Published 2026-10-02 · 11 min read

August vs Schlage for Landlords (2026): Retrofit Smart Lock vs Keypad Deadbolt for Rental Property

Two philosophies compete for the front door of your rental. August says: keep the deadbolt you already have, bolt a smart lock onto the inside, and manage everything from your phone. Schlage says: replace the deadbolt with a keypad unit tenants operate with a code — no app required, no smartphone needed. Both end the $75–$150 locksmith rekey at every turnover. The right pick depends on your doors, your tenants, and how you manage turnovers. Here's the full comparison with pricing current as of fall 2026.

At a Glance: August vs Schlage

Neither charges a subscription. Both give you remote lock/unlock, activity history, and code or key management from your phone. The decision comes down to install philosophy — retrofit versus replacement — and whether your tenants enter with an app or a code.

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock: The Invisible Retrofit

August installs on the inside of your door in about 10 minutes, fitting over most standard single-cylinder deadbolts. The exterior never changes: same deadbolt, same keyway, same curb appeal. For landlords with historic properties, HOA-restricted exteriors, or just doors whose hardware they don't want to replace, that's a decisive advantage. Check current August pricing — the 4th Gen lists at $229.99 but routinely sells in the $150–$185 range.

The landlord superpower is unlimited digital keys. Issue the tenant a permanent key for the lease term, give the cleaner a recurring weekend window, give a contractor a key valid only Tuesday 9–5. At move-out, revoke the tenant's key in the app — access dies instantly, no service call, no new hardware, no wondering how many key copies exist. Auto-unlock detects the tenant's phone approaching and unlocks the door; auto-lock secures it behind them.

The trade-offs are app-centricity and batteries. Tenants without smartphones can still use the original physical key (the deadbolt is untouched), but digital keys require the August app — so for keypad-first tenant bases, add the separate August keypad accessory (~$60) or look at Schlage. Batteries are 2× CR123, swapped every 3–6 months; keep spares in your maintenance kit. For scattered portfolios, the retrofit advantage compounds: August fits whatever deadbolts your various units already have, so mixed hardware across properties is a non-issue.

Schlage Encode: The Premium Keypad Deadbolt

Schlage approaches the problem from the door's face: a full keypad deadbolt replacement with a touchscreen, built-in Wi-Fi, and a physical key backup. Tenants punch in a code — no app, no phone, no pairing. For tenant demographics that skew older, less tech-comfortable, or simply keypad-preferring, that friction-free entry is the difference between a smooth move-in and a 10pm support call.

The Schlage Encode and Encode Plus connect directly to Wi-Fi with no hub. You manage up to 100 access codes from the Schlage Home app: a tenant code for the lease term, scheduled contractor codes, one-time codes — and delete them at turnover in seconds. Remote lock/unlock, activity notifications, and low-battery alerts are all included. The Encode Plus adds Apple HomeKey support, so iPhone tenants can tap-to-unlock — a nice amenity in the right market.

Street pricing lands around $200–$330 depending on model, finish, and retailer — the Encode Plus sits at the top. Batteries are 4× AA, cheaper and easier to source than CR123s. Install is a standard deadbolt replacement: 30–45 minutes, normal 2-1/8" bore. The keyed cylinder means you always have a physical backup, and Schlage's commercial-grade build quality is a real asset on high-traffic rental doors.

The downside versus August: it's a visible hardware change, and if your units have mismatched or premium exterior hardware, the Encode replaces it. It also can't match August's granular digital-key scheduling — codes are simpler, which is both the point and the limitation. And at the top of the price range, you're paying a per-door premium that matters across a portfolio.

Pricing: What Each Option Actually Costs a Landlord

Payback math: at one turnover per year per door, either lock pays for itself against locksmith rekeys within the first 12–24 months. August's lower street price wins on upfront cost; Schlage's AA batteries and keypad-included design win slightly on running costs.

Turnover Workflow: Move-Out Day With Each Lock

August: Open the app, revoke the outgoing tenant's digital key, issue the incoming tenant a new one. The physical key still works through the untouched deadbolt — rotate it on your own schedule, not the tenant's. Total time: under 5 minutes, from anywhere.

Schlage Encode: Delete the old tenant's code, create the new tenant's code, text it over. If you handed out physical keys, collect them at the walkthrough. Total time: under 10 minutes, mostly at the door or in the app.

The pattern: August wins on fully remote turnovers (out-of-state owners, scattered portfolios, no site visit needed). Schlage wins on tenant simplicity — the incoming tenant needs nothing but a four-digit code, which means fewer move-in-day support calls across every demographic.

Security and Tenant-Facing Considerations

Both locks log activity, so you have a record of entries — useful for disputed lockout claims and for confirming contractors showed up when they said they did. Both send tamper and low-battery alerts. Neither is a substitute for a solid door and frame; a smart lock on a hollow-core door with a weak strike plate is theater.

On the tenant side, put access rules in the lease: who gets codes or keys, that codes are non-transferable, and that you'll rotate access at turnover. With August, be explicit that the existing physical key still works — tenants sometimes assume the smart lock replaced it. With Schlage, remind tenants not to share codes; the 100-code capacity means every regular visitor can have their own, so there's no excuse for sharing.

One August-specific note: because the exterior is unchanged, tenants and neighbors may not realize the door is smart-locked — which is fine, but make sure your move-in communication covers how entry actually works. One Schlage-specific note: the touchscreen is the wear surface, and on high-turnover units the numbers tenants actually press will eventually show — rotate code digits across tenancies, not just the code itself.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose August if: you manage remotely or across scattered properties, you want turnovers handled entirely from your phone, your tenants are smartphone-comfortable, or you can't or won't change the door's exterior. See if August fits your rentals.

Choose Schlage Encode if: your tenants need keypad entry without an app, you want a premium keypad deadbolt with a physical-key backup, or your doors see heavy traffic and you value Schlage's build quality. The Encode Plus is worth the premium in iPhone-heavy markets where tap-to-unlock is a real amenity.

Portfolio play: standardize on one system per property so your turnover checklist is identical every time. Many landlords run August on remote or scattered doors and Schlage Encode on local buildings where keypad-first tenants dominate. Consistency beats brand loyalty — pick the system that matches how each property is actually managed.

FAQs

Is August or Schlage better for landlords?

August wins for remote management: the retrofit install takes 10 minutes, turnovers happen entirely from the app, and the door's exterior never changes. Schlage wins for tenant simplicity: a built-in keypad means no app or smartphone required, with up to 100 managed codes. Both eliminate the $75–$150 locksmith rekey per turnover.

How much does the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock cost in 2026?

MSRP is $229.99, but it routinely sells for $150–$185. The optional keypad accessory is about $60. Check current August pricing — street prices move with sales.

How much does the Schlage Encode cost?

The Schlage Encode and Encode Plus typically sell for $200–$330 depending on model and finish, with the Encode Plus at the top. No subscription is required for remote access, notifications, or code management.

Can tenants use August without a smartphone?

Yes — August is a retrofit, so the existing deadbolt and physical key keep working. But digital guest keys need the August app; for keypad-first tenants, add the August keypad accessory or choose a keypad deadbolt like the Schlage Encode.

What is the difference between the Schlage Encode and Encode Plus?

The Encode Plus adds Apple HomeKey support (tap-to-unlock with an iPhone or Apple Watch) and newer connectivity on top of the standard Encode's keypad, Wi-Fi, and 100-code management. For most rentals the standard Encode covers the landlord use case; the Plus earns its premium in iPhone-heavy markets.

Do either of these locks charge a monthly fee?

No. Neither August nor Schlage Encode requires a subscription for remote locking, notifications, or code management.

How long do the batteries last?

August uses 2× CR123 batteries lasting roughly 3–6 months. Schlage Encode uses 4× AA batteries. Both send low-battery alerts to the app — build battery swaps into your seasonal maintenance routine.

Can I install these myself on a rental property?

Yes. August takes about 10 minutes with a screwdriver as a retrofit. The Schlage Encode takes 30–45 minutes as a full deadbolt replacement on a standard 2-1/8" bore. Check local law — some jurisdictions have specific egress or keyed-entry requirements for rentals.

For more on securing your rentals, see our best smart locks for rental property roundup, our August vs Kwikset comparison, the August vs Schlage Encode showdown, the August vs Yale Assure Lock 2 comparison, our rental property security guide, and how to screen tenants.