Managing Your Rental Property This guest post is by Beth Stockwell at the Home Away Community. Though some owners and property managers live reasonably close to their vacation rentals, there are many that live a long drive, or even a flight, away. Rest assured that in today’s technologically advanced world, there are so many gadgets that can help you manage everything from the comfort of your primary home! From programmable lights to keyless entry, you can kick back while still collecting mailbox money from your vacation rental. Some of our favorite gadgets include: 1. Keyless entry Lockitron is an example of one company that has created keyless entry via phone. You can grant or revoke access immediately, and the system lets you know when battery is low. You can also set it to alert you whenever the door has been unlocked. 2. Programmable sprinkler system Say goodbye to yellow, parched garden beds and lawns! There’s no need to monitor your yard when you set up a programmable sprinkler system. If you live in a wet area, you can select a system that automatically turns off if it rains. 3. Remote thermostat by Nest This nifty thermostat learns the temps you like, turns itself down when you’re away, and has remote control through Wi-Fi. Teach it well and Nest can lower your heating and cooling bills up to 20%. With Auto-Away™, Nest automatically turns to an energy-efficient Away temperature when you’re gone. This Nest exclusive works in 90% of homes, even if it’s in a spot you don’t pass on your way out the door. 4. Security cameras Set up security cameras that feed to your computer or phone to monitor your home, garbage cans, or yard. If your guests are uncomfortable with cameras in the home, just allow them to unplug them in when they arrive, and replug them in before they leave. 5. Programmable lights Even neighbors won’t know when your rental is empty or occupied with programmable outdoor and indoor lights. You can choose between motion sensors or time-based light systems. Do you have other tips and tricks for managing your rental remotely? Share your thoughts with other owners and property managers by starting a new discussion on Community. Community was created to cater to vacation rental owners and managers from around the globe who are interested in sharing valuable information, exchanging experiences, and bonding with others who share the same questions about the vacation rental industry. We encourage you to explore the site, complete with forums and discussion groups enabling you to seek advice, get answers, and optimize your vacation rental business.
