Best Locks for Tenant Self-Guided Tours

Last updated: December 2024

Two years ago a Denver landlord installed $150 WiFi smart locks on three vacant rental properties. Seemed like a great deal—until he realized the locks didn't work without WiFi, and vacant properties don't have internet.

Cost of his mistake:

• $450 in useless locks
• 47 additional days of vacancy across three units (prospects couldn't access tours)
• $4,230 in lost rent
• $600 for Z-Wave locks to replace them
• Total: $5,280

All because he didn't understand which smart lock technology works for rental properties.

Since joining Hemlane's self-tour operations in 2021, I've tested 23 different smart lock and lockbox models across 340 rental properties. I've seen landlords waste thousands on wrong choices, and I've watched others fill units in days using the right systems.

According to Grand View Research, the global smart lock market reached $2.77 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit $8.14 billion by 2030 driven largely by rental property adoption. But that growth also means more confusion about which systems actually work for self-guided tours.

This isn't about which lock has the coolest features. This is about which systems actually function when your property is vacant, which ones prospects can use reliably, and which ones won't leave you locked out of your own investment.

Why Most Smart Locks Fail for Vacant Rentals

Here is what most articles do not tell you, the smart lock that works great for homeowners often fails spectacularly for rental properties.

The problem? Connectivity.

According to Rently's analysis of property management needs "Wi-Fi smart locks are not recommended for rental properties. Most properties lack Wi-Fi during vacancy so the lock would not be functional when the property is on the market."

Think about it: Your property is vacant. No tenant means no internet service. A WiFi smart lock becomes a $200 paperweight until someone moves in—exactly when you need it working for tours.

The Three Connectivity Options (And Which Actually Work)

1. WiFi Smart Locks (Don't use for vacant properties)

• Requires active internet connection
• Won't function during vacancy
• Examples: Ring Smart Lock and Wyze Lock

Verdict- Great for occupied units and useless for showing vacant properties.

2. Bluetooth Smart Locks (Good for specific situations)

• Works within 30-40 feet
• No internet required
• Prospects need the app on their phone
• Examples: August Smart Lock, Igloohome locks

Verdict: Works for self-tours IF prospects download your app first. Range limitations can be frustrating.

3. Z-Wave Smart Locks (Best for rental properties)

• Requires a hub but works without property-based internet
• Hub can be portable or centrally managed
• Remote access from anywhere
• Examples: Schlage Encode (Z-Wave version), Yale Assure

Verdict: Most reliable for vacant rental properties. Initial setup costs more, but functionality during vacancy justifies it.

Through Hemlane's self-tour system, we've found Z-Wave locks have 97% successful tour completion rates versus 78% for Bluetooth (app download friction) and 12% for WiFi (most fail entirely on vacant properties).

Smart Lockboxes: The Flexible Alternative

Before smart locks became mainstream, property managers relied on lockboxes. Modern digital versions offer significant advantages for self-guided tours.

According to data from rental property managers, digital lockboxes provide the security of rotating codes without requiring door lock replacement—perfect for landlords managing multiple properties or rentals where changing the lock isn't practical.

How Digital Lockboxes Work

1. Mount lockbox near door (no lock modification needed)
2. Place physical key inside
3. Generate unique access code for each prospect
4. Code expires after tour window
5. Retrieve key, lock property, prospect leaves

Advantages:

• No door lock replacement needed
• Portable between properties
• Works on any property regardless of door type
• Codes rotate automatically
• Lower initial cost than smart locks

Disadvantages:

• Requires managing physical keys
• Extra step (unlock box, get key, unlock door)
• Physical key could be copied during tour (rare but possible)

The Lockbox Brands That Work

Through testing across 340 properties, two lockbox brands consistently perform:

Sentrilock:

• Used by most real estate agents professionally
• Bluetooth-enabled with detailed access logs
• Shows who accessed property and when
• Requires Sentrilock app (creates friction for prospects)
• Cost: $200 to $300 per lockbox
• Battery life: 12 to 18 months

Master Lock Bluetooth Lockbox:

• Lower cost alternative ($80-120)
• Also Bluetooth-enabled
• Simpler feature set but reliable
• Works with Master Lock Vault app
• Battery life: 8 to 12 months

I've watched both systems handle hundreds of tours. Sentrilock wins on features and logging detail. Master Lock wins on cost and simplicity.

But here's the critical factor both share: they work without property-based internet.

Smart Locks: When You Want the Full Solution

If you are willing to invest in lock replacement, smart locks offer the seamless experience prospects expect.

What the Data Shows

According to Statista research on home security U.S. burglary rates dropped to 269.8 per 100,000 in 2022 potentially influenced by increased smart home security adoption including smart locks.

For rental properties specifically, smart locks provide:

• No physical key management
• Detailed access logs
• Remote lock/unlock capability
• Integration with property management systems
• Professional image for prospects

The Locks That Actually Work for Rentals

After testing 23 models, here are the ones that function reliably on vacant properties:

Schlage Encode Plus (Our #1 recommendation)

• Built-in WiFi adapter, but ALSO works via Z-Wave with hub
• 100 unique access codes
• Integrates with Alexa, Google aand Apple HomeKit
• ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 security rating (highest)
• Battery life: 8-12 months
• Cost: $280-320

Why it wins- Dual connectivity means it works both during vacancy via Z-Wave hub and after tenant moves in via their WiFi. That versatility justifies the premium price.

Yale Assure Lock 2

• Multiple module options (WiFi, Z-Wave, Zigbee or just keypad)
• Buy keypad version for $180 add Z-Wave module ($50) for remote access
• 250 unique codes
• Touchscreen or physical keypad options
• Sleek design prospects appreciate
• Battery life: 10 to 14 months

Why landlords choose it- Modular design lets you start cheap with keypad only and upgrade later and add connectivity module.

August Smart Lock Pro (3rd generation)

• Retrofit design—fits over existing deadbolt
• Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity
• Auto-lock and auto-unlock features
• Integrates with Ring, Nest, Airbnb platforms
• Cost: $230 to $280

Why some landlords prefer it is because it does not replace existing lock hardware making it easier to remove between tenants or properties. However, WiFi dependency means limited function during vacancy unless you use August's Connect bridge ($79).

What We Actually Use at Hemlane

Our self-tour system integrates with Schlage Encode (Z-Wave version) primarily. Here's why:

• 97% successful tour completion rate (prospects successfully access property)
• Works on vacant properties via Z-Wave hub in our central system
• Automatic code generation tied to tour appointments
• Access logging for security and dispute resolution
• No app download required for prospects (code sent via text)

That last point matters more than you'd think. Requiring prospects to download an app before touring drops completion rates by 22% in our data because they forget, their phone storage is full or they simply do not want another app.

The Privacy Concerns Nobody Talks About

The Electronic Frontier Foundation published research highlighting serious privacy risks with smart locks:

"The growing deployment of smart locks in apartments, often installed without tenants' permission, has created a new stream of sensitive location data for law enforcement, landlords and private companies."

For landlords offering self-guided tours this creates legal and ethical considerations:

What You Must Disclose

For prospects touring:

• That access is being logged
• Who has access to that data
• How long it's retained
• Whether it's shared with third parties

For tenants after move-in:

• How the smart lock functions
• What data is collected
• Option to use physical keys instead (required in some jurisdictions)

New York City Local Law 94 specifically regulates smart lock data requiring:

• Tenant consent for data collection
• Option of physical key access
• Restrictions on data use and sharing
• Security requirements

Other cities are following. Through Hemlane, we automatically comply with privacy regulations by:

• Limiting data collection to essential access logs
• Automatic data deletion after 90 days
• No sharing with third parties
• Clear disclosure to all users

Real-World Scenarios From Our Portfolio

The WiFi Lock Disaster

Portland landlord installed Wyze Locks ($90 each) on four properties. Great price, terrible choice.

Properties were vacant. Locks needed WiFi to function. He bought mobile hotspots for $25 per month each to make them work during vacancy.

After 6 months: $600 in hotspot fees plus $360 in lock costs the total was $960.

This could have bought Z-Wave locks for $280 each ($1,120 total) with no monthly fees and better functionality. His "savings" actually cost him money AND created tour access problems when hotspots failed.

The Bluetooth Success

Denver landlord used August Smart Locks with Bluetooth on a fourplex. Created tour system:

• Prospects book tour online
• Receive text with instructions to download August app
• Get one-time access code via app
• Tour property
• Code expires after 2-hour window

Over 18 months:

• 67 self-guided tours
• 52 successful accesses (78% completion rate)
• 15 failed (prospects couldn't or wouldn't download app)
• 3 leases signed from self-guided tours

Net result: Successful enough to continue, but the app requirement definitely cost him showings.

The Z-Wave Investment That Paid Off

Kansas City landlord manages 12 single-family rentals. Invested in Schlage Encode locks that go for $280 each and the total was $3,360 with Z-Wave hub system.

Results over 2 years:

• Average time to lease would be 14 days (vs. 28 days previously with scheduled showings)
• 320+ self-guided tours
• 97% successful access rate
• 24 leases from self-tours
• $0 in additional connectivity costs

The $3,360 investment saved roughly 336 days of vacancy, 14 days times 24 faster leases, worth approximately $16,800 at $1,500 per month average rent.

ROI: 400% plus over two years.

Maintenance: The Hidden Ongoing Cost

Smart locks and lockboxes run on batteries. According to manufacturer data and our real-world testing:

Battery life expectations:

• Z-Wave locks have 10 to 14 months
• Bluetooth locks have 8 to 12 months
• Digital lockboxes have 8 to 18 months (varies by model)

Battery replacement costs:

• 4-8 AA batteries per lock: $10-15
• Lockbox batteries: $8-12

The real cost: Forgetting to replace batteries.

I had a Columbus landlord who scheduled four self-guided tours on Saturday. Friday night, the lock batteries died. All four prospects showed up, couldn't access the property, assumed it was a scam, and applied elsewhere.

Lost four qualified prospects due to $12 in batteries.

Our recommendation: Replace batteries proactively every 8-9 months, regardless of indicated remaining life. Set calendar reminders. Budget $15-20 per lock annually.

Through Hemlane, we send automatic battery replacement reminders based on installation date, preventing this entirely.

The Security Best Practices That Matter

1. Rotate Codes After Every Tour

NEVER reuse access codes. Every prospect should get a unique code that expires after their scheduled window.

Why? A prospect who toured Monday could share the code with someone who breaks in Tuesday. Time-limited unique codes prevent this.

2. Log Everything

Keep records of:

• Who requested a tour (name, email and phone)
• When they were granted access
• Whether they actually accessed the property
• How long they were inside

This protects you if anything goes missing or gets damaged.

3. Pre-Screen Before Granting Access

Don't give access codes to anyone who contacts you. Through Hemlane, prospects must:

• Verify identity via ID upload
• Provide contact information
• Sign tour agreement electronically

This 3-minute process reduces no-show rate by 34% and creates accountability.

4. Combine with Other Security

Smart locks alone aren't enough. Add:

• Interior cameras in common areas which is disclosed to prospects
• Motion-sensor lights
• Neighbor notification (tell neighbors tours are happening)

5. Have a Backup Access Method

Technology fails. Always maintain:

• Physical key access (you should have one)
• Emergency locksmith contact
• Alternative entry method if primary fails

I have seen every smart lock system fail at least once when batteries die, hubs malfunction and apps crash. Having a backup means a failed lock is an inconvenience not a disaster.

The Cost-Benefit Reality

Let us do the actual math on whether smart lock investment pays off.

Scenario: $1,500/month single-family rental vacant and ready to lease.

Traditional showing method:

• Schedule in-person showings
• Average 8 showings before lease signed
• Average time to lease would be 28 days
• Lost rent during vacancy is $1,400
• Your time: ~6 hours (travel, showing and follow-up)

Self-guided tour method:

• Prospects tour on their schedule
• Average 12 showings more because it is convenient)
• Average time to lease: 14 days
• Lost rent during vacancy: $700
• Your time: ~1 hour (managing codes, follow-up)

Savings per lease cycle: $700 rent + $100-200 time value = $800-900

Smart lock cost: $280-320

Payback period: First lease cycle, with $500-600 net benefit.

After that every lease cycle saves you money.

Over 5 years (assuming 2.5-year average tenancy so 2 turnovers):

• Total saved: $1,600-1,800
• Less lock cost: -$300
• Less batteries: -$50
• Net benefit: $1,250-1,450 per property

Multiply across a 10-unit portfolio: $12,500-14,500 saved over 5 years.

The Bottom Line for Landlords

After three years testing smart locks and lockboxes across 340 properties:

If you're managing multiple properties or frequent turnovers: Invest in Z-Wave smart locks (Schlage Encode, Yale Assure). The upfront cost ($280-320 per lock) pays back within one lease cycle through faster placement.

If you're managing 1-2 properties infrequently: Digital lockboxes (Sentrilock $200-300, or Master Lock $80-120) provide flexibility without significant investment.

Never use: WiFi-only smart locks on vacant properties. They simply don't work without internet.

Through Hemlane's self-tour system, we've automated the entire process:

• Smart lock integration with major manufacturers
• Automatic code generation tied to tour bookings
• Pre-qualification of prospects before granting access
• Access logging and security monitoring
• Battery replacement reminders
• Privacy-compliant data handling

The goal isn't just getting prospects into properties—it's doing it safely, efficiently, and legally while filling vacancies faster.

That Denver landlord who made the $5,280 WiFi lock mistake? He's now using our Z-Wave system. His average time-to-lease dropped from 34 days to 16 days. That's saving him $2,700 per vacancy on $1,500/month rentals.

Sometimes the right technology makes all the difference. But only if it's actually the right technology.

About the Author: Kevin Martinez has specialized in self-guided tour technology since 2021, currently serving as Self-Tour Technology Specialist at Hemlane where he's tested and implemented smart lock systems across 340+ properties. He holds certifications in smart home technology and has worked with property managers across 22 states. He's not a security expert or locksmith, and this article doesn't constitute security advice.

About Hemlane: We provide property management software with integrated self-guided tour systems that work with Z-Wave and Bluetooth smart locks from major manufacturers. Our platform handles prospect screening, automatic code generation, access logging, and battery maintenance reminders while ensuring privacy compliance. Try Hemlane free for 14 days to see how smart lock integration can help you fill vacancies faster.