There’s no doubt that technology can be your best friend when it comes to managing your rental property, and all the available smart home integrations for your rental property prove this once again.
Smart devices can be used by landlords to track maintenance issues, add security, ensure ease of access for vendors and touring applicants, and attract the newest and most tech-reliant generation of renters.
How Does Smart Technology Work in a Rental?
Home automation systems can be wired into the structure of the house with a central control panel or offered through external devices, like electronic plug adapters and standalone sensors that don’t require any mounting or rewiring. These home automation systems create smart homes, which are connected over wireless networks and linked directly to a smartphone or tablet, letting the user control smart home devices from an app.
Some developers and real estate investors are considering the benefits of installing smart home automation systems in their rental properties, to not only attract tech-savvy tenants who would not mind paying higher rent for these prices, but also actively manage maintenance, improve security, and prevent property damage. On the other hand, if a landlord does not want to build or rewire a home with integrated smart home features, renters can opt to invest in their own smart devices that don’t damage walls or violate lease terms.
Why Should Landlords Invest in Smart Home Technology for Their Rental Property?
With the next generation of renters comes an even greater need for modern and tech-savvy property management solutions. As millennial renters transition to homeownership and Gen Z renters take over the rental market, landlords and property managers will find the need to use technology to attract and retain tenants.
Learn more: How to Attract Gen Z Renters
Best Tech for Landlords
Gone are the days of pencil and paper bookkeeping, replaced instead by seamless cloud-based information at your fingertips. As a landlord or property manager, there are a lot of inefficiencies that can be resolved through property management software. However, the tech integrations shouldn’t stop there!
Here is a list of some of the leading innovations in smart home technologies and the benefits they can provide you as a landlord or property manager or your tenants. These types of products are available at home improvement stores, electronic stores, online retailers, and installation services.
Smart Home Technology for Landlords
The biggest benefits for landlords include preventive maintenance, added security, and accessibility to rental property. Home automation systems for landlords can be a costly investment for owners that want to install internal systems but they also have to option to use external devices. Problems that are resolved before they become an inconvenience to a tenant improve landlord-tenant relations and eliminate late-night maintenance calls and help prevent expensive repairs.
Smart Appliances:
Can inform a landlord if an appliance needs maintenance without having to rely on a tenant to report a small issue before it becomes an expensive problem.
Moisture Sensor:
A smart moisture sensor can detect excess moisture and send an alter to a landlord’s smartphone to manage plumbing issues, broken pipes, or damp basements before it is too late.
Remote Access:
A common issue with landlords is providing approved access to maintenance personnel or contractor who needs to fix something in a rental unit. Smart locks allow a landlord to unlock a unit with their smartphone from anywhere, and then re-lock it when they vacate the unit, without having to coordinate schedules to meet in person or give out keys.
Smart Irrigation Systems:
Landlords toe the line between wanting to maintain beautiful landscapes for added curb appeal and wanting to actively manage water usage. Smart irrigation systems go beyond a programmed timer for watering lawns and flower beds but can monitor weather patterns, soil moisture content, and temperatures to adjust water usage accordingly.
Damage-Free Smart Home Technology for Renters
The biggest benefit for tenants who wish to control their own smart home devices includes added convenience, energy management, and personal security.
Smart Plugs:
Smart plugs require no extra hard wiring and let you manage devices plugged into outlets from anywhere. You can turn on a lamp to make it look like you’re home when you’re not. Turn on a slow-cooker to start preparing dinner while you are at the office. You can also power down smart plug outlets for limit passive energy use, all from a simple app on your smartphone.
Smart Lighting:
Smart lighting is as easy as screwing in a special LED lightbulb. No re-wiring is required! Users can create and control light using a smartphone or tablet, to set the mood for a party or romantic dinner with colors and brightness. Smart lights can even be programmed to slowly brighten in the morning to help your eyes adjust to a new day.
Smart Sensors:
External sensors can detect when things open or close, if there’s a vibration, or if an object moves. You can receive notifications directly to your smartphone anytime a door, drawer or cabinet opens that’s not supposed to. This can help tenants protect their belongings from nosey roommates or help a parent make sure Junior stays out of the liquor cabinet.
Smart Thermostats:
While programmable thermostats are not a novel idea, smart thermostats consider weather patterns and user behavior to adjust temperatures as needed. Your tenants can also turn on the AC or heater from the office or a restaurant if they are coming home early or later than usual, so they arrive at a comfortable home. Smart thermostats also make it easy for landlords to update their rental property’s temperature to an economical setting during a vacancy.
Some other fun appliances that send alerts directly to your phone include:
- Trash cans that make grocery lists or generate online orders based on items thrown away.
- Refrigerators that create dinner recipes from ingredients stored inside
- Washer and dryers that send a text message to the user when a cycle has ended
What are the Disadvantages of Smart Devices?
Like any upgrade, there are limitations and even disadvantages to smart devices. It is vital to understand the pros and cons of smart home devices before you invest. Many of the disadvantages to smart devices are diminished if you plan and purchase wisely.
Security Risks:
Home automation systems can include hacker vulnerabilities or network failures. Remember to do your research to find a reputable company that specializes in smart tech since your tech will host personal data and even video surveillance.
Network Connectivity Concerns:
Smart devices require a good internet connection to function appropriately. Additionally, multiple devices require different applications, resulting in users getting bogged down in running too many systems from their smartphone or tablet. Purchasing from one company that connects all their wireless home automation products with one app can improve usability.
Learning Curve:
All technology has a learning curve, and smart tech can be overwhelming for those not familiar with modern technology options. For this reason, it can be helpful to have analog options available for less tech-savvy tenants or choose devices with easy-to-learn applications.
There are many smart home automation systems on the market. Each product has its own benefits and limitations. Before purchasing any device, research the products and manufacturers to find one that best fits your needs. Well-implemented technology can make a landlord’s job easier. With a little research and a good understanding of your needs and the needs of your tenants, you can find some excellent tech options for your rental property.