Owner Portal
Are you looking for more ways to increase the profitability of your rental property?
Of course you are.
For real estate investors, staying ahead in the market is not just about acquiring properties—it's about maximizing their value. One of the latest trends revolutionizing the rental industry is smart home technology. That technology itself isn’t new. What is new is the demand for it in Atlanta’s rental market. If you want to attract the best tenants and bring in the highest rents, you have to offer some kind of smart home tech. It’s still a competitive advantage, but it won’t be for long.
By integrating smart devices, not only can you enhance your property’s appeal, but you can also boost tenant satisfaction and, ultimately, your bottom line. It makes financial sense to implement some smart home tech in your rental property. There’s a ton of potential for higher profits.
But how exactly does this work? And, more importantly, how can you ensure the best return on investment for a smart home investment?
We’re so glad you asked. As expert Atlanta property managers, we are here to show you how it’s been working for our owners in the properties that we lease, manage, and maintain for them.
Smart Home Technology Matters in Atlanta Real Estate and Here’s Why
The demand for smart home features in rental properties and those on the sales market has skyrocketed in recent years. This is perhaps expected when someone is buying a home, but it’s also become important to renters. Tenants increasingly expect properties to provide convenience, security, and energy efficiency.
You have to meet that demand if you want to earn as much as possible in rental income and ROI. By upgrading your rental property with these technologies, you’re not just meeting market demand—you’re standing out in a crowded space.
Leverage this competitive advantage. Not only does it keep you viable in the rental market, but it also sets you up for a higher sales price later, when you’re ready to sell your investment.
Key Benefits of Smart Home Investments for Landlords
If you’re looking for concrete advantages, we have several. Let’s take a look at what you have to gain by making smart home tech a priority when you’re budgeting for improvements and upgrades at your Atlanta rental property. Yes, fresh paint is important. Clean floors, too. Updated landscaping is important for your curb appeal.
But, if you really want to maximize your profits, smart home tech is where you should be upgrading, and here’s why.
Smart Home Updates Attract High-Quality Tenants
You’ll get better residents interested in your rental property, for starters. Not only are you likely to show up high on the list of homes tenants are interested in seeing, you’re also going to increase your rental value. Tenants are willing to pay more for homes equipped with smart features like smart locks, thermostats, and security cameras. According to a recent survey by Realtor.com, properties featuring these upgrades often earn 10–15% more in rent. That’s worth investing the time and resources into.
Tech Features Provide Enhanced Property Value
Adding smart technology to your property is a strategic way to improve its overall value. Should you decide to sell the property later, these upgrades can set you up for a higher asking price from prospective buyers. When it comes to establishing value for your property, modern touches like LED lights and ENERGY STAR appliances are going to matter to what you sell your home for. No one is selling at top dollar for shag carpet and wood paneled walls. Keep your investment modern if you want to make more money now and later.
Smart Home Tech Delivers Lower Operating Costs
While upfront investments in smart tech might seem significant, these devices can reduce operating expenses in a meaningful way over the long term. For example, smart thermostats can help save energy costs by optimizing heating and cooling schedules—an attractive feature for both landlords and tenants. If you have installed security tech such as a video doorbell, vacancies are less troublesome because you’ll be able to keep an eye on anything that’s happening at or around the home when it’s empty.
A Path Toward Improved Tenant Retention
When you provide some of the most desirable technology that’s available, tenants are easily retained, and that saves you from vacancies and expensive turnovers, thus increasing your income. Current tenants are more likely to renew their leases when their experiences are enhanced with modern conveniences. Smart home features simplify their daily lives and create a sense of added luxury to where they’re living.
These are really only a few of the benefits. If you’ve provided even the most basic types of tech in your investment property, you know how valuable it is to your tenants and your bottom line.
High-Impact Smart Home Features for Rental Properties
If you’re ready to invest in smart home tech, start with upgrades that deliver the best ROI. Here are the top features to consider for your Atlanta rental property. It’s quite possible to start small. There’s no need to provide everything all at once. Choose a few key features, and build from there.
Some places to start:
Smart Locks and Keyless Entry Systems
Tenants value the added convenience and enhanced security of keyless entry. It’s modern, it’s easy, and it cuts down on the risk of lost keys. This feature allows landlords to manage access remotely, which simplifies turnover between tenants. It allows you to provide access to maintenance vendors and service professionals like cleaners. The cost of implementing a digital keypad or a smart lock is fairly minimal. There are low up upfront costs, but this type of amenity offers high perceived value to tenants.
Smart Thermostats
The only trend that rivals smart home tech when it comes to rental properties and tenant demand is sustainability. A lot of modern tenants are looking for homes that leave less of a footprint. Smart thermostats allow you to market your property as green and tech-forward. Tenants love the energy savings and remote control of heating and cooling systems. Meanwhile, you as the property owner can benefit from properties that are more energy-efficient, reducing overall utility consumption.
Depending on the model you install, you can expect a moderate cost upfront, with long-term savings and improved energy efficiency over the long term.
Smart Security Systems
Security is more important than ever to tenants. And there are a number of systems on the market that are simple but effective. Features like doorbell cameras and motion sensors create a secure living space, increasing tenant satisfaction and confidence in their home. These do not have to be expensive, and you’ll find you’re adding value to both rental and resale potential.
Smart Lighting Systems
Lighting is a big part of security as well as aesthetics. With a smart lighting system, tenants can control lighting remotely and program schedules, saving energy and creating ambiance. They can turn the lights on in the kitchen or the hallway when they’re on their way home, or program them to turn off outside once the sun comes up. This type of lighting is affordable and easy to install, making it an ideal entry point for your smart home upgrades.
Voice-Activated Hubs
Devices like Amazon Echo or Google Nest make homes feel futuristic, attracting tech-savvy tenants who appreciate modern conveniences. There’s not a huge cost involved, and tenants can usually sync their own devices to whatever you have set up. The investment is low-cost and quick to install but provides high novelty value for tenants.
Maximizing ROI on Smart Home Investments
The success of your smart home investment doesn’t just rest on installing the latest tech. Strategy matters. It’s important to optimize your investment for maximum ROI. Prioritize tenant needs, for example. Not all smart features will fit every tenant demographic. Some rentals might benefit most from smart security and lighting, whereas other property types might see added value with voice-activated hubs and thermostats. Know your market and your tenants. We can help if you’re not sure.
It’s also important to balance costs and ROI carefully. While advanced features like whole-home automation systems might sound appealing, they may not always align with tenant expectations or justify the upfront costs. Focus on features that your target audience finds valuable.
Once your upgrades are in place, use them to your advantage. Highlight these features in your marketing materials and rental listings. Utilize phrasing like “smart home” or "tech-enabled homes" in your descriptions to attract interested renters.
Partnering with Atlanta property managers ensures your upgrades are professionally installed and tailored for optimal performance.
Smart home technology is no longer a luxury—it’s quickly becoming a necessity in competitive rental markets like ours. For real estate investors, it offers a unique opportunity to unlock higher rents, create a better tenant experience, and future-proof properties.
Let’s talk more about how these features apply to your property. Contact us at Property Services of Atlanta for more information.