Smart appliances and other wifi-enabled products have features that can appeal to both building owners and residents.
By Matt Power, Editor-in-Chief
Landlords, developer/builders and building owners have used building management software for many years. The addition of new devices and appliances in the connected living space is further transforming the way building owners run their business, along with the way renters live their lives. To effectively communicate the value of smarter buildings, however, both parties need to understand specific ways that connected living can improve quality of life.
New products, with enhanced control and communication are transforming how building comfort is maintained (smart thermostats), how residents get in and out (smart keypads and locking systems), and what happens when a device fails or needs repair (self-diagnostics, leak detection and remote repair).
As we’ll explore on in more detail below, the right collection of connected products allows landlords can keep track of most of the important mechanical systems in the building. Residents, on the other hand, can enhance their own comfort and security, save time on tedious chores, and have the easy access to online services that they want.
Landlord Benefits
Landlords gain immediate cost benefits with connected technology. First, there are the fundamentals: climate control, security and access.
Climate Control. With smart thermostats, for example, building owners can establish flexible scheduling that maintains building comfort, yet still allows tenants temporary override capability. Some wifi thermostats can send an alert to the landlord when humidity levels spike suddenly to an unusually high level. Or temperatures drop to the point where pipes might freeze.
Security. Window and door sensors, surveillance cameras and occupancy sensors can all be integrated into building management. The key for landlords is to strike a balance that allows tenants to feel safe, but without invading their privacy. As this article points out, some tenants who suddenly encounter smart technology in their homes may feel their privacy is being invaded. They may worry that the technology will be vulnerable to hackers, and want to know how their “data” is being used. Transparency is key.
Access: Hand in hand with security is entry to the building and its sub-units. For landlords, the level of control can be minimal--or extremely tight. For example, some smart locks record which tenant comes and goes at what time of day. Most allow for multiple keypad codes. Some can be changed or deleted remotely. Other systems offer geofencing, so that the door simply unlocks as the phone owner comes into close proximity. How many of these options do landlords need or want? It depends, naturally, on the building and the situation.
The really exciting news in the connected living space, however, are the next tier of devices and sensors, which augment and integrate with the basics.
Leaks. For example, leak detectors can identify water problems such as leaks before they become bigger, more costly issues. One mitigation company estimates that when pipes leak, they can cost building owners about $2700 in repairs. Then there’s the issue of money down the drain. For example, according to this analysis, a single leaky toilet can waste up to 6,000 gallons of water per month—about $70 worth of water. And for homes where a centralized leak detecting product is not installed, some connected devices have begun to include their own leak sensor, Samsung’s connected dishwasher, for example, includes a digital leak sensor.
Air Quality. Smart range hoods and bath fans operate automatically when they sense moisture or air pollution, reducing false fire alarms, improving indoor air quality for all tenants, and reducing damage to ceilings and trim from grease, smoke and humidity.
Tenant Turn-Ons
What about renters? Do they actually want smart home technology? According to a 2018 study by Entrata, they do—more than many other amenities, including pools and childcare. But their priorities are not the same as building owners: First, they want good wifi and cable TV access. Next, they value the ability to manage their laundry in-house. Third, they love the idea of online rent payments, followed by health/fitness amenities, then security and smart locks.
Those opinions are not monolithic, of course. Across a broader sample of demographic groups consumers may be more open to a wide palette of technology.
As Multifamily Executive reports, “Ranked in order of preference (and across demographic groups), these include free Wi-Fi connectivity, smart thermostats, and Energy Star kitchen appliances. Next are features that offer convenience—keyless electronic front entry, built-in USB charging ports, in-unit motion-detection cameras, and motion-sensor lighting.”
It’s safe to say most tenants don’t think of climate control as an “extra,” any more than healthy air quality. They expect it as a standard. To talk with them about connected living, then, it’s important to approach the topic from a lifestyle perspective. They need to know how products will save them money or time.
For example, in tables 3 and 4 of this comprehensive study of how people perceive and use smart appliances, note how the respondents valued “autonomy” highest for washing machines and stoves. Combined that response with their interest in controlling these devices remotely, and you see that what they’re really seeking is time saving. With remote control of self-diagnostic appliances, they can manage many mundane chores while they’re waiting at a doctor’s office, or standing in line at the DMV.
Another, more esoteric benefits of connected living that appeals to users is the “mood setting,” aspect-- part of the urban experience that people are looking for in modern, well-designed apartments.
For example, consider connected living products such as smart refrigerators. A tenant may not seek out this type of technology, but in many ways it fits nicely with each of those factors. Provided it’s not tied to higher rent, they’ll inevitably find themselves using it as an extension of their smartphones to save time shopping or preparing meals. And it fits with their modern kitchen. They can check their calendar, chat with a roommate, play music, or figure out what to make with the leftovers in the fridge.
The story line then, that will catch the imagination of renters is a practical story about how connected living can keep monthly costs for renters predictable and modest. Sure, they will pay a little extra for a connected living apartment, but they might save money on water and electric bills, by managing their wifi-enabled laundry appliances.
Connected Control: Everybody Wins
The market for smart, connected devices in multifamily housing has become much more stable and mature in recent years. For landlords, it’s a no-brainer. The ability to monitor and manage energy efficiency, security and damage control remotely greatly reduces the risk to their valuable property. Also, a few insurers have begun to offer discounted rates for certain smart devices, such as wifi smoke dectors, smart locks and burglar alarms. This trend should continue.
The rental market then, if approached carefully, could be exactly the market niche that tech manufacturers have been looking for. It’s a way to normalize connected living in a way that reaches the mainstream by way of cost-conscious renters. Once landlords and tenants find a harmonious balance among products and protocols that integrate comfort, security and convenience, living in a smart, connected apartment will simply become the new normal.
Case Study: Playful Data
Samsung recently announced a multi-year partnership with Cortland Partners, a global residential real estate investment and management firm. This company builds multifamily apartments and other structures in 20 U.S. cities. Their supplier, CASK Industries, worked with the company to carefully select various suites of appliances that would appeal at a design level, achieve high reliability (minimal servicing) and allow greater control for building owners.
This is where Samsung is making inroads in the white space of connected living. Most commercial building owners already use some sort of remote building management system. But many of the devices in the typical apartment are “silent,” meaning they can’t communicate meaningful data to the owner. Nor do they “talk” to each other.
By partnering with developers, but also by surveying consumers with playful, simple preference indicators, Samsung is exploring what both consumers and building pros want. If you visit the smart appliance section of their website, for example, they offer a series of clickable icons where visitors can sound off on which aspects of technology interest them.