Anyone Providing Tenants With Techy Stuff?

Question

Is anyone providing their rental SFH with minor tech items such as Ring doorbells or smart deadbolts? These were standard in my new home and it's really a great piece of mind annoying I can let my kids in and check on my door locks from anywhere. I was thinking maybe only the smart deadbolt since that's the safety item and I believe the Ring doorbell is a bit more involved so I'd probably not do that. I'd add the fact that I had a smart deadbolt in my marketing and advise them upon leasing how it works and that it's their responsibility to purchase a hub I want to use it. Just curious what other folks are putting in there properties.

JD Martin · Answer

I wouldn't unless you are talking really high-end properties. Anything you add or provide you are either going to have to maintain/replace or have bitter tenants on your hands when it breaks. Every time they have an issue with their wireless you'll be getting a text that the Ring doorbell doesn't work any more.

A big part of successful landlording is dummy-proofing properties. The higher the tech, the more likely you're going to have complaints and issues. Nobody cares what you add but they will be bitter about what you take away. Our properties have no icemakers or garbage disposals because they're notorious problems and can also do great damage. Appliances are as simple as you can get them so that even the dumbest people can operate them.

Colleen F. · Answer

I wouldn't add it if it isn't there.  have used manual keycode locks which works pretty well.