SmartRent Debuts First Smart Lock With Apple Home Key Integration Designed for Rental Properties

[MacRumors]

SmartRent today announced the launch of the Alloy Deadbolt+, a smart lock designed for the rental housing industry that integrates with Apple Wallet to enable access for residents using their iPhone or Apple Watch.

The Alloy Deadbolt+ allows residents to add their keys to Apple Wallet, facilitating door access through a simple tap of their iPhone or Apple Watch. Express Mode enables this functionality without the need to unlock the device, and Power Reserve ensures access for up to five hours after the device's battery is depleted. Apple does not monitor the usage of resident keys, and misplaced devices can be managed via the Find My app.

For property managers, the Alloy Deadbolt+ is said to streamline operations by reducing expenses related to rekeying and key management. It also facilitates granting temporary access to guests and service providers and integrates with platforms supporting self-guided tours and mobile maintenance.

The device complies with essential fire safety regulations, offering a 90-minute fire rating, making it suitable for various residential and mixed-use properties. The new smart lock debuted at a Starwood Capital Group property, highlighting its potential for adoption across high-end rental communities. Pricing and availability has not yet been announced.

Article Link: SmartRent Debuts First Smart Lock With Apple Home Key Integration Designed for Rental Properties

 

[Victor Mortimer]

If you're renting, you should IMMEDIATELY change the locks, same as when you buy a house. If there's something in the lease that says you can't, you should buy an identical-looking lock that only you have the keys to.

 

[Jimmy Bubbles]

Then when you don't pay rent, they just lock you out...

 

[Natas1000]

Absolutely not

 

[mansplains]

If you're renting, you should IMMEDIATELY change the locks, same as when you buy a house. If there's something in the lease that says you can't, you should buy an identical-looking lock that only you have the keys to.

Violating a lease is a better alternative to finding somewhere else to live. Why find a trustworthy landlord when you could instead risk eviction 🙄

 

[Nickerbocker]

Today on the lock picking lawyer...

 

[WarmWinterHat]

If you're renting, you should IMMEDIATELY change the locks, same as when you buy a house. If there's something in the lease that says you can't, you should buy an identical-looking lock that only you have the keys to.

Hmm.. We own a rental place and it would be mighty inconvenient if I need to get in to fix something while my tenant is away on a business trip. We have no clause in the lease about locks.

I had to do just that in the spring as the sump pump failed and the basement had 4in water in it.

 

[subjonas]

So this is not a product for tenants but for landlords? The announcement doesn’t seem to have much specific information about the product itself.

 

[arthurgd3]

Hmm.. We own a rental place and it would be mighty inconvenient if I need to get in to fix something while my tenant is away on a business trip. We have no clause in the lease about locks.

I had to do just that in the spring as the sump pump failed and the basement had 4in water in it.

This is exactly why I've shied away from getting a smart lock on our new apartment. I can't tell you how many times when I come home, I am rarely empty-handed so my ideal smart lock would need to unlock based on my phone's proximity to it, possibly via UWB (I have a Pixel), I know how this could be a huge security issue in case someone gets a hold of my phone but it would also be really convenient for me.

 

[ItchyRat2160]

Hmm.. We own a rental place and it would be mighty inconvenient if I need to get in to fix something while my tenant is away on a business trip. We have no clause in the lease about locks.

I had to do just that in the spring as the sump pump failed and the basement had 4in water in it.

You shouldn't be going into the rented property without telling the tenants, and especially not waiting until they're away to sneak in.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

You shouldn't be going into the rented property without telling the tenants, and especially not waiting until they're away to sneak in.

I called her (well, my wife did) and let her know as we have water sensors in the basement, and got her permission, and no one was sneaking... I don't know where you got this idea from. The point is that I needed access while she was on the other side of the US, and if she had her own locks I would have had to drill them out.

Meanwhile, her laundry was floating in water and she had just left for two weeks.

 

[MrRom92]

I’m not really understanding what makes this any different from any other smart lock.

 

[flexwithmarius]

It might just be me, but when I’m renting a property, not having a physical key makes it seem like i’m staying at at hotel rather than entering my home.

Do I ever use the physical key? Nope, I have an August lock.

But there’s something about not having a real key that makes you feel like a guest and not a resident.

I wish August would develop a NFC version of their lock with home key support but I’m not sure how it would work considering the entire unit is on the secure side (inside) of the door.

 

[JayMysterio]

I called her (well, my wife did) and let her know as we have water sensors in the basement, and got her permission, and no one was sneaking... I don't know where you got this idea from. The point is that I needed access while she was on the other side of the US, and if she had her own locks I would have had to drill them out.

Meanwhile, her laundry was floating in water and she had just left for two weeks.

They may have gotten that idea, because you only just added that piece of context afterward.

There's stories of tenants who just have landlords going into their spaces, because they can. Which is where the mantra of changing locks for renters came from. It was also sometimes done out of insurance to make sure the landlord changed the locks from the last tenant, if the landlord hadn't made that clear. In worst cases, if you had a hostile landlord, changing the locks until you could vacate is a necessity.

With the added context your story now offers the extenuating circumstances where being able to get in easily was a necessity. You are obviously not the type of property owner that worries some renters, but not all renters are as lucky as your tenant.

 

[bigboy29]

I’m not really understanding what makes this any different from any other smart lock.

Not every other lock lets you add a smart key to your Apple Wallet. Vs using the app to operate the lock / unlock. Funny story: I have a lock that supports this (Level) but I literally never use it, heh.

 

[kingtj1971]

I’m not really understanding what makes this any different from any other smart lock.

I think there are a few "key" things, but the article isn't super specific.

It sounds like one big deal is its fire-rating. For commercial buildings, they've got a lot of regulations about such things. An electronic lock that quickly stops functioning properly if exposed to a flame is probably a "no go". This one says it's tested to work for 60 minutes under those conditions.

I'd also hope this one is a little more "industrial strength" than the smart locks I've used in the past. I had a few of those August smart locks before and their motor isn't strong enough to turn the knob to slide the dead-bolt, if the wood door frame expands or contracts a bit from hot or cold weather and stops it from lining up perfectly. (I think most of us know those deadbolt locks where you have to twist the knob pretty hard to get it to close completely or open, or the doors that don't lock properly unless you pull on the knob while turning the key?)

I think any of these electronic locks will only serve as good replacements for traditional locks if they come with complete assemblies that have you replace the original strike plate and modify the hole cut out in the door jamb with some kind of metal assembly that allows it to latch and unlatch smoothly, even when the door is a bit mis-aligned?

 

[mansplains]

I had to do just that in the spring as the sump pump failed and the basement had 4in water in it.

You shouldn't be going into the rented property without telling the tenants, and especially not waiting until they're away to sneak in.

Where are you getting these assertions?
Most states require a reasonable notice for landlord entry to start with. In emergencies, like what OP described, most states allow landlords to enter without notice. However, landlords are generally required to inform tenants as soon as possible after the entry. This balances immediate action to address emergencies and respect for tenant privacy.

 

[RecentlyConverted]

I think there are a few "key" things, but the article isn't super specific.

It sounds like one big deal is its fire-rating. For commercial buildings, they've got a lot of regulations about such things. An electronic lock that quickly stops functioning properly if exposed to a flame is probably a "no go". This one says it's tested to work for 60 minutes under those conditions.

I'd also hope this one is a little more "industrial strength" than the smart locks I've used in the past. I had a few of those August smart locks before and their motor isn't strong enough to turn the knob to slide the dead-bolt, if the wood door frame expands or contracts a bit from hot or cold weather and stops it from lining up perfectly. (I think most of us know those deadbolt locks where you have to twist the knob pretty hard to get it to close completely or open, or the doors that don't lock properly unless you pull on the knob while turning the key?)

I think any of these electronic locks will only serve as good replacements for traditional locks if they come with complete assemblies that have you replace the original strike plate and modify the hole cut out in the door jamb with some kind of metal assembly that allows it to latch and unlatch smoothly, even when the door is a bit mis-aligned?

Yes, plus an internal key for deadlock, but as US doesn't allow this, we in the EU won't get that.

I like internal physical key lock. If someone brakes in through a window (most common), they can leave through the front door easily with all smart locks. I wouldn't bat an eyelid, if someone was exiting a front door carrying items, but I would call the police if I saw them exiting through a window carrying items.

 

[MrRom92]

Not every other lock lets you add a smart key to your Apple Wallet. Vs using the app to operate the lock / unlock. Funny story: I have a lock that supports this (Level) but I literally never use it, heh.

I think there are a few "key" things, but the article isn't super specific.

It sounds like one big deal is its fire-rating. For commercial buildings, they've got a lot of regulations about such things. An electronic lock that quickly stops functioning properly if exposed to a flame is probably a "no go". This one says it's tested to work for 60 minutes under those conditions.

I'd also hope this one is a little more "industrial strength" than the smart locks I've used in the past. I had a few of those August smart locks before and their motor isn't strong enough to turn the knob to slide the dead-bolt, if the wood door frame expands or contracts a bit from hot or cold weather and stops it from lining up perfectly. (I think most of us know those deadbolt locks where you have to twist the knob pretty hard to get it to close completely or open, or the doors that don't lock properly unless you pull on the knob while turning the key?)

I think any of these electronic locks will only serve as good replacements for traditional locks if they come with complete assemblies that have you replace the original strike plate and modify the hole cut out in the door jamb with some kind of metal assembly that allows it to latch and unlatch smoothly, even when the door is a bit mis-aligned?

I have the Schlage encode plus, which IIRC was the first smart lock with Apple Home Key support. It’s been a huge game changer and definitely one of the best smart home/home improvement purchases we’ve made.

I will say, even ignoring the electronics and smart stuff, the lock part itself is probably the best lock we’ve ever used. Very smooth to operate and doesn’t have those weird problems with expansion/contraction of the frame that we’ve put up with for god knows how many years.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

I have the Schlage encode plus, which IIRC was the first smart lock with Apple Home Key support. It’s been a huge game changer and definitely one of the best smart home/home improvement purchases we’ve made.

I will say, even ignoring the electronics and smart stuff, the lock part itself is probably the best lock we’ve ever used. Very smooth to operate and doesn’t have those weird problems with expansion/contraction of the frame that we’ve put up with for god knows how many years.

Thanks for posting that. I've been interested in a smart lock but have shied away from them after my sister-in-law got locked out of her house when their smart lock acted up, while my brother was in Iraq. She texted him and he remotely opened their garage door...a couple hours later when he saw the message. She hates smartphone stuff now and wants him to completely rip it out.

Don't remember what model but it was wifi/bluetooth and you had to use their app.

Would also like to see a decent smartlock that works on sliding glass doors.

 

[Student of Life]

Does anyone know what watch band that is, it looks nice. It doesn’t go with the ultra but will look great with a stainless steel Apple Watch.

 

[ChrisA]

This is exactly why I've shied away from getting a smart lock on our new apartment. I can't tell you how many times when I come home, I am rarely empty-handed so my ideal smart lock would need to unlock based on my phone's proximity to it, possibly via UWB (I have a Pixel), I know how this could be a huge security issue in case someone gets a hold of my phone but it would also be really convenient for me.

The problem of losing your phone is no worse than the problem of losing your house key. In either case, if someone finds it they can open the door.

One other option is a fingerprint sensor. You are unlikely to lose a finger. But you can't remotely add a fingerprint, the person has to be there and use the sensor.

The lock on my rental uses a keypad or a traditional key. I have the same lock at home. The key is useful when I forget to change the battery.

My next lock will have multiple unlock options.

I figure if someone really wants to break into my house, they will go into the backyard and toss the patio furniture through a window. Or maybe they find my 10-pound sledgehammer in the shed. Window glass is always the weak spot in most homes.

 

[T-R-S]

I have a Yale Smart Lock on my home and rental house. In an emergency I can let anyone in the house without handing out a combination. The HomeKit/Siri integration is nice. It's great coming home in the dark or arms full of groceries no fumbling for keys. Plus the lock history is great as well if someone comes in out leaves you can see it on the app. I would never want to go back to keys. I've saved a lot it re-keying locks and being locked out.

 

[Plutonius]

If you're renting, you should IMMEDIATELY change the locks, same as when you buy a house. If there's something in the lease that says you can't, you should buy an identical-looking lock that only you have the keys to.

I rent but I know it's not my own property (i.e. follow the lease).

 

[robertosh]

I’m not really understanding what makes this any different from any other smart lock.

I don't even understand what makes this any better compared to a normal key.