Smart home security for renters: know your door is locked without changing the lock

When you rent, the lock on the front door belongs to the landlord. You cannot swap it for a smart lock, you should not drill the door, and whatever you add has to come off cleanly when you move out. That rules out most smart locks. It does not rule out knowing whether your door is locked.

What can you add when you cannot change the lock?

Locksure is a small monitor that fits beside the thumb turn or key already on your door. It sticks on with adhesive pads, needs no drilling and no tools beyond what is in the box, and does not touch the lock mechanism. It reports locked or unlocked to a display hub in the hall and to the Locksure app on your phone. When you move, it comes off and goes with you.

Do I need the landlord’s permission?

A stick-on sensor that does not alter the lock or the door is usually treated like any other removable item in a rented home. Tenancy agreements differ, though, so check yours. If it says you need consent for any changes to doors or locks, a short message to the landlord or agent explaining that nothing is drilled or replaced is the simplest route, and it puts the answer in writing.

What about my contents insurance?

Because the lock itself is not changed, whatever lock standard your policy expects on the final exit door stays exactly as it was. That matters: replacing a rated cylinder with a smart lock can raise questions with an insurer, as our guide to locks and UK home insurance explains. A monitor sidesteps that entirely.

How do you fit it?

• Check the lock is a euro cylinder with a thumb turn or key on the inside. It is not a universal fit, so send us a photo if you are not sure.
• Stick the monitor beside the cylinder using the bracket that suits your lock.
• Plug the hub into a socket in the hall, connect it to your WiFi and add the door in the app.

Most people are done in a few minutes. The monitor runs on a replaceable CR2032 coin cell, typically 18 months depending on use.

Already have a HomePod, Nest Hub or Echo?

If you already use Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings or Home Assistant, the Locksure Matter sensor reports lock state straight into that app instead, with no Locksure hub. It needs one smart home hub that you may already own, such as a HomePod mini, Nest Hub (2nd gen) or Echo (4th gen); the hub is not included. It fits the same way, sticks on, and comes off when you move. See the Matter lock sensor, from £69.99.

What will it not do?

• It cannot lock or unlock the door. There is no motor.
• It does not replace your landlord’s lock or keys.
• It has no camera and no microphone.

Questions

Will it leave marks on the door?

It mounts with adhesive pads beside the lock, with no drilling into the door or frame. It lifts off when you move and any residue wipes away.

Can my flatmates see it too?

Yes. The hub in the hall shows the state to everyone, and the door can be shared in the app. If someone else is always the last one in, this guide is about exactly that.

Is there a subscription?

No. The Thumb Turn Starter Pack is £89.99 with the hub included, which qualifies for free UK delivery, with 30-day returns (you pay the return postage) and a 1-year warranty. A door locked with a key on both sides needs the Key Turn Starter Pack, £99.99 with two monitors.