Can You Install a Smart Lock as a Renter?
Yes, and it's simpler than you think. Nuki installs on the inside of your door, over your existing lock. It doesn't replace the lock mechanism — it just turns the key for you, electronically. Your landlord's key still works from the outside. The existing lock cylinder stays in place (unless you also install the Keypad, which requires swapping the cylinder for a Nuki Universal Cylinder).
The entire installation is non-destructive. No holes in the door, no screws in the frame, no wiring. The Smart Lock attaches with an adhesive mounting plate or a screw adapter — both leave zero trace when removed. This means you can install it today and remove it in five minutes when your lease ends, with your door looking exactly the way it did before.
What Your Landlord Needs to Know
If your landlord asks, the conversation is short: you're not making any structural changes to the door or lock. The original key still works. You're simply adding a device on the inside that turns the key via a motor. When you move out, you remove it, and the door is exactly as it was.
Most landlords have no issue with this, especially once they understand that their key still works and there's no damage involved. Some landlords even appreciate it — a smart lock means you're less likely to lose keys (which would cost them a lock replacement).
If you're also installing the Keypad and need to swap the cylinder: keep the original cylinder safely stored. When you move out, you swap it back in 5 minutes. The landlord will never know the difference.
Installation in a Rental Apartment
Installation takes about 15 minutes, and you don't need any tools beyond what comes in the box. Here's the process:
First, check your door. Nuki works with virtually all European mortise locks that use a standard euro-cylinder or a knob cylinder on the inside. If you can turn a key or thumb-turn from inside your apartment, Nuki will work.
Next, choose your mounting method. The adhesive plate works on smooth, flat door surfaces — just peel, stick, and press. If your door has an uneven surface or you prefer extra security, use the screw adapter (3 small screws into the mounting plate, not into the door). The adhesive holds up to 8kg, which is more than enough.
Finally, attach the Smart Lock to the mounting plate, pair it with the app, and calibrate. The app walks you through the calibration step by step — it learns the exact rotation of your lock and adjusts accordingly.
Moving Out — Taking Nuki With You
When your lease ends, removal is the reverse of installation and takes about 5 minutes. Pull the Smart Lock off the mounting plate. Remove the adhesive plate (a hair dryer helps loosen the adhesive cleanly). If you swapped the cylinder, swap the original one back.
That's it. No holes to fill, no paint to touch up, no awkward conversations at the final inspection. Your door looks exactly as it did on day one. This is one of Nuki's biggest selling points for renters — it's truly a take-it-with-you product. When you move to your next apartment, the same Smart Lock goes with you. You just recalibrate it for the new door.
Legal Considerations
In most European countries, tenants have the right to make reversible modifications to their rental. A smart lock that doesn't alter the door or lock mechanism falls squarely into this category.
In the Netherlands, Dutch rental law (huurrecht) generally allows tenants to make minor, reversible changes without landlord permission. Swapping a cylinder is considered reversible as long as you keep the original and reinstall it upon moving out. The law focuses on whether you return the property in its original state — with Nuki, you can.
In Germany, the Mietrecht (tenancy law) similarly allows reversible changes. Changing a lock cylinder (Schlossänderung) is generally permitted for tenants as long as you provide a copy of the new key to the landlord if requested and restore the original cylinder when you leave. Courts have consistently ruled that cylinder swaps are reversible and therefore allowed.
In Austria, the same principles apply under the MRG (Mietrechtsgesetz). Reversible modifications are generally permitted without landlord consent.
If you're unsure about your specific situation, a quick email to your landlord usually settles it. Most landlords say yes immediately once they understand nothing is being damaged.