If renters have to choose between two places and one has voice-controlled lighting, smart locks, and occupancy sensors, guess where they’re staying? Exactly.
People aren’t just looking for clean sheets and a working shower anymore. They want convenience, security, and customization. That means being able to walk in, ask the lights to turn on, lock the door with their phone, and never think twice about how the place works.
The rentals that deliver that experience get better reviews. They get the repeat bookings, the premium rent, and, of course, they get booked faster than the ones that don’t.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Smart Tech
We can’t even pretend that smart tech is free. Some devices are cheap, under $100, but if you go all in, you can rack up some pretty extensive costs. HomeAdvisor puts the average smart home setup cost at around $897, but a full automation setup in a bigger rental can go up to $15,000.
That sounds like a lot, but here’s why it makes sense.
First, renters are willing to pay more. A smart property can easily justify a 10–30% rental premium. That’s not a made-up number. Real surveys show that millennials are okay with paying 20% more for rentals with smart features.
One survey even found people would pay an extra $93 a month just for energy-efficient tech. So even if your smart upgrade costs $3,000 upfront, that can be made back in about two to three years. After that, it’s just extra income.
Also, AI and smart tech add value to your property itself. Great resale value, actually. A $500,000 property could jump $15,000–$25,000 in value just from having a smart system built in. That’s based on what homebuyers are actually looking for in 2025.
Where to Start
If you’re just getting started and don’t want to blow your budget, you can pick one room or one problem to solve with smart tech. Here are a few smart devices under $100 that make a big difference:
- Google Nest Mini: A voice assistant for hands-free control of lights, thermostats, and music
- Ring Doorbell: A video-enabled AI for front door security and two-way communication
- Amazon Smart Plug: For automating basic appliances like lamps and coffee makers
- Wyze Thermostat: For programming your HVAC system with remote access and energy reports
Integration Tips for AI and Smart Tech On Rental Properties
Before buying anything, figure out what platform you’re going to use. Are you building around Google Home? Alexa? Apple HomeKit? Pick one and stick with it. This makes everything work together more smoothly.
Also, don’t buy anything without checking whether it can be installed without rewiring or damaging anything. If you’re managing short-term rentals or properties you don’t own, go with devices that can be stuck on or plugged in and easily removed.
Make sure you lock down your Wi-Fi too. A strong, secure network with separate access for guests and your devices is a must. Don’t put your smart lock and your guest’s Netflix session on the same network.
Ready to Tech-Proof Your Smart Rental? Call Jennette Properties Today!
If you’re renting out a place and want it to stand out, then you should know that these smart upgrades are the new normal. Voice control, smart locks, and sensors are the bare minimum that renters are starting to expect in 2025. So you basically have two options: upgrade now or get left behind.
Even better, call Jennette Properties. We’ll help you get your vacation rental smart-tech ready so you can get booked faster, earn more, and worry less.
At Jennette Properties, we help rental property owners plan, install, and manage the tech that guests are already expecting.
Reach out to us so we can help you transform your vacation rental into a high-tech, high-earning machine.
