Single-Family Rentals Smart Home Automation: Upgrading Your Investment

A comprehensive smart home technology package elevates the value of a single-family rental (SFR) property for both the operator and renter. These smart home devices and systems (like lighting, security, HVAC and irrigation) are remotely controlled with ease via a smartphone app. Here are a few of the most important items to consider including in a rental property’s smart home automation package to help you maximize your SFR investments.  
 

Smart thermostat 

According to a 2022 survey from rent.com, smart thermostats that can be controlled remotely are the most sought-after smart device among renters. And with the convenience and comfort they can provide, it’s easy to see why. Most models enable users to adjust heating and cooling temperatures based on the hours residents are home, to help maximize comfort and lower energy bills. Some can even use geofencing capabilities that allow them to detect whether a resident’s mobile device is present to know when to turn the A/C or heat up or down. Plus, when a property is vacant the owner or manager can control the asset from a centralized location, making it easier to efficiently manage the home. 

Smart security system 

Smart home security and remote monitoring is becoming more common, so there are plenty of systems to choose from. Options today allow your renter to decide if they want to do the monitoring themselves or via a surveillance subscription. Either way, they can receive alerts anywhere about potential security threats such as a garage door that was left open. And they can even arm and disarm them remotely.   

Smart locks  

Smart locks were the second most requested smart item by renters in rent.com’s survey. There are multiple types of smart locks that allow residents to remotely lock, unlock and monitor doors via a phone app, maximizing both property security and convenience. Some options don’t actually replace the lock mechanism, so a physical key can still be used as a backup. Plus, most smart locks allow users to confirm they’ve locked a door after leaving home for added peace of mind.  

Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors 

Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (often combined into one device) can provide an extra layer of safety to your technology package. If there’s an emergency, the devices can send alerts to the resident’s smartphone. They can also let users know about low batteries without the typical loud chirping of conventional models. Some models can even connect to other smart home technologies like lighting, allowing residents to be alerted by a flash or color change in every room so everyone is aware of an emergency.   

Smart outlet 

Smart electrical outlets enable greater convenience and safety by letting users control the power to any device plugged into it remotely via a smartphone or voice assistant. Residents can turn off a lamp or iron that they forgot to shut off before leaving home (or using voice commands when at home). Users can also track their energy use with some models and design schedules to automate their use.    

Smart doorbell 

Your tenants can know who’s at the front door without leaving the couch (or from anywhere in the world) with a smart doorbell. These smart devices show who’s on the porch via a smartphone app and allow users to talk to the person remotely as well. Some can also detect deliveries, helping residents to secure packages and prevent theft.  

Smart lighting 

Forgot to turn off the lights before leaving home? Or want to be able to turn specific ones on and off while away on vacation? Smart lighting technology can deliver. Not only can they be controlled remotely, many use location-based controls to detect the user’s smartphone location and turn lights on or off automatically.  

Smart garage door 

Smart garage doors can help make your SFR home safer and add convenience for your renters. Whether you add smart accessories to an existing garage door opener or opt for a new smart garage door system, renters will be able to remotely monitor and confirm whether the garage door is open or closed and open or close it as needed from any location.  

Choose MCS to Install Your Smart Home Technology Package 

When you’re ready to add a smart home technology package to your SFR, MCS can help with the installation. And our service centers can store related equipment on site for consistency in your homes, we can actually speed up the installation process. Learn more about how MCS can help you make the most of your SFR investment via smart home automation by contacting Jason Myers or Kerry Anderson today.