Florida Renters: Smart Locks, Landlord Entry, and Your Privacy

As technology changes how landlords manage rental properties, many renters in Florida are seeing smart locks installed on their doors. These devices can offer added convenience and security, but they also raise legitimate concerns about privacy and landlord access. Understanding your rights under Florida law—especially regarding landlord entry and digital locks—can help you feel more secure in your home while staying within legal guidelines.

Understanding Smart Locks in Florida Rentals

Smart locks are electronic door locks that use codes, smartphone apps, or key cards instead of traditional keys. Some landlords prefer smart locks for easy rekeying or remote access. As a renter, a smart lock can be helpful, but it’s important to know:

• Who controls the access codes and lock settings
• Whether the landlord can track or monitor entry times
• What rights you have to privacy and notice before entry

Your Right to Privacy and Landlord Entry Rules

Florida law protects your right to quiet enjoyment and privacy in your rented home. Landlords can only enter under certain conditions and with proper notice, whether your door uses a key or a smart lock.

When Can a Landlord Enter Your Rental?

• Emergencies: Immediate entry is allowed for emergencies like fire or flooding.
• Inspections, repairs, or showing the property: Landlords must give at least 12 hours’ notice before entry and may only enter at reasonable times (generally between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.).
• With your consent: If you agree, a landlord can enter without formal notice.

These rules are laid out in the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Section 83.53.^[1]

How Do Smart Locks Affect Landlord Access?

If your property uses a smart lock, your landlord may have a digital code or remote control to the lock. They must still follow all notice requirements and cannot enter your home without following Florida law.

• You have a right to know: Ask your landlord who else has access to the smart lock and how your privacy is protected.
• Changing codes or disabling access: Do not change or disable a smart lock system without landlord permission, as this could violate your lease.

If you’re uncomfortable with your landlord having remote access, talk to them and request written policies on smart lock use and privacy protections.

Official Florida Forms and Action Steps

Florida does not have a dedicated form for smart lock privacy concerns, but you can use official documents to address privacy or entry violations.

• Florida Notice to Landlord of Entry Violation (no official number):
  Use if your landlord enters without proper notice or violates your privacy rights.
  See a sample notice here (provided as a sample template; you must send your letter to your landlord directly).
• Complaint to Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS-10106):
  Use for escalated complaints about landlord conduct or electronic lock misuse.
  File a consumer complaint

These forms can alert your landlord to issues or start a record if the problem continues.

Florida’s Residential Tenancy Tribunal and Legislation

If privacy disputes about smart locks cannot be resolved, renters can contact or file paperwork with the Florida county court system, which handles landlord-tenant matters. The main law governing these situations is the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[2]

FAQ: Florida Renters and Smart Lock Privacy

1. Can my landlord install a smart lock without my permission?
   Florida law does not require your consent for installing a smart lock if it’s part of property management, but your lease should mention any major lock changes. Always ask for notice and instructions for new lock systems.
2. Does my landlord have to give me a code or smart lock access?
   Yes. Florida landlords must ensure you have reliable access to your home. You’re entitled to all required codes, keycards, or app credentials for the lock.
3. What if I think my landlord is entering without proper notice?
   Document the dates and times of entry, send a written notice referencing Florida law, and if it continues, contact the local county court or file a consumer complaint.
4. Can I change the smart lock code myself?
   Generally, you should not change access codes or configurations without landlord permission, as this could breach your lease. Discuss your needs with your landlord.
5. Which court or agency handles smart lock and entry disputes?
   The Florida county courts handle official landlord-tenant disputes, including those about privacy or entry.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Florida Renters

• Florida law protects your right to privacy, regardless of whether a traditional key or smart lock is in use.
• Landlords must provide at least 12 hours’ written notice before entering for non-emergencies.
• Document any concerns and use official forms or contact county courts if you believe your privacy has been violated.

Smart locks bring both convenience and new privacy questions—knowing your rights under Florida statutes can help keep you safe and secure in your home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Florida Housing Finance Corporation: Tenant resources, help lines, and renter rights guidance
• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: File a complaint about landlord conduct or smart lock issues
• Florida County Courts Residential Landlord-Tenant Self-Help: Official forms, court resources, and legal steps
• Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: Entry Laws

---

1. Florida Statutes Section 83.53 – Landlord Entry
2. Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Chapter 83 Part II

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations