Tech expert explains how renters can benefit from ‘smart house’ technology
‘Smart house’ technology is rapidly becoming a sought-after feature for homebuyers, with 54 percent of house-hunters saying that they want to purchase a home with such capabilities.
Renters might feel left out of the benefits of ‘smart house’ tech, but tech expert Karl Volkman says that there are many ways that renters can make the most of the latest technology.
Volkman, CTO of SRV Network, Inc., suggests these following options for renters:
August Smart Lock: “With August Lock, renters can upgrade their existing lock (without harming their door or causing issues with their landlord). It turns your smartphone into a smart key—and more. Lock and unlock your door, create virtual keys for guests, and keep track of who comes and goes, all from your iOS or Android smartphone,” says Volkman. “You can also choose to grant access for a few weeks, a few hours, a few minutes, or even specific dates and times. Delete guest access anytime in an instant.”
Belkin WeMo Outlet: “Ever panicked that you let your iron on? Or maybe you forget to turn on your slow cooker before leaving the house. Don’t worry, dinner won’t be ruined if you have the WeMo outlet,” says Volkman. “It allows you to control your lights and small appliances from anywhere, and it works with smartphones, tablets, Nest and Amazon Alexa.”
Simplehuman Sensor Mirror: “The sensor mirror lights up automatically as your face approaches,” says Volkam, “And the mirror simulates natural sunlight, allowing you to see full-color variation. Unlike traditional makeup vanity mirrors’ bulb lighting, the long-lasting LEDs won’t burn out or diminish even after many years.”
SimpliSafe: “If you want to upgrade your home security even further, SimpliSafe is an awesome bet for renters. It’s easy to install and requires no phonelines or yearly contracts. You’ll have access from your smartphone or laptop, and you can even set alerts for things like liquor cabinets or gun safes. If a burglar does try to break the SimpliSafe keypad, police will be alerted right away.”
Hiku: “You can make your kitchen smart, even if you are just renting,” says Volkman. “Hiku lives in your kitchen, scans barcodes and recognizes your voice. You can also use it to create a shared shopping list. With the Hiku shopping list app, your list is always with you. You can also connect Hiku to online stores to make online shopping a breeze.”
Waterpebble: “Your bathroom can be smart too!” says Volkman. “With this eco-friendly gadget, you can stay on top of your water usage, as it monitors the water flow and times your shower. The Waterpebble guides you with an easy to follow “traffic light” system. If you pay for your own water as a renter, this will be a huge benefit for you and the environment. For landlords, it can also be a smart investment. By providing one to each of your renters, you could reduce your water bill…and help Mother Earth at the same time.”
