Leveraging Smart Tech in Rental Properties

Finding ways to make rental properties more secure, attractive, and efficient is always a priority for property managers and owners. Smart technology devices and systems automate and control functions remotely or through voice commands, providing essential features that save time and costs, increase security, and give greater tenant satisfaction. From smart locks to voice assistants, many tech options are available to transform how property managers operate their rentals.

Upgrade Security with Smart Locks

Installing smart locks in rental properties can help property managers put an end to lost keys and prevent tenants from being locked out of units or gated common areas. Users can operate smart locks from a smartphone app, which means property managers and owners have remote access to lock and unlock doors on the property from remote locations.

This functionality is especially time-saving for property managers who oversee several properties or those who must give access to contractors for work, such as a pool renovation or maintenance staff. Smart locks also have the ability to create and issue unique temporary codes for rental guests or service personnel. The property manager can deactivate the code at the end of the visit. Likewise, each time a tenant moves out, there is no need to replace locks or get new keys; the code is just reset each time occupants move out.

Smart locks improve security because the technology records an entry in an access log each time they are used. This allows property owners and managers to know who entered the property and when aiding in preventing unauthorized access.

Smart Thermostats Increase Energy Efficiency

Smart thermostats monitor temperatures continually and help control the energy used, saving money on cooling and heating costs. Smart thermostats allow for automatic scheduling and can learn tenants' schedules to adjust heating and cooling automatically to minimize the associated costs. Smart thermostats also allow remote adjustments, which helps manage costs for vacant units that do not need heating and cooling.

Because smart thermostats can optimize energy usage and keep energy costs down, rentals equipped with them attract more tenants. Smart thermostats also collect usage data that can provide insights into energy consumption. Property managers can identify additional savings opportunities or spot unusual usage patterns.

Security Cameras are Smart, Too

Security cameras with phone or tablet app monitoring capabilities bring peace of mind to property managers and tenants. They allow for 24/7, real-time monitoring, and property managers can review footage later. These functions are essential for investigating incidents and deterring crime or vandalism. Property managers can configure smart security cameras to send notifications via their mobile app if the cameras detect motion or suspicious activities on the property.

Smart security systems typically use cloud storage, so they do not need bulky recorders. The online storage provides easy access at any time of the day or night. Security cameras offer tenants extra comfort and protection, increasing tenant retention and attracting new tenants more quickly.

Integrate Water Sensors with Smart Features

Smart water sensors save property owners and managers money by helping to catch leaks before they become bigger problems that involve costly damage to buildings and materials. Place smart water sensors in critical areas, such as near sinks, water heaters, and toilets, to provide early detection by sending alerts when they detect moisture.

Water leak damage can affect flooring, walls, ceilings, and more. It's one of the costliest types of damage, and early detection can save or avoid significant repair and cleanup expenses. Some insurance companies offer premium discounts on policies for property owners who use proactive measures such as leak detection systems.

Get Smart Lighting for Safety and Security

Smart light fixtures with motion-activated or scheduled lighting help reduce electricity bills and improve the safety and security of common areas, parking, porches, and hallways. Motion-activated lights turn on when they detect movement, eliminating wasted lighting costs and working well for security purposes.

Property managers can control smart lighting fixtures remotely, so they can turn them on and off at any time. This ability helps if tenants forget to turn lights off, such as in a pool area. Custom lighting schedules provide safety because they can be programmed to turn on and off at scheduled times, making vacant units or other areas on a property look occupied. They also typically have dimmable options to adjust the lighting levels, which gives tenants more control over ambiance and saves on electricity.

Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smart home technology for rental property management includes smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These units provide additional safety for tenants and allow property managers to avoid potential fire hazards and other issues. Smart detectors send notifications immediately to a property owner or manager's phone if they detect smoke or carbon monoxide.

Many of these smart detectors also test regularly, on an automated basis, which reduces the need to do manual checking. The ability to monitor remotely offers peace of mind, knowing that the property is safe, even when tenants are away. These types of alarms provide another opportunity to lower insurance costs, as some companies will discount premiums for property owners and managers that reduce fire-related risks by installing smart smoke detectors.

Smart Blinds and Shades Automate Comfort and Energy Savings

Smart shades and blinds can be set up to adjust automatically on a schedule, such as at a specific time of day or at a certain temperature, creating a more comfortable environment and saving energy. For example, smart shades can be set to keep rooms cooler by lowering them during hot afternoons. They can also be opened or closed remotely, which is essential for managing energy use or preparing a property for a tenant showing.

Automatic settings can control sunlight at different times of the day to preserve furniture and flooring by preventing fading and extending their lifespan. Smart shades and blinds can also add a high-end feel that is appealing to prospective tenants.

Manage Power with Smart Plugs and Outlets

Smart home technology for rental property management includes smart plugs and outlets. These devices allow property managers to control power usage throughout the entire property by managing smart plugs remotely. Smart outlets controlled through an app enable property managers to turn outlets off from their phones, which comes in handy if tenants leave devices plugged in. Smart outlets also record energy usage, and tracking usage patterns reveals which devices are the most power-hungry. This helps to optimize energy usage and create additional savings.

Another benefit of remote operation is the ability to turn off heaters, irons, or other appliances that might have been left on, which prevents fire hazards and improves safety. These plugs also offer the benefit of setting appliance schedules, which allows for convenient automation. This gives a choice to operate appliances only when necessary or during off-peak hours.

Add Convenience with Voice-Controlled Assistants

Voice-controlled assistants run through devices like Google Assistant or Alexa, making daily tasks easier for managers and tenants. Multiple devices can be integrated into one smart hub for easy, hands-free control. Depending on the system configuration, tenants can use voice-controlled assistants to make maintenance requests or report issues, making request tracking easier.

Voice assistants also offer hands-free management for administrative staff, such as managing schedules or sending reminders for inspections and other property-related tasks. This functionality can help property management staff work more efficiently and effectively. Voice assistants add modern appeal to the property, making the rentals more attractive to tech-savvy renters.

Smart Property Managers Choose Smart Devices

Integrating smart technology into rental properties has several payoffs. It improves security and convenience and upgrades the property's position in competitive rental markets. Smart home technology for rental property management makes it much easier for managers or property owners to handle everyday tasks remotely, and tenants appreciate the added security and comfort.

Technology is not the only improvement worth considering for your property, however. To protect your property's value, consider other solutions like balcony deck waterproofing. Protecting exterior spaces makes a difference in minimizing and preventing water damage, which keeps the property safe and in top condition for years to come. Ask the professionals at West Coast Deck for more information on deck waterproofing, and you'll see the rewards in increased tenant satisfaction, long-term durability, and increased property aesthetics. Contact us today!