Great for
Properties with HOA restrictions or landlord requirements prohibiting exterior door modifications, where a reversible 10-minute install matters.
August Home Review: Is It Worth It?
Our independent take on August Home from an STR operator lens. No sponsored placements. From $149.99 • No free trial.
Our verdict
The right smart lock when you can't modify the door exterior
What August Home actually is
August Home makes retrofit smart locks that install over an existing deadbolt without modifying the door exterior, making them a natural fit for rental properties with HOA restrictions or landlord requirements. A native Airbnb integration automatically generates unique access codes when guests book, and the locks work with every major smart home platform including Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
What we like
Non-invasive installation preserves original door appearance
August's retrofit design installs over an existing deadbolt without changing the exterior — SafeWise describes it as "perfect for rentals with HOA restrictions or landlord requirements" with a 10-minute install.
Native Airbnb integration automates guest access codes
Linking August and Airbnb accounts means the lock automatically generates a unique access code when a guest books, eliminating manual code management per The Connected Shop.
Works with every major smart home platform
August's official Works With page lists Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT, SimpliSafe, Control4, and ecobee among supported integrations.
Keeps physical key functionality as a backup
The retrofit-over-deadbolt design means the original key still works — useful for owner access, maintenance, or when batteries die unexpectedly.
Where it falls short
Shorter battery life increases maintenance burden
Smart Home Perfected notes CR123 batteries last 3-6 months versus 9-12 for Yale or Schlage — a notable drawback when managing multiple properties at distance.
Keypad for backup access sold separately
The external keypad is a separate accessory at around $59, adding 25-40% to the effective per-door cost before shipping or installation.
Less proven for high-volume commercial rentals
RedAwning notes Yale Assure Lock 2 is deployed across 50,000+ RedAwning-managed properties with a 99.7% uptime rate, and recommends Yale or Schlage Encode Plus for high-traffic rentals.
No comprehensive public API documentation
Integrations are available through official partners and supported platforms, but August does not publish a documented public API — limiting custom PMS/automation integrations.
Is August Home right for you?
OK for
Small-portfolio hosts wanting simple guest access automation through the native Airbnb integration.
Skip if
You run high-volume commercial properties and need maximum battery life and the most proven track record for smart-lock reliability.
Pricing in one line
From $149.99 • No free trial
One-time hardware purchase. August Smart Lock starts at $149.99; Smart Lock + Connect at $199.99; Wi-Fi Smart Lock at $229.99. External keypad sold separately (~$59). Pro dealer program offers wholesale pricing — contact sales for commercial quotes.
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