Smart Home for Short-Term Rental Hosts

Running a short-term rental means managing guest access, preventing property damage, handling noise complaints, and turning over units quickly between guests. The right smart home setup automates most of this work so you spend less time on logistics and more time hosting.

Smart Locks for Guest Access

Smart locks eliminate physical keys entirely. Each guest gets a unique access code that works only during their stay. When their booking ends, the code automatically expires.

We install and configure smart locks from:

• August — Works with existing deadbolts, integrates with Home Assistant and Airbnb calendars for automatic code generation
• Schlage Encode — Built-in keypad, durable for high-traffic properties, Z-Wave compatible
• Yale Assure — Multiple finish options, supports up to 250 codes, integrates with major booking platforms

Features include: scheduled access codes, auto-lock after a set time, tamper alerts, and low battery warnings sent to your phone before the lock dies.

Noise Monitoring

Noise complaints from neighbors are one of the most common reasons hosts lose their listing. Noise monitors detect elevated sound levels without recording audio, protecting guest privacy while alerting you to potential parties.

• Minut — Monitors noise, temperature, and humidity. Alerts you when noise exceeds a threshold for a sustained period. Also detects cigarette smoke and mold risk.
• Roomonitor — Decibel monitoring with privacy-first design. No audio recording, no microphones. Just decibel level alerts.

You set the thresholds: alert me if noise exceeds 70 dB for more than 10 minutes between 10 PM and 7 AM. The guest gets an automated message asking them to keep it down before you have to get involved.

Water Leak Sensors

Guests are not going to notice a slow leak under the bathroom sink or report a dripping washing machine. Water leak sensors catch what guests miss:

• Sensors under all sinks and near the washing machine
• Alerts sent directly to you, not the guest
• Optional automatic shutoff valve for high-risk properties

Thermostat Control

Remote thermostat control solves two problems for STR hosts:

1. Frozen pipes — Set a minimum temperature of 55°F for vacant units during winter. The thermostat will not go below this floor, preventing pipe bursts that cause catastrophic damage.
2. AC abuse — Guests sometimes set the AC to 60°F and leave it running all day while they are out. Set a maximum cooling limit and schedule setbacks when the unit is unoccupied.

Guest WiFi Network

Provide guests with their own WiFi network that is isolated from your smart home devices. VLAN segmentation ensures guests can browse the internet but cannot access your cameras, locks, or hub. Change the WiFi password automatically with each guest turnover.

Automated Checkout Reminders

Home Assistant automations send automated messages to guests:

• Checkout instructions 2 hours before departure time
• Reminder to lock the door and close windows
• Thank you message with review request after checkout
• Cleaning crew notification when the guest's door lock code expires

Turnover Automation

Automate the tasks that happen between guests:

1. Guest code expires at checkout time
2. Cleaning crew code activates for a 3-hour window
3. Thermostat adjusts to energy-saving mode when unoccupied
4. Lights set to off, then a random timer simulates occupancy if the unit is vacant for several days
5. New guest code activates at check-in time
6. WiFi password rotates for the new guest

Pricing

Installation is $95/hr for members. A typical single-unit STR setup (smart lock, noise monitor, 3 leak sensors, thermostat integration, guest WiFi) takes 4-6 hours.

The $95/month Pro membership includes continuous monitoring, priority support, and health alerts for all connected devices.

Get Started

Schedule a consultation to discuss your rental properties and automation needs.

Property Management Services → | Book an appointment →