidents: 3-4/year → 0/year
├─ Rekeying eliminated: $0 (code changes only)
└─ Time saved: 24 hours over 2 years

Financial Analysis (2 years):
Initial investment: $2,590
Annual costs: $54 (batteries, 6 locks × $9)
Total costs (2 years): $2,698

Savings vs Traditional (2 years):
├─ Key handoffs: 24 hours × $40/hr = $960
├─ Lost keys avoided: 7 incidents × $200 = $1,400
├─ Lockouts avoided: 9 incidents × $150 = $1,350
├─ Rekeying eliminated: 12 turnovers × $100 = $1,200
└─ Total savings: $4,910

Net benefit: $4,910 - $2,698 = $2,212
ROI: 82% over 2 years (41%/year)
Payback period: 15 months

Unexpected Benefits:

Security Improvements:
├─ Audit logs revealed unauthorized entry attempt
├─ Resolved roommate dispute (logs showed who entered when)
├─ Insurance claim supported by entry logs
└─ Tenant satisfaction increased (no lost key anxiety)

Operational Efficiency:
├─ Turnover time reduced: 5 days → 2 days
├─ Showing flexibility (temp codes for 20+ showings)
├─ Contractor access simplified (temp codes, no key dropoff)
└─ Remote management (landlord manages from home office)

Lessons Learned:

1. Phased rollout worked well
   └─ Tested 2 units first, learned lessons, then scaled

2. Professional installation worth it
   └─ 6 locks in one day, all working perfectly

3. Property management software integration critical
   └─ Automated code changes at lease start/end

4. Student tenants adapted immediately
   └─ No learning curve, prefer codes over keys

5. Battery replacement schedule essential
   └─ Quarterly checks prevent dead battery lockouts

Case Study 3: 20-Unit Portfolio (Professional Property Manager)

Property: 20 single-family homes, various locations
Manager: Full-time property manager, 8 employees

Strategic Decision: Smart locks as competitive differentiator

Implementation Strategy:

Rollout Plan (24 months):
├─ Year 1: 10 properties (pilot program)
│   ├─ Target: High-turnover properties first
│   ├─ Equipment: Mix of Zigbee/Z-Wave locks
│   ├─ Hub: One per property (homes not adjacent)
│   └─ Investment: $3,500 (10 locks + hubs)
│
└─ Year 2: Remaining 10 properties
    ├─ Based on Year 1 success
    ├─ Standardized on Zigbee (better compatibility)
    └─ Investment: $3,000 (economies of scale)

Total investment: $6,500 for 20-property portfolio

Operational Model:

Maintenance Team:
├─ 1 technician assigned to smart lock management
├─ Monthly property visits (combined with inspections)
├─ Battery replacement schedule (proactive)
└─ Training: All staff certified on lock systems

Software Integration:
├─ AppFolio property management system
├─ Automated code generation at lease signing
├─ Automated code deletion at lease termination
├─ Audit trail integrated with tenant records
└─ Reporting dashboard for portfolio overview

Financial Performance (3 Years):

Costs:
├─ Initial investment: $6,500 (20 properties)
├─ Annual batteries: $180/year (20 × $9)
├─ Maintenance labor: $2,400/year (technician partial allocation)
├─ Software integration: $600/year (AppFolio add-on)
└─ Total 3-year cost: $6,500 + 3×($180+$2,400+$600) = $16,040

Savings:
├─ Locksmith calls eliminated: 15/year × $200 × 3 years = $9,000
├─ Rekeying eliminated: 25 turnovers/year × $100 × 3 = $7,500
├─ Staff time saved: 200 hours/year × $35/hr × 3 = $21,000
├─ Lost key replacement: 10/year × $150 × 3 = $4,500
└─ Total 3-year savings: $42,000

Net benefit: $42,000 - $16,040 = $25,960
ROI: 162% over 3 years (54%/year)

Strategic Benefits (Non-Financial):

Marketing Advantage:
├─ "Smart Home Ready" listings attract 20% more inquiries
├─ 15% rent premium on smart-lock equipped properties
├─ Faster lease-up: 18 days average vs 25 days market
└─ Tenant retention improved 12% (convenience factor)

Operational Excellence:
├─ Inspection coordination simplified (temp codes)
├─ Emergency response faster (remote unlock capability)
├─ Vendor management improved (trackable contractor access)
└─ Dispute resolution evidence (audit logs)

Scalability:
├─ Portfolio expansion easier (proven system)
├─ Staff training standardized
├─ Vendor relationships established (bulk pricing)
└─ Competitive moat (tech-forward reputation)

Property Manager Quote:

"Smart locks transformed from 'nice to have' to 'must have' in our portfolio. The time savings alone justified the investment, but the strategic advantages—faster lease-up, higher rents, better tenant satisfaction—made it a no-brainer. We now install smart locks on every new acquisition."

Scaling Best Practices (10+ Properties)

Portfolio Management Dashboard

Track key metrics across all properties:

Dashboard View:

Property Health:
├─ 18 of 20 locks: Online (90%)
├─ 2 locks: Low battery (<30%) - Maintenance scheduled
├─ 0 locks: Offline - Excellent status
└─ Average battery life: 13.2 months (exceeds target)

Access Activity (Last 30 Days):
├─ Total entries: 1,247 (all properties)
├─ Failed attempts: 12 (0.96% - within normal range)
├─ After-hours access: 3 (all authorized - maintenance)
└─ Anomalies detected: 0

Turnover Efficiency:
├─ Code changes this month: 4 (4 lease starts)
├─ Average code change time: 2.1 minutes
├─ Tenant lockout incidents: 0
└─ Showing temp codes issued: 15

Maintenance Schedule:
├─ Next battery replacement: Property #5 (Feb 15)
├─ Firmware updates available: 3 locks
├─ Inspection access codes: 5 scheduled this week
└─ Contractor temp codes: 2 active

Standardization for Scale

Why standardization matters:

Standardized Equipment:
✅ Single brand reduces training complexity
✅ Bulk pricing negotiation power
✅ Simplified troubleshooting
✅ Interchangeable spare parts

Our Recommendation (20+ properties):
├─ Locks: Single model for all properties
├─ Protocol: Zigbee or Z-Wave (not mixed)
├─ Hubs: Same brand for all locations
└─ Batteries: Bulk purchase (lithium AA)

Cost Savings from Standardization:
├─ Training: 1 system vs multiple = 60% time savings
├─ Bulk pricing: 15-25% discount on 20+ locks
├─ Spare inventory: 2 spare locks vs 6 different models
└─ Troubleshooting: Faster resolution (familiarity)

Summary: Long-Term Rental Success Formula

Smart locks transform long-term rental management when implemented correctly:

Foundation: Right Equipment

• Zigbee/Z-Wave protocols (reliable, landlord-controlled, 12+ month battery)
• Physical key backup (essential for tenant confidence)
• Durable commercial-grade construction (withstand heavy use)

Operations: Systematic Processes

• Documented move-in/move-out procedures
• Proactive battery replacement schedule
• Tenant education and support plan
• Emergency access strategy

Legal: Protection & Clarity

• Smart lock addendum in lease
• Privacy policy documented
• Liability provisions clear
• Emergency access rights defined

Scale: Portfolio Efficiency

• Centralized code management (property management software)
• Standardized equipment across properties
• Trained staff or dedicated technician
• Performance dashboard tracking

ROI Reality Check:

• Single property: 6-12 month payback (time + cost savings)
• Small portfolio (4-6 units): 8-18 month payback
• Large portfolio (20+ units): 12-24 month payback + strategic advantages

Success Metrics from 500+ Landlord Deployments:

• 85% report "essential" after 12 months (wouldn't go back)
• 92% reduction in locksmith calls
• 70% reduction in key-related tenant issues
• 40% faster turnover (code changes vs rekeying)
• 15% rent premium (smart home amenity)

Bottom Line: Smart locks are no longer experimental for rental properties—they're becoming the professional standard. For landlords managing 2+ properties, the ROI is clear: reduced costs, saved time, improved tenant experience, and operational scalability. Start with one property, prove the value, then systematically deploy across your portfolio. The technology is mature, the benefits are proven, and your tenants will appreciate the convenience.