The Best Smart Home Technology for Rental Properties

November 19, 2024

Adding smart home technology to your rental property can be very beneficial. Not only will it attract renters, but in many cases, it will make your home safer and help prolong the life of the property. Check out some of our favorite smart home devices to make your property more marketable and your job easier.

Smart Locks

Gone are the days when you need to keep track of keys or make extra copies. Middle of the night phone calls to a locksmith are no longer necessary, nor are changing all the locks when switching tenants.

Smart lock technology has numerous features, depending on the unit purchased. Most will allow you to create unique codes to provide remote access to tenants and contractors in a limited timeframe. For a comprehensive overview of different smart locks on the market, check out this list of some of the best smart locks in 2024.

Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat works through Wi-Fi and allows you to control the temperature of your rental through your smartphone. Many different types will allow you to set a schedule for heating and cooling and even set up geofencing so the home can be comfortable upon your arrival. These luxury features could really attract tenants.

If you are leasing short-term rentals, this remote access can help ensure a guest doesn’t accidentally blast the AC in summer for a prolonged period or forget to turn on the heater during cold winter months. Smart thermostats with the ENERGY STAR label have been independently tested to deliver energy savings, another benefit to a landlord’s bottom line.

If you’d like to explore detailed options, features, and pricing, check out this article by the New York Times, which explores some of the top models of 2024.

Smart Smoke & Smart Carbon Dioxide Detectors

Washington state landlord law requires rental units to be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms, smoke alarms, and heat detection. While a standard smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector will work, most smart versions will also send an alert to your smartphone so you can call emergency services.

This extra layer of security could reassure your tenant and increase the response time should an emergency arise. Similarly, if you or your tenant are not home, the alert on your phone can make you quickly aware of an issue taking place. Check out this review of the best smart smoke detectors.

Smart Water Leak Detector

Unchecked water damage can be a nightmare for landlords. Whether it’s a slow leak under the sink or an accident created by a tenant, addressing water damage quickly can save you time and money. While periodic home checks, open communication with your tenant, and an expert plumber on your team can circumvent many water issues, there is another layer of security available for your rental. A smart water leak detector will send you alerts and notifications if extra moisture or a leak is suspected in your home. There are many different types. Some need to be professionally installed by a plumber, others can be placed strategically to sense rising water or drips. There are some smart leak detectors that run cables to allow large areas of a room to be monitored. Wired reviewed these water leak detectors, and you can also watch the video below to understand the different versions available.

Smart Noise Monitors

Great for those who manage short-term rentals, smart noise monitors ensure your property remains peaceful while still providing privacy for tenants. They detect noise levels but won’t record or transmit audio. You can receive an alert regarding occupancy limits and other compliance issues that may arise in the short-term rental market.

Smart technology has made managing a property easier than ever. There’s the ease of a smart lock and the comfort and cost savings of a smart thermostat. Keeping the home and tenants safe is easier with a smart carbon monoxide, smoke, and leak detector. Many smart devices, such as noise detectors, offer peace of mind for owners while still respecting tenants’ privacy.

If you like your rental property but want someone else to screen tenants, quickly resolve maintenance issues, and more, we expertly manage hundreds of properties here in Kitsap County, and we're happy to help.

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Managing Expectations When Renting Your Home

August 19, 2025

Renting out your home often comes with a mix of emotions and expectations. Managing your expectations as the owner and those of your tenants is a crucial part of the rental process. Here are some tips to help you achieve successful outcomes. Understanding the Rental Market Before renting out your home, do your research. Look at your local rental market. Are there a lot of homes for rent in your city? What about in your neighborhood? Do they sit unoccupied or are they rented out quickly? What is the average rental price for a home that is similar to yours? It’s important to set competitive rental prices while understanding supply and demand. If you work with a reputable property management company that has local expertise, they will know the market well and will properly price your rental. Preparing Your Home for Rent Ensure your home is rent-ready by prioritizing safety. As a landlord, you will be required to keep the premises fit for human habitation . This Washington state law encompasses many safety standards and home repair projects. For example, landlords must make sure that carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in working order, as well as major electrical and plumbing fixtures and appliances. Now is the time to make any necessary repairs and deep clean your property. Whether you are renting your home furnished or unfurnished, everything should be in good condition. Check out our article for tips on preparing your property for rent . Additionally, you may want to consider some budget-friendly upgrades to enhance your home before you rent it out. It can increase the value of your home and attract more attention. Setting Realistic Financial Expectations While an investment property can be financially beneficial, we highly recommend calculating potential rental income and expenses. It’s important to understand the costs of property management and maintenance. Also, you’ll want to prepare for potential vacancies and financial fluctuations. Consider the legal side of rental properties as well. Every landlord should be familiar with local, state, and federal fair housing laws . For instance, Washington has specific laws about how security deposits are assessed, held, and returned to tenants. Increasing the rent or terminating a lease requires adherence to specific guidelines. Therefore, you’ll want to take time to do your research and consider these legal factors when pricing your home for rent . If the legal side of property management or the time required to effectively manage a rental seems overwhelming, you may want to utilize a property management company. While this does come at a cost, it can be beneficial , saving you time and money by offering professional marketing, preventative maintenance, built-in tenant screening, and property managers who are well-versed in landlord-tenant laws. Check out our local experts here at Windermere Property Management . Communication and Relationship Management After screening potential tenants, conducting credit checks, and calling references, it is essential to foster positive landlord-tenant relationships with your new renters. This begins with clear, open communication. Setting expectations with tenants from the start paves the way for transparency and builds trust. Renting out your home requires both project management and relationship management. This means that you are ready to handle sudden, needed repairs, answer contract questions, and deal with unexpected issues in a prompt and professional manner. Long-Term Planning It’s wise to set long-term goals for your rental property from the start. Renting out your home for a couple of years while you’re living elsewhere comes with one set of expectations and requirements, while renting it out as passive income for the next 10+ years is very different. Additionally, if you plan to sell it within the next few years, you will also have certain objectives to meet regarding upkeep and preserving or increasing its market value. Your local rental market may also change, so creating a plan that is both proactive and flexible is the key. If you have any questions, our property managers are here to assist you.