If you live in an apartment, chances are you’ve thought about upgrading your home security. Smart locks feel like an obvious step — no more fumbling for keys, instant alerts to your phone, and a bit more peace of mind. But before you dive in and install one, it’s worth asking: are smart locks actually safe for apartments?
Let’s take a closer look — the good, the bad, and the practical reality for Australian renters.
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Traditional locks are simple — but they have vulnerabilities. They can be picked, bumped, or easily copied.
Smart locks, on the other hand, offer an extra layer of intelligent protection. Here’s why they’re becoming popular in apartment living:
And for renters especially, smart locks can offer control without major renovations, which matters when you’re not allowed to modify the property permanently.
In fact, according to Statista, the smart lock market in Australia has grown steadily over the last five years, with adoption rates among urban renters rising by over 30% between 2019 and 2024.
The short answer is: yes, with the right setup.
But there are a few important things you should understand before you install one on your front door.
One of the biggest vulnerabilities of regular locks — picking and bumping — doesn’t apply to smart locks that use encrypted signals or electronic entry.
Locks like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Level Lock+ are physically more resistant to these old-school attacks.
Instead of worrying about someone jiggling your lock open, you can focus on securing your digital credentials (your app, passwords, and devices).
Learn more about physical break-in tactics in How to Reinforce Doors and Windows Against Break-Ins.
Most good smart locks use AES 128-bit or 256-bit encryption — the same level used by banks.
That said, a lock is only as secure as the network it’s connected to.
To stay safe:
Choosing a brand with a good security reputation is important. Eufy, for example, prioritises local encrypted storage over cloud-based systems for privacy reasons — something we dive into more in The Smart Way to Secure Your Home with Eufy Cameras, Doorbells, Alarms and Smart Locks (2025 Guide).
Most smart locks run on standard AA batteries and last 6–12 months before needing a change.
Better models like the Yale Assure Lock 2 give you low-battery warnings through the app, so you’re unlikely to get caught out.
And if the battery does go flat?
Good locks still have physical key overrides or emergency charging ports to unlock manually.
Now here’s the tricky part — because owning your apartment and renting one are two very different scenarios.
Under Australian tenancy law, you typically cannot change locks without written permission from your landlord.
But here's the good news:
Retrofit smart locks, like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, don't technically “change” the external lock. They attach to the inside mechanism only.
Many landlords approve these easily because they don’t damage or alter the property.
In some states (like Victoria under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 amendments), tenants can even request security upgrades if they’re reasonable — but communication is key.
👉 Want to know more about non-invasive upgrades? Check out How to Secure Your Home Without a Full Security System.
Many apartment doors — especially in high-rises — are fire-rated. Modifying them incorrectly could breach regulations and even void insurance.
That’s why it's critical to choose smart locks that leave the external hardware intact (like August and Level locks) or locks specifically rated for fire doors where needed.
Not all smart locks are suitable for renters. These three are solid bets if you’re looking for convenience without breaking lease rules:
Each of these options are ideal if you want a future-proof, landlord-friendly solution that you can even take with you when you move out.
They can help deter break-ins by eliminating traditional lock-picking vulnerabilities and offering instant alerts if someone tampers with your door.
However, like any security measure, no system is perfect. It's best combined with strategies like reinforced doors and visible cameras — tips we cover in Best Outdoor Security Cameras for Suburban Homes.
If you modify the property without permission, yes.
But if you choose a non-invasive model like August and get approval, you’re usually fine. Always check first.
Typically around 6–12 months. Good locks will notify you when batteries are running low.
Some locks like Level Lock+ have efficient power management, meaning less hassle for you.
Technically yes — anything connected to Wi-Fi can be hacked.
But by using a lock with strong encryption, setting up two-factor authentication, and keeping firmware updated, you drastically reduce the risk.
Absolutely. Retrofit locks like the Level Lock+ or August models are designed to be uninstalled without damage, making them ideal for renters who want flexibility.
If you want to boost your apartment’s security and enjoy the convenience of keyless entry, a smart lock is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Just choose the right model, secure landlord permission, and set it up properly — and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one.
Home break-ins in Melbourne are changing. It's no longer just about stealing jewellery or electronics. Increasingly, thieves are targeting car keys — often breaking into homes solely to snatch the keys and make a quick getaway with your vehicle.
If you live in Melbourne or anywhere across Victoria, it's important to understand how these crimes are happening, and more importantly, how you can safeguard your family, your home, and your car.
When it comes to protecting your home, having a solid security system isn't just a luxury — it’s becoming a necessity. Whether you live in a suburban house, an inner-city apartment, or a coastal rental, the right security setup can give you peace of mind and potentially deter break-ins before they happen.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about home security systems in Australia for 2025 — from choosing the right components to understanding installation options and the latest technology trends.
Upgrading your rental's security with a smart lock sounds like a no-brainer — but if you're renting, it comes with a few important caveats. The last thing you want is to lose your bond (or annoy your landlord) over a well-meaning upgrade.
In this guide, we'll walk through how to install a smart lock without damaging your rental, what features to look for, and some tips for staying compliant with your lease — while still upgrading your security.
If you live in an apartment, chances are you’ve thought about upgrading your home security. Smart locks feel like an obvious step — no more fumbling for keys, instant alerts to your phone, and a bit more peace of mind. But before you dive in and install one, it’s worth asking: are smart locks actually safe for apartments?
Let’s take a closer look — the good, the bad, and the practical reality for Australian renters.
Upgrading to a smart lock can be one of the easiest ways to feel more secure and in control at home — but for renters in Australia, it’s not always straightforward. You’ve got strata rules, lease agreements, and landlords to think about. Drilling into a front door? Not exactly ideal.
But here’s the good news: more brands are designing smart locks that don’t require drilling or permanent modifications. You can add remote access, keypad entry, or auto-locking without changing the external hardware — and without risking your bond.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best renter-friendly options available in Australia, what to look out for, and which models are worth your time (and money).
Walk into any tech store or scroll through Amazon and you’ll be hit with a wall of numbers: 4K resolution, 180-degree view, AI motion detection, HDR... it’s easy to assume the higher the spec, the better the camera. But when it comes to keeping your home genuinely secure, resolution isn’t everything — and 4K might not be the must-have feature it sounds like.
If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to upgrade your setup (or you’re starting from scratch), here’s what to know about 4K security cameras — and what the marketing often leaves out.
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If you're already thinking about outdoor cameras, you might be wondering if you really need an indoor one too.
The short answer? Maybe.
Indoor security cameras aren't just for catching break-ins. They can help you keep an eye on your pets, kids, deliveries, or even just check in on your space when you’re away. And with prices dropping and features improving, the barrier to entry has never been lower.
This isn't about overloading your home with tech — it’s about understanding where an indoor camera actually makes sense and what to look for without diving into a spec sheet.
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Let’s be honest — choosing a smart lock sounds simple… until you start looking.
There are fingerprint ones, keypad ones, ones that work with your phone, ones that need hubs, ones that don’t. Some cost under $150. Others cost more than your front door itself.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. The good news is, you don’t need to be a tech expert to choose a great smart lock — you just need to know what fits your door, your home, and how you live.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from types and features to what actually matters for Australian homes.
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There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to home alarms.
The right system for a family home in the suburbs might look totally different from what works in an apartment, a rental, or a small townhouse.
If you’re thinking about adding an alarm system but not sure where to start — or what’s actually worth it — this guide is here to walk you through it. No fluff. Just practical advice that works for Australian homes.
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When most people think about home security, they focus on doors.
But in reality, windows are just as likely to be targeted in a break-in — and often easier to access.
Unlatched windows, poor locks, and hidden entry points can all make your home more vulnerable.
The good news is, you don’t need bars on every window to feel safe.
There are smarter, more discreet ways to secure your home that actually work — even for renters.
In this guide, we’ll walk through practical, proven strategies to help secure your windows — and keep opportunistic intruders out.
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When it comes to securing your home, there’s no shortage of options — but it often comes down to a key decision:
Do you go with a big-name security company like ADT, or take the DIY route with smart cameras, locks and alarms you set up yourself?
Both paths have merit. But for many Australian homeowners and renters, the smartest solution isn’t always the most traditional.
Let’s walk through the pros, cons, costs and long-term impact of ADT-style systems vs modern DIY smart security — so you can choose what fits your lifestyle and budget best.
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Security cameras are everywhere these days — from driveways and apartment foyers to front doors and back fences.
But here’s the question most people are quietly asking before they invest:
Do security cameras actually stop break-ins — or just record them after it’s too late?
In this guide, we explore what the research says, where cameras have the most impact, and how to choose a setup that protects your home, not just films it.
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Ever watched a segment on the news about a local burglary and thought, “Why that house?”
Break-ins aren’t always random.
In fact, most are crimes of opportunity — and intruders are surprisingly good at spotting easy targets.
The good news? Once you know what makes a home more appealing to burglars, you can make simple changes to protect yours — without spending a fortune or installing a full security system.
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Protecting your home doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or overwhelming.
Thanks to smart, flexible security products like eufy, it's easier than ever for Australians to create a safer, more confident living space without relying on traditional, costly alarm systems.
In this guide, we'll walk you through how to build a practical, DIY smart security setup using some of the best eufy products — cameras, doorbells, alarms, and locks — to help protect what matters most.
If there’s one thing every homeowner (and even renters) should know, it's this: most break-ins don’t happen the way Hollywood shows them.
They don’t involve fancy gadgets or picking high-security locks.
They happen through something much simpler — a door or window that wasn’t strong enough to stop a basic forced entry.
The good news?
You don’t need an expensive alarm system or major renovation to make your home much harder to break into.
Small upgrades — the right locks, a reinforced frame, a smart light — can make a huge difference.
Here’s exactly how to secure your doors and windows the smart way, with products you can set up yourself.
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Outdoor security cameras are one of the smartest, most effective ways to protect your home.
They not only deter unwanted visitors but also provide critical footage if anything ever happens.
In this guide, we cover the best outdoor security cameras available in Australia for 2025 — ideal for suburban homes looking to boost safety with simple, reliable technology.
You don’t need an expensive alarm system to feel safe at home.
In fact, many Australian households are choosing simpler, cost-effective ways to safeguard their properties without committing to complex installations or monthly fees.
In this guide, we'll explore practical steps you can take to improve home security — whether you're a homeowner or a renter — using smart strategies and simple, accessible products.
Today’s smart lock technology makes it easy to safeguard your home without drilling, wiring, or upsetting your landlord.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best smart locks for apartments and rentals in Australia, what features to prioritise, and how you can upgrade your home security with minimal hassle.
