Smart Devices in SFH (long-term rental)

[Cody Waters]

Hello BP Community!

I have been researching smart thermostats and smart locks for homes with the intention of placing them in my long-term SF rentals. If successful this would eliminate the need changing locks between tenants, extending the life of the HVAC system, provide convenience to the tenants, etc. 

Questions/concerns that have come up include: setting up the devices on WiFi (whose paying for internet), teaching the tenants how to set these up, troubleshooting, and control/privacy (from the tenant's POV).

I believe I will need Admin access to set up, change, delete codes for the lock which would require me to provide internet access (passing along the password/cost to the tenant). Has anyone successfully implemented this in their long-term rental(s) or have any suggestions on how I might?

[Nicole Heasley Beitenman]

They'd still cover internet. 

I'd start small--maybe just smart locks at first and see how it goes. Put together a thorough guide and see if it's effective or if you're still getting bombarded with questions. Hopefully that guides you in implementing more systems over time.