The ongoing appeal of your investment property often hinges on its ability to provide comfort and convenience. Good tenants will also want modern amenities and features when they’re renting a home in California. There’s a lot of interest from current residents in innovative smart home features.
How can you stay competitive?
We have some ideas about upgrades you can make to meet the expectations of renters. These smart home upgrades will provide streamlined living and, often, reduced utility costs.
Harnessing Smart Thermostats for Energy Efficiency
California’s commitment to environmental sustainability is reflected in its stringent energy efficiency regulations. Smart thermostats are a great opportunity for an upgrade. Equipping your rental property with a smart thermostat system can significantly lower energy bills while providing tenants with increased comfort and control over their indoor environment.
Smart thermostats are technologically advanced versions of traditional thermostats. They use sensors and learn algorithms to adjust indoor temperatures based on occupancy, typical usage patterns, and local weather conditions, ensuring energy is not wasted on cooling or heating empty rooms.
For tenants, the appeal lies in the convenience of remote access via smartphone, ensuring their home is the perfect temperature upon arrival home from work or traveling. For investors, the reduced wear on HVAC systems can be considerable. Moreover, the environmental impact of reducing one’s carbon footprint is increasingly a priority for many California tenants.
Enhancing Security and Convenience with Video Doorbells
Home security has always been a top concern for renters, and video doorbells are especially popular. This smart upgrade offers a proactive security solution that also elevates the rental experience by providing a greater sense of control and convenience.
Video doorbells integrate with smartphone apps, allowing tenants to see and communicate with visitors remotely. They provide visual verification prior to entry, acting as a powerful deterrent to potential intruders.
When there’s a video doorbell in place, there’s a deterrent against package theft, which is more common than ever, and you’ll also have a digital record of who comes and goes, which is helpful in the event of any disputes or incidents.
Upgrade to Smart Lights and Appliances
Lighting and appliances an important part of any home. When these fixtures become “smart,” the benefits are more than just bells and whistles—they can save energy, increase safety, and offer unprecedented convenience.
Smart lighting systems, often controllable by voice or through an app, allow tenants to personalize their living space with customized lighting scenes. They can also be set on schedules to mimic occupancy, dissuading would-be-burglars.
Upgrading to smart appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, or dryers, can contribute to a more energy-efficient home, while also offering features like remote diagnostics and automatic reorders for consumables. They can reduce maintenance calls and provide a modern, upscale feel to the rental unit.
Investing in smart home upgrades is a good idea when you’re trying to increase your property value, raise your rents, and attract and retain high-quality tenants.
When it comes to differentiating your property from others on the market, smart home amenities can be the deciding factor for discerning renters who are willing to pay a premium for the promise of a more sophisticated, efficient, and secure living space.
If you’d like some recommendations for your specific investment property, please contact us at ZenPro Property Management.
