# Smart Lock "Vacation Test" Highlights Why Renters and Homeowners Still Need a Security Plan > A recent CNET hands-on review put a rental-friendly smart lock through a real-world "away from home" test. Here is what the results mean for renters and homeowners, and why a smart lock alone is not a full security strategy. - URL: https://mfpgsecurity.com/resources/smart-lock-vacation-test-highlights-why-renters-and-homeowners-still - Category: Industry News - Author: Gabriela Reyes, Senior Security Editor - Published: 2026-09-14 - Reading time: 2 min - Keywords: rental-ready smart lock, rental-ready smart lock, smart lock for renters, home security monitoring, ADT Authorized Dealer, smart home devices vacation security --- A reviewer at CNET recently ran an interesting experiment. To see how a rental-friendly smart lock actually performs when nobody is home, they staged a fake vacation: locking up, stepping away for an extended stretch, and monitoring how the lock handled everyday demands like remote access, guest codes, and battery life under real conditions rather than a quick showroom test. The lock in question is designed with renters in mind, meaning no permanent hardware changes and an install that can come right back off when a lease ends. That is a meaningful detail for the millions of Americans who rent and still want smart-home convenience without violating their lease terms. **Why This Test Matters Beyond Renters** Whether you own or rent, the core question is the same: does your front door lock do what you expect when you are not there to double-check it? A smart lock that glitches, drains its battery, or loses connectivity while you are away is not just an inconvenience. It is a potential security gap at the exact moment you are most vulnerable. The CNET test underscores something MFPGSecurity tells customers all the time. A smart lock is a great convenience upgrade, but it is one component, not a complete security posture. Locks control entry. They do not tell you if someone is loitering on your porch, they do not detect a broken window around back, and most standalone lock apps will not alert a monitoring center if something goes wrong at 2 a.m. **Where Smart Locks Fit Into a Real Security Plan** At MFPGSecurity, an ADT Authorized Dealer, we regularly integrate smart locks into broader systems that include door and window sensors, video cameras, and 24/7 professional monitoring. That combination is what actually protects a home during a vacation, not just a single access point. Think of it this way. A rental-ready smart lock like the one CNET tested is a smart addition to a door. Professional monitoring is what makes sure that if the lock fails, a window is forced, or an alarm trips, someone is actually watching and ready to dispatch help. Renters especially benefit from this layered approach since they often cannot install hardwired systems but can still use app-based, monitored equipment that respects their lease. **Practical Takeaways for Homeowners and Renters** A few lessons from the CNET review apply broadly: - Battery-powered smart locks need routine checks. A dead battery while you are away defeats the purpose. - Remote access is only useful if your home network and app connectivity are reliable. Test it before you actually leave town. - Guest and temporary codes should be reviewed and revoked promptly. Old codes left active are a common oversight. - A lock is one layer. Pair it with sensors, cameras, and monitoring for real peace of mind while traveling. If you are researching smart locks for an apartment or a house, it is worth thinking beyond the single device. Ask how it fits into a monitored system, not just how it looks on your door. **Learn More With MFPGSecurity** MFPGSecurity works with renters and homeowners across the country to design ADT-monitored systems that fit real lease situations and real budgets. Visit our homepage to see how professional monitoring pairs with smart-home devices, or read more on our resources page for other home security guides. You can also learn about our team on our About Us page. Have questions about combining a smart lock with a monitored system, whether you rent or own? Call MFPGSecurity at 833-842-0818 to talk through your options. _Source: [news.google.com](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMimAFBVV95cUxPVnZDOHNGblZPckQwU2xER1ZmSUthd0FEVTlfaEhZYTJMXzFydWd2Y2Nuc1RPUzVzLVh6T3lmRmFxVkZFdXoxSllIVkF0Q055eDlic0RMYThtNmIyUC12UERUTlVaUlR0VEwwd1BKMnU0U2lkSllnaEJjREw2ZFRkVWVjY0xockRPZ284UExpTU1vSzlwS2hXaA?oc=5)_ ## Get a Free Quote Ready to protect what matters most? Get a free, no obligation quote on a professionally installed ADT home security system with 24/7 monitoring from MFPGSecurity. [Request your free quote](/) or call [833-842-0818](tel:8338420818) to talk with a security specialist today. ## FAQ ### Can renters install smart locks without violating their lease? Many rental-friendly smart locks, including the one tested by CNET, are designed to install without permanent hardware changes so they can be removed when a lease ends. Renters should still confirm with their landlord before installing any device on a door. ### Is a smart lock enough to secure a home while on vacation? A smart lock secures one entry point, but it does not monitor windows, detect motion, or alert a monitoring center. Most security professionals, including MFPGSecurity, recommend pairing a smart lock with sensors, cameras, and 24/7 professional monitoring for full coverage. ### What should I check before relying on a smart lock while traveling? Confirm battery levels, test remote access and app connectivity from outside your home network, and review or revoke any temporary guest codes before you leave. ### Does MFPGSecurity work with renters as well as homeowners? Yes. MFPGSecurity, an ADT Authorized Dealer, helps design monitored security setups that fit both rental and owned properties, including app-based equipment that does not require permanent installation. ## Sources - CNET: I Pretended to Be on Vacation to Test This Rental-Ready Smart Lock: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMimAFBVV95cUxPVnZDOHNGblZPckQwU2xER1ZmSUthd0FEVTlfaEhZYTJMXzFydWd2Y2Nuc1RPUzVzLVh6T3lmRmFxVkZFdXoxSllIVkF0Q055eDlic0RMYThtNmIyUC12UERUTlVaUlR0VEwwd1BKMnU0U2lkSllnaEJjREw2ZFRkVWVjY0xockRPZ284UExpTU1vSzlwS2hXaA?oc=5 --- Published by MFPGSecurity, https://mfpgsecurity.com (ADT Authorized Dealer). Call 833-842-0818.