Smart Home Technology to Implement in Apartments & Multi-family Properties
I remember discussing smart home technology with Jon a couple of years ago. One of our friends asked their realtor whether they could sell their property without implementing smart technology. The realtor had advised that “times had changed, and buyers were increasingly attracted to the full experience.”
Finding and retaining good tenants is tough for a landlord. Offer tenants a high-quality experience, and hopefully, they won’t move out. Providing a rental property is a service. The apartment is the product. And the tenant is your customer.
Most tenants desire smart home technologies that improve security, safety, and convenience.
Access Control Systems
Access control systems prevent intruders from entering the building. Ideally, as a landlord, you make it easy and convenient for your tenants to enter the building. Allowing access to visitors is an entirely different layer to consider.
Most access control systems for multi-family buildings are installed at the main entrances. It’s also helpful to include them in areas with restricted access, such as:
- Elevator
- Mailroom
- Gym
- Lounge
- Garages
Fitting access control readers for each entrance allows tenants to present credentials. Tenants can use entry items such as a key card, key fob, or smartphone application. Technology is making access systems for large buildings simple and sleek. The latest systems incorporate biometric readers, making it even more convenient.
Security Cameras
Surveillance cameras inside and outside apartment buildings add additional security throughout your property. “Consider installing cameras in areas you think are ‘vulnerable’ to intruders.” The building perimeter is a great place to start!
Smart security cameras can be programmed to capture incidents when they are triggered by a motion detector (or sensor). If you think the outside of your multi-family building is dangerous, it’s smart to run the security cameras continuously.
Sensors and Alarms
Sensors and alarms offer security and safety in larger multifamily buildings. The sensors can detect raised levels of smoke, carbon monoxide, or any other unusual activity and notify the property management company for a quick response.
Sensors could also be programmed to notify emergency services. For a landlord managing large properties, automation is a safety measure.
HVAC Systems
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can improve the quality of the environment within an apartment block. However, they can be expensive to run if they are controlled manually. How many tenants do you think leave the heat blasting all day during the winter? Not all tenants are long-term tenants. Some will drive your property’s monthly expenses through the roof.
Lighting
Smart lighting systems can help to maintain the safety of tenants and the building itself. Like smart HVAC systems, apartment building lighting can be programmed to respond to existing weather conditions without human touch. Our homebuying company’s offices have incorporated smart lighting systems to save on unnecessary costs and promote sustainability.
Keeping Properties Safe
Whether you are a buyer, seller, property manager, or anyone associated with a property, keep it safe. Smart home technologies are not only an investment in better homes, but also safer homes. And we, as real estate professionals, are all for it.
