Smart Devices in SFH (long-term rental)

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Smart Devices in SFH (long-term rental)

Cody Waters
Rental Property Investor · Conway, AR · Member since 2019 · 10 posts · 3 votes

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?

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Nicole Heasley Beitenman
Investor · Youngstown, OH · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
3y

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.

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  • Nicole Heasley Beitenman
    Investor · Youngstown, OH · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    3y

    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.

    1Reply
  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Cody Waters:

    The "smarter" the technology, the more likely something will go wrong. Those smart devices are easy to hack. They have technical problems. Tenants have a hard time figuring them out. 

    I recommend a non-locking door handle and an electronic deadbolt like this: https://www.amazon.com/schlage...

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7247 Reviews
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  • Cody Waters
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Conway, AR · Member since 2019 · 10 posts · 3 votes
    3y

    @Nicole Heasley Beitenman, that's a great suggestion. Building systems is exactly what I'm trying to do now before growing my portfolio any further. Thank you for the advice!

    @Nathan Gesner, I'm not sure why I hadn't thought to use an electronic deadbolt that does not connect to the internet. I really appreciate you providing the link! 

    I plan to combine these two suggestions, starting small and using less "smart" technology to get started. Thank you both again for your help!!

    2Reply
  • Riley S.
    Member since 2022 · 5 posts · 1 vote
    3y

    Just to confirm for you, I'm also going to use a smart lock where the code can be changed but doesn't need to be connected to WiFi. Not sure about the thermostat, sounds great but not sure how it would work with tenant needing to pay for the internet.

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  • Cody Waters
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Conway, AR · Member since 2019 · 10 posts · 3 votes
    3y

    @Riley S., my thoughts exactly! A smart thermostat would make a great feature for tenant and landlord, however, I have yet to figure out how to implement it (for a long-term rental). 

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