Best Locks for Tenant Self-Guided Tours

Self-guided tours are quickly becoming one of the most convenient ways to show rental properties. They allow prospective tenants to explore homes on their own schedule, without the landlord or agent needing to be present. This flexibility means more showings, faster lease-ups, and fewer scheduling headaches. But there’s one critical element that makes or breaks the safety of self-guided tours: the lock system you choose.

Traditional lockboxes and spare keys just don’t cut it anymore. Standard lockboxes are no longer secure enough for unattended access and the new landlords should opt for digital systems. (See more safety guidance here)

To keep your property secure and your tours running smoothly, landlords should rely on digital locks and digital lockboxes. The right system ensures tenants get easy access, while you stay in control of who enters and when. In this guide, we’ll break down the best lock options for self-guided tours, compare the pros and cons of each, and share trusted brands like Codebox and Sentrilock that many landlords already use.

Why the Lock Matters for Self-Guided Tours

When a tenant visits a property on their own, the lock is your first and last line of defense. It controls access to the property, protects your investment, and creates a professional experience for the tenant.

Choosing the right lock impacts:

• Security – Prevents unauthorized access and protects against break-ins.
• Convenience – Tenants can access the property with a unique code rather than juggling keys.
• Flexibility – You can update codes remotely, schedule tours, and manage multiple properties.
• Professionalism – A secure digital lock reassures tenants that the landlord takes safety seriously.

A reliable lock system is not just about securing the door, it’s about building trust and streamlining your broader leasing services.

Digital Lockboxes vs. Digital Locks

Before jumping into specific products, it’s important to understand the two main categories of secure access for self-guided tours: digital lockboxes and digital locks.

Digital Lockboxes

A digital lockbox is a secure container mounted near the property’s entry, often attached to a door handle or wall. Inside, you can store a physical key. Tenants receive a unique access code to open the box and retrieve the key for their tour.

Pros of Digital Lockboxes:

• Easy installation — no need to modify the door lock itself.
• Great for landlords managing multiple properties or short-term access.
• Codes can rotate hourly or daily, preventing unauthorized reuse.
• Simple transfer if you manage multiple rental units.

Cons of Digital Lockboxes:

• Requires storing a physical key inside (which still poses some risk if not managed carefully).
• Slightly less seamless experience than a smart lock directly on the door.

Digital Locks

A digital lock replaces the traditional door lock altogether. Tenants use a keypad, mobile app, or temporary code to unlock the door, eliminating the need for a physical key.

Pros of Digital Locks:

• Direct access without retrieving a key.
• Ideal for long-term tenants who can continue to use the lock after move-in.
• Many models allow remote access control from your phone.

Cons of Digital Locks:

• Installation is more complex and requires replacing the entire lock.
• Higher upfront cost compared to lockboxes.
• Less portable — not as easy to move between properties.

Key takeaway: If you’re looking for flexibility and ease of setup, go with a digital lockbox. If you want an all-in-one solution for long-term tenants, a digital lock may be worth the investment. Many landlords use both, depending on the property and tenant type.

Best Digital Lockboxes for Self-Guided Tours

Not all lockboxes are created equal. Some are built for real estate professionals, others for short-term rentals, and a few specifically designed for landlords handling multiple units. Below are two of the most trusted brands used by landlords today.

Codebox

Codebox has built its reputation in the real estate industry for secure, user-friendly digital lockboxes. With Codebox, landlords can assign time-sensitive access codes that expire after a set period. This is perfect for self-guided tours, as tenants only get access during their scheduled showing.

Why landlords love Codebox:

• Simple to install and manage.
• One-time use codes improve security.
• Affordable option compared to other lockboxes.
• Reliable, with a proven track record in rental property management.

If you want a straightforward, professional-grade lockbox for self-guided tours, Codebox is one of the top options.

Sentrilock

Sentrilock is another industry leader, often used by real estate agents for property access. Their digital lockboxes are highly secure, Bluetooth-enabled, and designed to give landlords total control over who enters the property.

Key features of Sentrilock:

• Mobile app integration for real-time access control.
• Long battery life and reliable hardware.
• Detailed access logs showing who entered and when.
• Secure enough for large property management operations.

While slightly more expensive than Codebox, Sentrilock offers advanced features that give landlords extra peace of mind.

Best Digital Locks for Self-Guided Tours

If you’re considering replacing your traditional lock with a digital version, here are some of the most reliable models.

Schlage Encode

The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt is one of the most popular smart locks for rentals. It connects directly to WiFi, allowing landlords to create and manage codes remotely.

Why it works well for rentals:

• No additional hub required — easy setup.
• Can generate up to 100 unique codes.
• Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
• Durable and designed to withstand outdoor conditions.

Yale Assure Lock

Yale Assure offers a sleek digital keypad lock with customizable codes. Tenants can unlock the property with a code, while landlords can manage access through the Yale Access app.

Benefits:

• Key-free design — no physical keys needed at all.
• Works with Apple HomeKit, Google, and Alexa.
• Can set up temporary codes for tours.
• Stylish design with touchscreen or keypad options.

August Smart Lock

August Smart Lock Pro converts your existing deadbolt into a smart lock, so you don’t need to replace the entire door hardware.

Why landlords like it:

• Keeps your current lock and keys.
• App-based access with customizable codes.
• Easy installation and removal if you manage multiple units.
• Activity tracking to see when the door was locked or unlocked.

Keypad vs. Touchscreen

When choosing a digital lock, always consider the type of interface. Keypads are often preferred over touchscreens for rental properties. Keypads are more durable and can withstand weather and frequent use, while touchscreens may wear out or become less responsive over time.

Maintenance Matters

No matter which lock system you choose, regular maintenance is crucial. Digital locks and lockboxes run on batteries, which typically last 8 to 9 months. Make it part of your routine to replace batteries proactively. The last thing you want is a tenant arriving for a self-guided tour, only to find the lock unresponsive.

Some systems provide low-battery alerts, but it’s best to build a schedule—like replacing batteries twice a year along with your smoke detector checks.

Tips for Maximizing Security

To make the most of digital lock systems, follow these best practices:

• Rotate codes frequently – issue time-limited codes for every tenant.
• Document access – keep a log of which tenant received which code.
• Combine with pre-screening – only allow pre-qualified tenants to tour.
• Back-up plan – always have a secondary way to access the property in case of tech issues.

These practices, when paired with professional leasing services, ensure your tours are safe, efficient, and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

Self-guided tours offer unmatched convenience for both landlords and tenants, but the success of this approach depends on the lock system you choose. Digital lockboxes like Codebox and Sentrilock provide flexible, secure solutions that are easy to set up, while digital locks like Schlage Encode, Yale Assure, and August Smart Lock offer seamless direct entry.

By investing in the right lock, maintaining it properly, and pairing it with a thorough screening process, landlords can make self-guided tours safe and efficient. Whether you manage a single-family rental or multiple units, these systems will help you fill vacancies faster and provide tenants with a modern, professional showing experience.