Smart home technology doesn’t just help people living in a residence; it can also benefit property managers and landlords.
Internet-connected “always on” devices can instantly alert tenants and property managers to potential damage. Water-leak sensors, freeze sensors, and smoke detectors not only sound alarms that can be heard in the property; they also send alerts via text or an app. That can drastically reduce response time when tenants are not home. And when it comes to water, fire, and smoke damage, even a few minutes can be the difference between minor damage and a total loss. Some leak sensors even include a device that shuts off the main water supply when triggered.

Property managers may want to consider the following before installing smart home devices:

  • Who pays for and owns the smart devices—the landlord or property manager?
  • How do the smart devices connect to the internet? Whether directly via Wi-Fi or through a hub such as those from Google, Amazon, or Apple, will you need the tenant’s permission to pair the devices?
  • Who will receive notifications from the smart devices and what are their responsibilities when receiving alerts?
  • What information will be provided to the tenant regarding the information the technology collects, and are privacy issues addressed?

As with other aspects of property management, thorough written documentation will help prevent problems from arising.