Rently and Kwikset partner to develop Smart Bolt Elite with Kwikset SmartKey Security

    April 8, 2025
    The Smart Bolt Elite will deliver a versatile, all-in-one smart lock designed to meet the evolving needs of rental operators.
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    Rently today announced a partnership with Kwikset to introduce the Smart Bolt Elite—a next-generation smart lock designed to enhance unit access control for the rental housing market.

    By combining Rently’s expertise in leasing automation, patented self-guided touring, and smart home technology with Kwikset's SmartKey Security, the Smart Bolt Elite will deliver a versatile, all-in-one smart lock designed to meet the evolving needs of rental operators. The Smart Bolt Elite is engineered to enhance security and streamline access control in the single-family and multifamily rental markets.

    Traditional access solutions in the rental industry have long been fragmented, forcing operators to choose between Bluetooth-only locks, Wi-Fi/cellular centralized hub solutions, or non-smart access options—each with trade-offs in security, convenience, and affordability. The Smart Bolt Elite eliminates this compromise, combining the best features of all three into a single, seamless solution.

    "The future of rental property management hinges on seamless, secure and scalable technology. With Smart Bolt Elite, we’re not just introducing a new lock—we’re redefining what access control can look like in the modern rental landscape,” said Clark Li, CTO & Co-Founder of Rently. “By combining security, automation, and flexible smart home integration, we’re giving property managers the tools to enhance both operational efficiency and resident experience. This partnership with Kwikset represents a major step forward in creating a smarter, safer, and more connected rental industry."

    Key features of the Smart Bolt Elite include:

    • Seamless, hub-independent access: Operates with or without a hub, allowing property managers to control access via Z-Wave or Bluetooth. The lock can be used as a standalone smart lock or integrated into a larger smart home ecosystem—ensuring flexibility across diverse property portfolios.

    • Multiple access options: Supports fobs, codes, mobile apps, and physical keys for ultimate flexibility, ensuring 24/7 functionality even without constant internet or cellular connectivity.

    • Enhanced with Kwikset SmartKey Security advanced re-key technology: Protects against common break-in methods like lock picking and bumping while enabling property managers to instantly re-key locks themselves. This eliminates the security risks and costs associated with lost or unreturned keys and streamlines tenant turnover, significantly reducing the need for expensive cylinder replacements or locksmith services.

    • Self-touring compatibility for a frictionless leasing process: Unique, auto-expiring access codes provide secure, independent property tours, minimizing the need for manual key exchanges while enhancing security, and offer full remote management capability.

    • Designed for Rently’s Proptech Ecosystem: The Smart Bolt Elite is part of Rently’s expanding suite of smart home solutions, seamlessly pairing with other Rently solutions, such as the Access Panel with Intercom, which enables secure, video-enabled entry management for shared spaces like gated entrances and lobbies. Together, these technologies offer property managers a comprehensive platform to optimize leasing, security, and resident experience.

    This partnership represents a major milestone for both companies, marking the first smart lock designed specifically for the proptech sector. The Smart Bolt Elite offers a long-term security solution for real estate operators in single-family and multifamily rentals, enabling greater security, convenience, and cost savings.

    “A smart lock with both Rently and Kwikset SmartKey technologies is a game-changer for property managers. As the inventor of DIY re-key, Kwikset provides unmatched convenience during resident turnover while simultaneously delivering the robust security residents deserve. We're proud to partner with Rently to offer this proven, reliable solution that simplifies life for everyone involved,” said Jeff Sandoval, Director of Marketing for Kwikset Electronics.

    Testing for the Smart Bolt Elite is currently underway, with a full launch expected in fall 2025.

    For more information on the Smart Bolt Elite, visit pages.rently.com/smart-bolt-elite.html.