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).
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According to a 2024 survey by Statista, smart home adoption in Australia is up by over 30% year-on-year, with smart locks one of the fastest growing categories. People want easier access control, better security, and peace of mind — especially when they’re not home.
But if you're renting, replacing a traditional deadbolt can lead to trouble unless you’ve got written permission. That’s why retrofit smart locks — the ones that work with your existing setup — are the easiest path forward.
To be truly renter-friendly, a smart lock should:
Let’s dive into the top models that tick those boxes.
Best for: No exterior changes and keeping your key
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is widely regarded as the go-to option for renters. It attaches to the inside of your door, while leaving the original deadbolt — and keys — exactly as they are. There’s no drilling, and you can uninstall it when you move out with zero damage.
This model is ideal if you want to combine modern convenience with a low-commitment install.
Key Features:
💡 Pair this with a video doorbell or smart security system for layered protection without needing a full rewiring job.
Best for: Seamless design and Apple users
This smart lock hides all its electronics inside the deadbolt, so your front door keeps its sleek look — no bulky boxes or flashing lights. It’s perfect for anyone who wants minimalist style and lives in an Apple ecosystem.
You can unlock the door by tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch, no app required.
Key Features:
⚠️ Installation is clean and reversible, but because it does replace internal components, check your lease for deadbolt changes. This blog can help you weigh alternatives.
Best for: Keypad entry and full app control
Want something easy for housemates or short-term guests? The Yale Assure 2 lets you create and delete entry codes without needing to hand over keys. It also has Wi-Fi built in, so you don’t need to buy a separate bridge.
Key Features:
It's worth noting this one replaces the entire deadbolt, so it's best if you have landlord permission or are doing a like-for-like swap. If you're unsure, this guide to reinforcing doors can offer other ideas.
Best for: Full features without ongoing costs
This is a great all-rounder: fingerprint unlocking, anti-peep keypad, Wi-Fi built in — and no subscription fees required. The ULTRALOQ Bolt is ideal for renters who want smart control and modern design without needing a hub or extra gear.
Key Features:
It’s one of the few locks that gives you this much tech without a monthly fee — which is something we discuss more in our guide to subscription-free smart security.
If your lease or building rules forbid any hardware swaps, even internal ones, you still have options:
These can offer peace of mind in situations where permanent changes are a no-go. See our blog on how to secure an apartment without a full security system for practical tips.
A smart lock can give renters more control over who comes in — and when. Whether you're in a one-bedroom apartment, a share house, or a short-term lease, there’s a way to make your front door smarter without losing your bond.
And if you’re upgrading your apartment security overall, consider pairing your smart lock with a wireless security camera, smart doorbell, or compact alarm kit. Most of these systems are designed to be just as renter-friendly and easy to take with you when you move.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.