Best Smart Locks for Flats
A smart lock brings keyless entry, remote access and the ability to let people in from your phone — but in a flat, and especially as a renter, you do not want to be changing the door or drilling anything. The answer is a retrofit smart lock: it mounts over your existing lock’s inside thumb-turn (or swaps a euro cylinder) so the outside of the door is untouched and you keep your normal keys.
These retrofit models install in minutes with no permanent changes, and can be removed and refitted when you move — ideal for a tenancy. Just check your lock type and your tenancy and insurance terms first.
QUICK ANSWER
For a flat, a retrofit smart lock is usually the answer — it mounts over your existing lock’s thumb-turn (or replaces a euro cylinder) so you can unlock with your phone or a keypad without drilling or changing the door. Most are renter-friendly and reversible. Keep your keys, and check your tenancy and insurance.
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Who this guide is for
Renters and flat owners who want keyless or remote entry without altering the door or losing their existing keys.
Our picks at a glance
| Pick | Best for |
|---|---|
| SwitchBot Smart Lock Pro | No-drill retrofit over an existing lock |
| Nuki Smart Lock Go | A polished retrofit for euro-cylinder doors |
| SwitchBot WiFi Smart Lock Pro | Letting people in remotely |
Our picks in detail
BEST RENTER-FRIENDLY — SwitchBot Smart Lock Pro
Best for: No-drill retrofit over an existing lock
Mounts over the inside thumb-turn with adhesive, so nothing is drilled and the outside of the door is unchanged. Unlock by app, and add a keypad or auto-unlock. Fully reversible when you move.
Pros: No drilling, reversible, keeps existing keys, affordable.
Cons: Needs the hub/keypad add-ons for remote access and codes.
BEST PREMIUM RETROFIT — Nuki Smart Lock Go
Best for: A polished retrofit for euro-cylinder doors
A well-regarded retrofit lock for euro-cylinder doors with WiFi and Matter, auto-unlock and a slick app — a step up in refinement.
Pros: Reliable, WiFi/Matter, auto-unlock, tidy app.
Cons: Pricier; suits euro-cylinder locks.
BEST WITH REMOTE ACCESS — SwitchBot WiFi Smart Lock Pro
Best for: Letting people in remotely
The SwitchBot Lock Pro bundled for WiFi, so you can lock, unlock and share access from anywhere — handy for guests or deliveries.
Pros: Remote control, shareable access, no-drill retrofit.
Cons: More expensive bundle.
Prices and availability on Amazon are accurate as of the date of publication and are subject to change.
How to choose
- Retrofit vs replacement: retrofit models keep your existing lock and keys — best for renters.
- Check your lock type: nightlatch/thumb-turn vs euro cylinder determines which fits.
- No-drill & reversible: confirm it mounts without permanent changes.
- Entry methods: phone, keypad, fingerprint or auto-unlock — pick what suits you.
- Keep physical keys as a backup and check low-battery warnings.
- Tenancy & insurance: check with your landlord and that it does not affect your cover.
Common questions
Can renters fit a smart lock?
Yes — retrofit smart locks mount over your existing lock without drilling and can be removed when you leave, so they suit most tenancies. It is still worth checking with your landlord first.
Do smart locks work on UK doors?
It depends on your lock. Some retrofit over a nightlatch thumb-turn; others replace a euro cylinder. Check your door’s lock type against the product’s compatibility before buying.
Are smart locks secure?
A retrofit smart lock adds convenience on top of your existing lock rather than replacing your door’s security. Keep your normal lock and keys, use a strong app password, and check that a smart lock does not affect your home insurance terms.
What happens if the battery dies?
These locks give low-battery warnings well in advance, and because they work alongside your existing lock you can still use your physical key. Keep a spare set as backup.
Our recommendation
For most renters the SwitchBot Smart Lock Pro is the easiest no-drill choice. Want a more polished euro-cylinder option? The Nuki Smart Lock Go is excellent. Need to let people in remotely? Choose the WiFi SwitchBot bundle.
