I am living in an apartment. Can I install a smart lock?
If you are living in an apartment or a townhouse managed by Body Corporate, check the followings before deciding going with a smart lock:
Do you need Body Corporate's Approval to replace a lock on front door?
Some Body Corporates require the same appearance of front doors as they are facing common area, but others are easy to deal with. Check with them first.
Is the door fire rated?
a. I found small metal fire tags on door edge and frame at hinged side - YES, YOUR DOOR IS FIRE RATED.
Deadbolt is not allowed to be installed on fire rated door
Other smart locks which are fire rated and allow self-latching can be installed (Schlage Omnia, ML-Windsor, Dormakaba M5, Yale Unity fire rated....) - Check with supplier after you choose a specific model
To protect yourself in Annual Fire Compliance Check, you need a written approval from Door Maker to allow you to replace current handle/lock with new smart lock. When a new hardware is installed, some more holes need cutting which affect door fire ratings. Without its confirmation, you may end up with installing back the whole new door and old hardware, costing couple thousands dollars.
The smart lock then need to be installed by an experienced and qualified installer.
b. I did not see any fire tag
You can install any smart lock you want
* It's customer's responsibility to get approvals from Body Corporate/ Strata AND Door Maker for installing this lock on fire rated door. Installer is exempted from liability for any disputes, expenses, losts, penalties... arising in future fire safety inspection.
