Smart home technology is no longer a luxury feature. Used well, a few inexpensive devices can protect a rental property, save energy and make day-to-day management easier. Used badly, they can create privacy problems and tenant complaints. Here is what landlords should consider.
Devices worth considering
- Water leak sensors. Water damage is one of the most common and costly problems in rental properties. Sensors near the water heater, under sinks and by the washing machine can send an alert before a small leak becomes a flood.
- Smart thermostats. They improve comfort and can reduce energy use. Think about who pays the heating bill and who controls the settings.
- Keyless entry. Keypad or smart locks remove the need to re-key between tenants and make it easier to give trades access. Make sure tenants always have reliable access and are given the keys or codes they need.
- Smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. These can send alerts to your phone, but they must still meet the law, be installed correctly and be tested regularly.
- Video doorbells at shared entrances. Useful for building security, as long as they are placed on exteriors and common areas only.
Privacy comes first
A rental unit is the tenant’s home. Never place cameras or microphones inside a tenant’s unit. Tell tenants about any device in a shared or exterior area, limit who can view recordings, and follow Canadian privacy requirements. When in doubt, ask before you install.
Practical points before you buy
- Connectivity: decide who provides the internet connection and what happens during an outage.
- Accounts and data: keep device accounts in the owner’s or manager’s name and plan how access is handed over when a tenancy ends.
- Upkeep: batteries, software updates and replacements need a schedule and a budget.
- Lease wording: describe any devices in the lease so everyone knows what is installed and who is responsible.
Where to start
For most landlords, leak sensors and a smart thermostat give the best return for the lowest cost and the fewest privacy questions. Add other devices one at a time and review how they work for tenants.
The Address Property Management can help you move into the future with smart home technology as part of our services.
Want a team to handle this for you? Book a free consultation or contact us.
