Smart Lock Installation in Sacramento, CA

Does your door suit a smart lock?

North Natomas grew rapidly from the mid-1990s on former farmland in the Sacramento River floodplain. In a newer subdivision like that, the first step is to measure: the bore diameter, the backset (the distance from the door edge to the center of the hole) and the door's thickness, all checked against the lock's listed fit. Also make sure the deadbolt throws smoothly by hand before a motor is added to it.

An older door may take a mortise lock rather than a bored hole. A smart deadbolt made for a bored door will not fit a mortise pocket as it is, so check the maker's listed fit before buying. If the house is in one of the 31 historic districts on the city's 2011 map, such as Bungalow Row or Capital Mansions, say so in your request.

Rentals, condos and shared buildings

In a rental, the landlord maintains the entry lock: Civil Code § 1941.3 makes the landlord responsible for a working dead bolt on the main swinging entry doors and exempts buildings designated historically significant. The city's rental inspection checklist also wants a deadbolt with a thumb latch inside, so choose a model that has one, fit it in the existing bore, and get the landlord's written approval first.

In a condo, ask the HOA whether it sets rules for unit doors on a common hallway; a shared building entry system is the building's, not one unit's. This is general information, not legal advice.

Batteries and a backup key

Check the operating temperature range the maker lists, especially for a door in direct afternoon sun, and replace the batteries at the first low-battery warning. Keep a mechanical key where you can reach it if the keypad goes dark, such as with a neighbor.

What to include

• the model you have chosen, or a note that you want help choosing
• how it will connect: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or a hub
• which doors: front, back or garage-to-house, with the bore and backset measured
• the brand and finish of the lock now on the door
• landlord or HOA approval, if you need it

The service page is smart lock installation. If the old hardware is failing, lock replacement may come first. See also Sacramento.