Being a landlord is no walk in the park, and rarely do people have the necessary skills to manage multiple properties simultaneously. The idea of renting out space to tenants and making income sounds ideal, but there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work going on.
A top priority for any property manager is to keep tenants safe and secure in their rental. However, it can be challenging to know which technology will get the job done. There are plenty of security systems available, but how can a landlord know which is the best?
Whether it’s a beach condo or an urban apartment, ensuring that renters feel safe from intruders is crucial. Innovative home technology can make it simple to integrate properties with systems that protect tenants and their belongings. It can also save a landlord time and money to take the proper precautions.
Here’s how property managers can benefit from upgrading security systems.
Benefits of Smart Home Technology
As technology advances, it’s no surprise that security systems are now a part of many modern homes. Every place, regardless of location, requires some protection. Whether it’s a smart doorbell, thermostat or a system connected to emergency services, they all offer an array of benefits.
â— Burglary protection: It can be scary when someone tries to gain access to steal, loot or destroy property. A system that detects this can deter criminals and protect the rental unit’s integrity.
â— Hazardous gas detection: Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, so having a system that can detect high levels of this poisonous gas is the best option for landlords.
â— Emergency notifications: During an emergency, it can be challenging to get a hold of the right services like the fire department, local authorities or EMTs. Security systems with the capability of calling these groups can make a world of difference.
â— Remote access control: Limiting who comes in and out of a property can be easier with digital remote access capabilities. Smart systems allow landlords to unlock and lock doors, and digital keypads make accessing a home much more straightforward.
It’s worth noting that some properties, such as commercial or office buildings, require more enhanced systems to guarantee protection. Another tidbit worth mentioning is that privacy issues come into play when considering security for a property. There are local laws that landlords must follow to preserve tenant privacy. So while it’s vital to offer protection services, it shouldn’t come at that expense.
Best Security Tech for Landlords
Here are some examples of the best security technologies that grant peace of mind to landlords and renters alike.
Keyless Pin-Pads
It was once feasible to lend keys out to renters, but those days are over for many landlords. Instead, a keyless pin-pad is now a popular gadget for landlords to install on the main entryway. Rather than fumble with keys, property managers can share a code with renters so they can easily access the property. In addition, codes can be changed so landlords can avoid the hassle of rekeying or changing locks.
Doorbell Cameras
Popular brands like Vivint, Ring, Nest and Kangaroo sell doorbells with cameras integrated into the system. As a result, renters or landlords can be alerted when someone is at the door and can see who it is before answering. This is especially useful for property owners who do not live close to their rental units.
Smart Thermostats
Landlords need to monitor the temperature of unused rentals. Depending on the location, turning on the heat during the cold winter months prevents pipes from freezing and other avoidable problems. In addition, smart thermostats connected to a Wi-Fi network can be accessed remotely on a smartphone or other device. Maintaining an appropriate temperature is also more environmentally friendly and can even keep costs down.
Smart Security Systems
Many of the technologies listed above are sold in home security system bundles. Landlords can spend hundreds of dollars on this tech, but when bought together, there’s only one price to pay. The more expensive systems offer extensive security measures. Landlords must assess their properties and make a well-educated decision on what security measures should be taken.
Protecting Properties Is Essential
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Burglaries account for 16.1% of property crime in the United States, so landlords should take the proper preventive measures to limit security threats. In addition, having a smart security strategy allows tenants to enjoy their stay, and landlords can continue managing their rental units with peace of mind.
