Smart locks and smart keys are an innovative system that benefits both landlords and tenants. We explain the advantages of adoption, important considerations, and typical costs in detail.
Reviewed by: Nobuyuki MoriPresident, M-Assets Co., Ltd. / Licensed Real Estate Transaction Specialist (Miyagi #018212)
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Smart locks and smart keys are a technology that has been rapidly spreading in rental properties in recent years. This new system, which replaces traditional analog keys and uses apps or cards to lock and unlock doors, benefits both landlords and tenants. In this article, we will explain in detail how smart lock adoption improves convenience and security in the rental market.
A smart lock is an electronic lock that uses a smartphone app, IC card, biometric authentication, or similar technology to lock and unlock doors. It features high security levels through encrypted communication and eliminates the need to carry traditional physical keys.
While smart keys and smart locks are technically slightly different concepts—smart keys sometimes referring to the rental housing version of technology used in vehicles—the terms are often used interchangeably to describe the same system. In Japan's rental market, smart locks have not yet become standard, but adoption is growing particularly in security-conscious properties and newly constructed or relatively new apartment buildings.
The biggest benefit of smart locks is eliminating the need to hand over physical keys. Landlords save the effort of managing multiple keys and can accommodate property viewings flexibly based on time and conditions.
Especially for landlords who rent directly without going through a real estate agency or who manage multiple properties, key management can be surprisingly burdensome. Apps and NFC features allow you to record when, who, and for how long the door was locked or unlocked, which also reduces landlords' security concerns.
Physical keys risk being opened by lock picking if a skilled thief is involved, but smart locks use encrypted electronic signals, making traditional lock-breaking methods ineffective. Additionally, there's no risk of duplicate keys being made, and security levels improve significantly.
Burglary incidents affecting tenants can ultimately lead to liability issues and reputational damage for landlords. The ability to prevent such risks through smart lock installation is a significant advantage for landlords.
When traditional physical keys are lost by tenants, replacing the cylinder is typically necessary, often costing tens of thousands of yen. With smart locks, you can simply delete access permissions in the app, drastically reducing cylinder replacement costs.
This also reduces disputes with tenants over lost keys and eases management burdens.
The biggest benefit is no longer needing to carry a physical key. With just a smartphone, you can lock and unlock anytime, greatly improving convenience especially for families with small children or those carrying many bags.
You'll also save the hassle of searching for your key in your bag when arriving home, potentially shortening your morning commute time.
When friends or family visit, you can remotely grant temporary access permissions, making lock and unlock exchanges seamless. You can flexibly notify delivery personnel of temporary access codes when receiving packages.
Installing a smart lock enables integration with other smart home devices such as smart speakers, lighting, and air conditioning. You can achieve futuristic living—saying "I'm home" and having lights automatically turn on and your door unlock.
This is the most important point. Tenants installing a smart lock without permission typically violates the lease agreement. Whether for a house or apartment, you must obtain landlord permission in advance.
If installation occurs without permission, you may be required to restore the property to its original condition upon move-out, with repair costs deducted from your security deposit or billed separately.
Installation costs for smart locks are generally borne by the tenant. While some new properties may have landlords cover this, retrofitting existing properties typically means tenants bear the full cost.
The critical issue is restoration to original condition upon move-out. If the smart lock is a removable model, you'll likely be required to remove it and reinstall the original lock as part of restoration. With built-in models, removal costs may be deducted from your security deposit, so always verify this is clearly stated in your lease agreement.
Since lock and unlock logs are recorded, care must be taken to protect tenant privacy. Landlords should avoid accessing detailed activity logs without good reason. Both parties should establish rules regarding how personal information is handled.
Japanese rental properties, particularly older wooden apartments and buildings, often have narrow spacing between units and are prone to noise issues. The mechanical or electronic sounds of smart locks when locking or unlocking may be heard in neighboring units.
It's essential to consider neighbors by selecting quiet-operating products and consulting with contractors about soundproofing measures during installation.
While two-year leases are standard in Japan, some properties have annual renewal terms. Since smart lock installation requires significant initial investment, you should carefully consider the cost-benefit if you may move out within a short time.
If you calculate it as a loan, with an expected stay of three years or more, the monthly cost becomes reasonable. If you plan to move within one to two years, you should carefully consider even if your landlord proposes smart lock installation.
For apartments, you also need approval from the property management company. If installation involves common areas or affects emergency evacuation routes in case of fire, you must follow procedures based on the management company's rules.
Some newer large apartment buildings have management companies promoting smart lock installation building-wide. In these cases, bulk installation typically offers discounted pricing.
Smart locks typically run on batteries. If the battery dies, you won't be able to unlock via app, so you should keep a backup physical key or establish a routine for regular battery replacement.
Some products feature USB charging or mechanical backup keys, so it's wise to verify emergency response methods when selecting a product.
Smart lock unit: ¥8,000–¥40,000 (significant variation by product grade) Installation fee: ¥10,000–¥20,000 (replacement-type models are relatively affordable) Monthly management fee: Free–¥2,000 (for cloud-based management systems)
Higher-end products offer more features such as facial recognition and smart speaker integration, but for rentals, it's typical to choose mid-range products that are removable and excel at basic functionality.
As of 2026, smart locks are being adopted primarily in new urban properties and security-conscious buildings. As adoption rates increase, properties with "standard smart lock equipment" could become common.
Tenants are expected to develop deeper understanding of this new technology and increasingly prefer smart lock-equipped properties. Conversely, properties without smart locks may see reduced demand from younger generations, making this a technology worth considering in future property strategy for landlords.
Smart locks and smart keys are technology that significantly enhances both security and convenience in rental properties. Landlords benefit from reduced management burdens and enhanced security, while tenants enjoy a keyless lifestyle and flexible emergency response options.
However, landlord permission is essential for installation, and careful advance consideration is needed regarding restoration to original condition, balancing initial costs with your planned move-out date, and other factors. Keep in mind the characteristics of Japan's rental market—thin walls and possibility of short-term contracts—and aim for choices that work well for both parties.
When choosing a rental property, considering smart lock compatibility as one of your selection criteria may help you achieve a more comfortable and secure living environment.
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