Making Smart Investments in Smart Homes: A Guide for Landlords

These days, everything seems to be “smart.” From toothbrushes to even diapers, it feels like every little gadget is getting a tech upgrade. But let’s be real—do we need smart diapers? Probably not.

When it comes to homes, though, smart tech is a different story. It’s practical, efficient, and can save you money while boosting your property’s appeal. For landlords and property managers, it’s worth paying attention to how this tech can elevate your rentals.

Whether you're building-to-rent or managing existing properties, smart upgrades can make your units more energy-efficient, secure, and tenant-friendly. Let’s break down some of the best ways to integrate smart home tech—and why it’s a win-win for owners and tenants alike.

The Smart Tech Hub: Start Here

Before diving into all the shiny gadgets, you need a solid foundation: a smart home hub. This is the command center for all your devices. Without it, tenants might end up juggling a mess of apps and passwords, which kind of defeats the purpose.

Most smart devices sync seamlessly with Google Home, Siri, or Alexa. You could also go the extra mile with a wall-mounted panel or central app to keep things streamlined.

Smart Tech in the Kitchen

The kitchen is a hot spot for tech. It’s where tenants spend a lot of time, and adding smart features here can make a big impression.

• Smart Faucets: Touchless is nice, but smart faucets go a step further. Tenants can control them with voice commands—“Pour 2 cups of water,” or “Turn on for 10 seconds.” Bonus: they monitor water usage, which is great for conserving resources.

• Smart Appliances: From fridges that manage grocery lists to microwaves that scan barcodes for perfect cooking, there’s no shortage of cool options. While these are higher-ticket upgrades, they’re major selling points for tenants who value convenience.

Heating, Cooling & Energy Efficiency

Smart climate control systems are a no-brainer for landlords looking to save on energy costs and keep tenants happy.

• Smart Thermostats: These devices learn tenants’ habits, adjusting temperatures automatically to balance comfort and efficiency. They’re also remotely controllable, which is a lifesaver for avoiding frozen pipes during unexpected cold snaps.

• Smart Shades: These programmable window coverings help tenants manage light and heat gain/loss, reducing energy bills. Plus, they’re voice-activated, which feels pretty fancy.

Doors, Locks & Security

Tenant safety is always a priority, and smart tech makes it easier than ever.

• Smart Locks: No more fumbling with keys! Smart locks let tenants unlock doors remotely or grant temporary access to maintenance staff. For you, they simplify vacant property showings.

• Smart Doorbells: With built-in cameras and two-way communication, devices like Ring add an extra layer of security. Tenants can screen visitors and keep an eye on package deliveries.

Lighting & Power

Energy efficiency is a big draw, and smart lighting delivers.

• Smart Bulbs: These LED wonders last longer, use less energy, and can be set to different moods or schedules. Tenants will love the ability to dim lights for movie night or brighten them for work mode—all through voice commands or an app.

• Smart Plugs: These turn any outlet into a tech-savvy power source. Some even monitor energy usage or detect flooding, giving both tenants and landlords peace of mind.

Security Cameras

Adding smart security cameras can be a great way to give tenants (and yourself) peace of mind. Just make sure to respect privacy laws—you’re enhancing security, not spying!

The Big Picture

Smart tech isn’t just about shiny gadgets; it’s about improving the way we live and manage properties. Tenants get convenience, efficiency, and security, while landlords enjoy better tenant satisfaction and potentially lower operating costs.

If you’re unsure where to start, survey your tenants or chat with property owners about what matters most to them. Security? Energy savings? A cool factor that wows renters? Whatever the goal, there’s a smart solution out there for you.

Investing in smart tech is just that—an investment. And it’s one that can pay dividends in tenant retention, operational savings, and overall property value.

So, which smart upgrade will you make first?