Smart home upgrades for rental properties - what's worth it?

smart-homelandlord-tipsrental-propertytech-advice

Silvia_M

Joined:
27.08.2020
Posts: 1347

Topic Starter

04.03.2025 02:30

I'm currently managing a few rental units and am looking to modernize them to attract better tenants. I want to add some smart home features, but I'm worried about devices that require too much maintenance or complex Wi-Fi setups for the tenants. Does anyone have experience with smart locks or thermostats that are reliable and easy for non-tech-savvy people to use? I'm specifically looking for things that won't require me to troubleshoot every time a tenant changes their password. Any advice on brands or specific setups would be greatly appreciated.

13 replies in this topic

simon_v

Joined:
28.07.2024
Posts: 358

11.04.2025 21:28

Stay away from anything that needs a constant internet connection to function. If the Wi-Fi goes down, you don't want a tenant locked out of their own front door.

Milos_S

Joined:
07.04.2023
Posts: 1313

11.07.2025 21:56

In reply to a previous post

I’ve had great luck with Schlage Encode smart locks. They connect directly to Wi-Fi without needing a hub, and they’re very intuitive for tenants to use with the keypad.

ObiknovenChovek

Joined:
05.03.2020
Posts: 1548

18.08.2025 12:15

Honestly, keep it simple. Smart thermostats like the Ecobee are great, but make sure you set them up with a 'landlord lock' so the tenants don't accidentally mess with your cooling schedules.

gost_nedelq

Joined:
28.09.2020
Posts: 1264

15.09.2025 10:32

In reply to a previous post

I agree with the suggestion above, but just be careful with the privacy aspect. Some tenants get really paranoid about smart devices if you don't explain them clearly in the lease agreement.

Yavor_K

Joined:
08.10.2025
Posts: 614

07.12.2025 08:04

Have you considered smart lighting? Just putting in a few Hue bulbs in the main living area can make the place feel modern without needing a complex installation.

gost_nedelq

Joined:
29.06.2022
Posts: 371

31.12.2025 00:40

In reply to a previous post

Don't bother with smart lighting. Tenants will just replace them with cheap LEDs when they burn out and then you're stuck buying replacements again.

bai_ivan

Joined:
03.08.2020
Posts: 389

08.01.2026 13:28

In reply to a previous post

For the locks, I always use August. Being able to grant access remotely when a maintenance person needs to get in is a total game changer for me.

Oskar_Z

Joined:
07.02.2023
Posts: 2405

14.01.2026 16:21

I've been doing this for five years and my best advice is to stick to 'dumb' hardware that feels premium. Smart stuff usually ends up being a headache for the landlord.

simon_v

Joined:
24.05.2021
Posts: 2220

24.01.2026 19:18

In reply to a previous post

That's a fair point, but I've found that smart thermostats actually save me a ton of money on utility bills because I can set strict temperature boundaries.

Kevi_M

Joined:
15.09.2023
Posts: 844

12.02.2026 05:51

Whatever you do, don't use anything that requires a proprietary hub. It's just one more piece of hardware that can break or get unplugged by a tenant.

star_vulk

Joined:
16.02.2025
Posts: 1522

25.02.2026 04:16

In reply to a previous post

Exactly! I learned that the hard way with a Wink hub. Never again.

Hani_B

Joined:
07.02.2023
Posts: 267

23.03.2026 10:52

I provide a Ring doorbell at my units and the tenants love it. It's a huge selling point for security, and it's super easy for them to set up on their phones.

seba_bg

Joined:
14.06.2024
Posts: 1055

08.04.2026 03:27

In reply to a previous post

Ring is great, but make sure you have a policy in place for who manages the footage. You don't want to be held liable for any privacy issues.

Smart home upgrades for rental properties - what's worth it?

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