Renters now expect smart locks, thermostats, and cameras as standard amenities—not luxury add-ons. In recent surveys, around 65% of renters said properties are more appealing if they offer smart home tech, and approximately 31% would prioritise them over similar units without these features.
More than half (about 54%) expect smart locks, thermostats, and cameras in modern rentals. Gen Z, in particular, prioritises security cameras, video doorbells, and keyless entry when choosing where to live.
The Business Case- Occupancy, Rent Lift, And Efficiency
Smart amenities don’t just attract leads—they can justify modest rent premiums. Studies tied to rental-industry data show renters are willing to pay about $49–$52/month for unit-level security and access features (video doorbells, smart alarms, keyless locks).
On the operational side, smart thermostats can lower utility costs and support grid programmes. Long-running evaluations show typical savings on bills (often cited ~10–12% heating and ~15% cooling) and utilities continue to log meaningful reductions when devices pre-cool and optimise schedules.
Insurance dynamics also help: many homeowners and renters increasingly get premium discounts for safety devices, and over 30% of insureds say they would switch carriers to obtain smart-device benefits—useful talking points when marketing the unit’s total cost of living.
Real-World Adoption Is Accelerating
Short-term and mid-term rentals have raced ahead: in recent years, hundreds of thousands of U.S. vacation rental units adopted smart locks for streamlined guest access; in some markets 85%+ of check-ins at those properties used digital codes or mobile keys.
Mainstream platforms now integrate deeper: one global rentals platform added direct integrations with major smart-lock brands to auto-generate guest codes and deactivate them at checkout, reducing lockouts and re-keying.
The hardware market reflects the shift: the global smart-lock market was valued at around $2.8 billion in 2024 and is on track to triple by 2030.
What to Install First (and Why)
1) Smart Locks & Video Doorbells
- Why: Instant curb-appeal upgrade; safer, auditable access; fewer lost-key calls; effortless turnover.
- Key benefit: Strong renter willingness to pay; platform integrations automate access.
- Ideal for: Single-family rentals, small multifamily units, short-term rentals.
2) Smart Thermostats
- Why: Lower bills, comfort, and demand-response incentives; marketing angle for energy-conscious tenants.
- Key benefit: Bill savings over time and utility event reductions around ~1.0 kW per demand-response event.
- Ideal for: Units with individual HVAC or where tenants pay for utilities.
3) Smart Sensors & Leak/Smoke Detection
- Why: Early alerts reduce damage and claims; can support insurance discounts.
- Ideal for: Basements, units with older plumbing, water-adjacent areas (laundry, water-heaters).
4) Smart Lighting / Plugs
- Why: Easy win in rentals (no rewiring), scene control, vacancy savings. Trend data shows renters prioritise energy efficiency in their choices.
- Ideal for: Any unit; especially where you want to control in-unit switch-off between tenancies.
Quick Buyer’s for Landlords
| Device | Typical Cost (USD) | Install Type | Key Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keypad Smart Lock | 150–300 per door | Retrofit | Self-guided showings, code rotation, fewer re-keys | SFRs, small multifamily, STRs |
| Video Doorbell | 80–250 | Low-voltage/battery | Deterrence, package visibility, proof in disputes | Urban units, porch/package areas |
| Smart Thermostat | 100–250 | DIY/HVAC | ~10–15% HVAC bill savings; DR revenue; comfort | Units with separate HVAC |
| Water/Leak Sensors | 30–60 each | DIY | Prevents costly water damage | Basements, under sinks, water-heaters |
| Smart Plugs/Lights | 15–40 each | DIY | Vacancy shut-off, scenes, security lighting | Any unit; easy turnover reset |
Notes: Savings and premiums can vary by climate, usage, and tenant behaviour. Demand-response values depend on local utility programmes.
Implementation Tips That Work in Rentals
- Keep accounts landlord-controlled. Create a master property account and hand tenants limited access (temporary codes, device linking) so you can revoke on move-out without chasing logins.
- Market the full value. In your rental listings, highlight estimated monthly bill savings, insurance discount eligibility, and self-showing convenience to justify rent differentials.
- Start with access + HVAC. Data shows security and access drive willingness to pay, while thermostats deliver ongoing savings—this combo maximises ROI and retention.
- Plan for scale. Choose devices with bulk-management dashboards and open integrations so you can expand to more doors cost-effectively. Growth in the sector signals long-term support and fewer lock-in risks.
Adding smart locks, video doorbells, thermostats, and leak sensors can make your rental more attractive, easier to manage, and cheaper to operate.
In 2025, renters consistently prefer and are willing to pay for these features, platforms now automate secure access, and utilities reward energy-smart devices.
Start with access control and HVAC upgrades, market the total value (security, comfort, and monthly savings), and you’ll improve tenant satisfaction while protecting your bottom line.
FAQs
Start with smart locks for secure, code-based access and smart thermostats for efficiency. Together they boost demand and cut operating friction.
Yes. Surveys show renters prioritise and are willing to pay for smart access and security features, which improves conversion and retention when marketed clearly.
Yes. Many insurers offer discounts for approved devices and utilities run demand-response programmes that reward smart thermostats—check your local options.
