Smart Fingerprint Door Lock (Your Key to Feeling Safe)

“Although nothing was taken, it was obvious that someone had tried and failed. Enough, I have to find a solution, she said to herself, where she could barely sleep, keeping her eyes on the door the whole night”.

Here we are telling you the story of Sofia, who has just moved into a lively part of town. So what happened to her that night that made her get rid of her traditional keys and purchase a smart fingerprint door lock? 

As a freelance graphic designer, Sofia often worked late hours and sometimes returned home late, past midnight.  The building she moved into was near her office and had a cozy one-bedroom apartment. 

This building was old and came with old locks as well. The door locks were of the kind that you could jiggle open with a credit card if you tried hard enough. She brought it up to her landlord. “Any chance we can upgrade the front door lock? Maybe something more secure?”

He shook his head before she even finished. “Sorry, lease says no drilling, no permanent changes. Liability stuff.” So she did what she could. A bar lock here, a portable door alarm there, but honestly, none of it felt solid.

Then came the night when she lost her keys. It was around 11 pm when she was returning from a client meeting. Tired and cooled by the wind, she just wanted to fall asleep in her bed. However, when she reached into her coat pocket to grab the keys to the apartment, her pocket was empty. Also, there was nothing in his bag.

With the panic rising, she stepped back, trying to find out keys, but they were gone. Desperate, she called her landlord, apologizing as she stood shivering in the hallway. He wasn’t pleased and told her to wait till morning, as he was out of town.

She ended up crashing at a friend’s place that night, in the same clothes, clutching her laptop bag like a lifeline. That experience stuck with her more than she expected. As it was not enough, one evening, she came home to find that her doorknob was scratched and the frame slightly misaligned.

Although nothing was taken, it was obvious that someone had tried and failed. Enough, I have to find a solution, she said to herself, where she could barely sleep, keeping her eyes on the door the whole night.

The next day, she started searching. Forums, TikTok, Reddit threads. Everyone had the same problem, as the renters were stuck between fear and rules. That’s when she read about smart fingerprint locks made without drills. Portable ones that clamp over existing locks or slide onto the latch. These locks need no screws, no marks, and no need for landlord permission.

At first, she was skeptical, but also intrigued. Within a week, she had it. No keys to lose, no codes to share. Just a simple touch of her thumb. For the first time in weeks, Sofia left for a coffee run without glancing back at her door three times. The landlord never noticed the change. And Sofia? She finally felt like the apartment was hers, safe, secure, and smartly protected.

Top-Rated Fingerprint Door Locks For Renters

Here are the top-rated smart fingerprint door locks you might consider. These fingerprint door locks are available on Amazon and Walmart to help you compare options:

Gavdhe 5-in-1 Smart Fingerprint Door Lock

The Gavdhe Smart fingerprint door lock is perfect for renters and small homeowners. This lock is a smart choice for people who forget their keys, can’t drill doors, and want a quiet entry. It is practical and budget-friendly, and suitable for renters looking to upgrade their door security without professional installation. It’s 5-in-1 access system offers multiple convenient ways to unlock your door. This makes it suitable for families, roommates, and even for Airbnb hosts. 

Key Features

1. Offers 5 unlocking methods, including fingerprint, app, IC card, keypad code, and mechanical backup key
2. High capacity stores up to 100 fingerprints, 100 access codes, and stores 100 IC cards
3. Installs with just a screwdriver and no door frame modification needed
4. Emergency USB-C charging port powers up the lock in case of battery failure
5. Silent and privacy modes allow for avoiding disturbing others during late-night entry
6. Available in Black, Gold, and Matte Chrome
   

Pros

• Ideal for families, guests, or staff
• Prevents lockouts during battery drain
• No professional installation or door alterations needed

Cons

• No Wi-Fi control or remote unlocking
• Doesn’t work with Alexa or Google Assistant
• May feel less premium than pricier brands
• Users need to monitor the battery manually

ULTRALOQ U‑Bolt Pro Wi‑Fi Smart Lock

The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-fi works right for the renter who wants remote locking and unlocking. It is a top-tier smart fingerprint door lock compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant. Ultralok combines smart home integration with advanced security, making it ideal for smart safety enthusiasts. With ANSI Grade 1 certification, it saves the highest level of residential security, is durable, and is water-resistant. Therefore, it becomes a practical option for external use in all seasons. 

Key Features

1. Offers 6-in-1 keyless entry. This includes fingerprint unlock, app, anti-peep keypad code, auto-unlock, mechanical key backup, and voice control
2. Certified by ANSI Grade 1 heavy-duty deadbolt
   Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Watch, and the U‑Home app
3. Full remote access via built-in Wi-Fi 
4. Weather resistance is IP65 rated
5. Sleek and minimal design with a hidden keypad
   

Pros

• ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt for maximum protection
• No extra hub or bridge needed for remote access
• Unlocks as you approach with your phone
• Monitor who enters and when
  

Cons

• Costs more than basic locks (though often discounted)
• Not ideal for renters unless the landlord permits
• Some users find it slightly awkward to reach
• Requires monitoring battery level (though lasts months)

Eufy Smart Lock C220

Eufy Smart Lock C220 is known for its built-in remote access and biometric fingerprint reader. It is a reliable and mid-range smart lock that is weather-resistant and is designed to protect the front door with modern features.. Thanks to Eufy’s trusted ecosystem, the C220 is perfect for families and smart homeowners. It is especially a perfect choice for renters and homeowners looking for trusted security.

Key Features

1. 2-in-1 Keyless access offers fingerprint recognition and keypad code entry
2. Remote locking/unlocking from anywhere 
3. Lasts up to 8 months on a single charge
4. Designed for front-door use in different weather conditions
5. Seamless setup and management through the Eufy Security app

Pros

• No need for extra Wi-Fi bridges or hubs
• Great for daily household use
• Suitable for exposed exterior doors
• Reduces maintenance and recharging hassle

Cons

• No mechanical key or IC card access
• Requires replacing the deadbolt (landlord approval needed)
• No smart assistant integration mentioned

TEEHO TE002 Fingerprint Door Lock

The Teeho Te002 is a simple yet highly effective smart fingerprint door lock. It combines biometric security, keypad access, and a mechanical key option with a smooth design. This is particularly valuable for budget-conscious tenants who want smart protection without the need for complex installation or a monthly fee. With standard deadbolt compatibility, this is a great upgrade from traditional locks. It also provides rapid access and peace of mind through its auto-lock feature. Whether you are a busy parent, a student, or managing Airbnb, it gives a lock-free mixture of lock facility and safety.

Key Features

1. 3 unlocking methods include fingerprint sensor, keypad code entry, and backup mechanical key
2. Automatically locks the door after entry and is ideal for forgetful users
3. Fits standard deadbolt cutouts
4. Keypad supports anti-peep codes
5. One-touch locking and silent mode for discreet use

Pros

• Offers key features at a budget-friendly price
• No drilling, fits most standard doors
• Unlocks in less than a second
• Great for families and busy schedules
  

Cons

• Cannot lock/unlock from a distance
• Doesn’t work with Alexa, Google, or Apple HomeKit
• Only stores 20 fingerprints (may not be enough for larger households)
• Fully manual, no smartphone control

SMONET Smart Lock 

The SMONET smart lock stands out for its speed and versatility. Recognizing fingerprints in just 0.3–0.5 seconds, it offers a lightning-fast unlock experience. Along with that, its 7 unlocking modes make it one of the most flexible smart locks available. It is a great choice for renters who want a reversible installation without compromising on smart features. 

Key Features

1. Offers 7 unlocking methods, including fingerprint, smartphone app, keypad code, mechanical key, Apple Watch, voice assistant, and remote unlock.
2. Fits most US doors with a reversible handle
3. No special tools or drilling required
4. Comes with auto-lock and anti-peep keypad protection

Pros

• Unlocks in under half a second
• Great for households, guests, and remote management
• Control and monitor from anywhere
• No damage to doors or frames
  

Cons

• Sold separately for full remote access
• May not be as heavy-duty as ULTRALOQ
• Requires technical familiarity for full integration
• Some controls are only available through the mobile app

Conclusion

You can easily find each of these on Amazon and Walmart. We suggest you compare the live prices, customer ratings, and availability. Only choose a smart fingerprint door lock that best with your requirements, without breaking your budget. 

FAQs

What is the best smart fingerprint door lock for renters?

The best smart fingerprint door lock is one that does not require drilling and fits standard door hardware. This door lock must not damage the door and should be easily removable. The best of them are: 

• Gavdhe 5-in-1 Smart Lock
• TEEHO TE002
• SMONET Smart Lock

Are smart locks good for rent?

Yes, a smart lock is a good choice for those who want to enter without a key. These locks allow guests and offer temporary codes for maintenance and can be easily removed. However, tenants should investigate with their landlord before installation, especially if it includes a place for a deadbolt or drilling.

Can you put a smart lock on your apartment door?

Yes, you can. However, it also depends on your lease and the type of smart lock you choose. If it is a non-invasive model, such as a knob replacement or over-the-dedabolt style, many landlords allow it. If it requires drilling or wiring, you will need written permission from your landlord.

How long do fingerprints last on a door?

Fingerprints on a door surface do not last for a long time under normal conditions. On smooth surfaces like metal or glass, prints can last from a few hours to a few days. It also depends on moisture, surface texture, and how often the surface is touched or cleaned.

On fingerprint scanners, the oils from your fingers typically don’t leave a readable print that can be reused. Modern scanners are designed to read depth and patterns, not surface residue.