How do you manage/keep track of your Short Term rental properties?

General Landlording & Rental Properties
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How do you manage/keep track of your Short Term rental properties?

Chidvi Pemula
Member since 2024 · 2 posts · 2 votes

I installed smart devices (Nest, Lock, Security System, Garage door openers, Blinds and others)  in my property before listing it on AirBnb. I don't want tenants to go and mess with them. I prefer to give them access by accounts, I need to do it for every tenant.  Are there others who has similar problem? If so, how are you all managing this? 

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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
Moderator
Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
2y
Quote from @Chidvi Pemula:

I avoid smart devices, particularly on short-term rentals. The more technology is involved, the more problems you'll have with tenants that can't follow instructions or tech that fails. The only thing I use is a smart lock, always with a key backup.


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  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Chidvi Pemula:

    I avoid smart devices, particularly on short-term rentals. The more technology is involved, the more problems you'll have with tenants that can't follow instructions or tech that fails. The only thing I use is a smart lock, always with a key backup.


    The DIY Landlord Book4.7247 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
  • Linsey Gallo
    Member since 2024 · 8 posts · 6 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Chidvi Pemula:

    I installed smart devices (Nest, Lock, Security System, Garage door openers, Blinds and others)  in my property before listing it on AirBnb. I don't want tenants to go and mess with them. I prefer to give them access by accounts, I need to do it for every tenant.  Are there others who has similar problem? If so, how are you all managing this? 


     Good morning Chidvi,

    I very respectfully disagree with Nathan. I am pretty much a newb in the Real Estate realm, but Technology is my jam. There are definitely ways to approach this with smart home tech while minimizing complexity for yourself and guests. I think short-term rentals are a great place to leverage technology to set yourself apart from your competition.

    Convenience for guests: Smart locks provide keyless access, eliminating the need for physical keys and potential lockouts. Smart thermostats can ensure a comfortable temperature upon arrival. These features can enhance the guest experience.

    Remote monitoring: Smart security systems and external cameras offer peace of mind for both you and your guests. You can remotely monitor the property and address any potential issues quickly.

    Automated tasks: Smart lights can be programmed to turn on/off automatically, saving energy and adding a touch of security by creating the illusion of occupancy when the property is vacant.

    Consider using a smart home hub like Google Home or Amazon Echo. These hubs can manage various devices from different brands under one platform, simplifying your setup. Many smart devices offer the ability to create guest accounts with limited permissions. This allows you to grant access to specific functionalities (e.g., adjusting thermostats, locking/unlocking doors) without giving full control of your smart home system. Certainly beats driving to a rental at midnight when your guests lock themselves out or monitoring your guests turning the thermostat down to 65 degrees and frying your HVAC unit.

    Ultimately, the decision depends on your comfort level. If you don’t have smart devices in your own home, I would not recommend putting them into a rental. If you familiarize yourself with the technology, there are great ways to leverage smart home tech.

    I’d be curious to hear your thoughts. Also, if you ever have questions about tech feel free to reach out. My area of focus is Information Technology/Information Security but I can usually help someone work through a problem when they are trying to leverage tech in building themselves a solution to a problem they are facing.

    Very best of luck to you


    1Reply
  • Steffen Cushing
    Lender · Franklin, TN · Member since 2022 · 33 posts · 8 votes
    2y

    have you checked into Kaba door locks? they are bit more on the expensive side, but dont use wifi and are more durable then the regular keyless door entries. this ensures that guests can always get in and out even if there is a power outage. 

    0Reply
  • Chidvi Pemula
    OP
    Member since 2024 · 2 posts · 2 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Linsey Gallo:
    Quote from @Chidvi Pemula:

    I installed smart devices (Nest, Lock, Security System, Garage door openers, Blinds and others)  in my property before listing it on AirBnb. I don't want tenants to go and mess with them. I prefer to give them access by accounts, I need to do it for every tenant.  Are there others who has similar problem? If so, how are you all managing this? 


     Good morning Chidvi,

    I very respectfully disagree with Nathan. I am pretty much a newb in the Real Estate realm, but Technology is my jam. There are definitely ways to approach this with smart home tech while minimizing complexity for yourself and guests. I think short-term rentals are a great place to leverage technology to set yourself apart from your competition.

    Convenience for guests: Smart locks provide keyless access, eliminating the need for physical keys and potential lockouts. Smart thermostats can ensure a comfortable temperature upon arrival. These features can enhance the guest experience.

    Remote monitoring: Smart security systems and external cameras offer peace of mind for both you and your guests. You can remotely monitor the property and address any potential issues quickly.

    Automated tasks: Smart lights can be programmed to turn on/off automatically, saving energy and adding a touch of security by creating the illusion of occupancy when the property is vacant.

    Consider using a smart home hub like Google Home or Amazon Echo. These hubs can manage various devices from different brands under one platform, simplifying your setup. Many smart devices offer the ability to create guest accounts with limited permissions. This allows you to grant access to specific functionalities (e.g., adjusting thermostats, locking/unlocking doors) without giving full control of your smart home system. Certainly beats driving to a rental at midnight when your guests lock themselves out or monitoring your guests turning the thermostat down to 65 degrees and frying your HVAC unit.

    Ultimately, the decision depends on your comfort level. If you don’t have smart devices in your own home, I would not recommend putting them into a rental. If you familiarize yourself with the technology, there are great ways to leverage smart home tech.

    I’d be curious to hear your thoughts. Also, if you ever have questions about tech feel free to reach out. My area of focus is Information Technology/Information Security but I can usually help someone work through a problem when they are trying to leverage tech in building themselves a solution to a problem they are facing.

    Very best of luck to you



     Thanks Linsey, exactly my thoughts. I would happily give limited and restricted access to renters and not bother. 

    1Reply
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