5 Smart Devices Every Landlord Should Install to Protect Their Rental Property
Why I Use Smart Devices As A Self Managing Landlord
Owning rental property is a great way to build wealth, but it comes with its fair share of headaches, especially when it comes to maintenance, access, and preventing expensive damage.
Most landlords I know spend more time reacting to problems than preventing them. While its always best to take preventative measures, you can’t But with a few smart devices, you can make your properties easier to manage, safer, and more profitable over time.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through five physical devices that every landlord should consider installing, especially if you self-manage your properties like I do or live far from them.
These are tools I either use personally or have seen other successful landlords rely on. They’re affordable, simple to install, and give you peace of mind without needing to have someone on-site 24/7.
1. WiFi Leak Detectors: Stop Water Damage Before Its Too Late
If there’s one thing that keeps landlords up at night, it’s water leaks. Whether it’s a leaking hot water heater, a burst pipe in the basement, or a washing machine hose that popped loose, water can do thousands of dollars in damage in just hours. Not long ago, I had a washing machine drain pop off from a washer that was in the basement of my duplex. Luckily, it was almost empty so not much water collected on the floor. If this was inside the unit or near important items in the basement, this could have been a bigger problem.
That’s where WiFi leak detectors come in.
What They Do:
These small battery-powered devices are placed on the floor near key water entry points:
- Hot water heaters
- Boilers
- Sump pumps
- Washing machines
- Under sinks
- Near basement drains
If they detect water, they immediately send an alert to your phone or email through the home’s WiFi. Some models even have built-in alarms to notify tenants with an audible sound.
Why You Need One:
- Prevent mold and drywall damage by catching leaks fast
- Great for basements, utility rooms, and laundry rooms
- Works even when you’re out of town
- Easy to install—no wiring or plumbing needed
Recommended brands: Govee, Moen Flo Leak Detector, Honeywell Lyric
I usually spend under $100 to cover the main leak-prone areas in a unit and it’s saved me from two potential insurance claims.
2. WiFi-Enabled Keypad Locks: Say Goodbye to Lost Keys and Lockouts
One of the most frustrating parts of managing rentals is handling keys. Tenants lose them. You forget to pick them up. Contractors need access. Or worse, someone moves out and never returns them.
A simple fix? Smart keypad locks.
What They Do:
These are deadbolt locks with a built-in keypad that allows you to assign entry codes instead of using keys. The best models are WiFi-connected, so you can:
- Lock/unlock the door remotely
- Change codes from your phone
- Track who accessed the door and when
Most models also include backlit keypads (important for night-time entry) and traditional key access as a backup.
Why You Need One:
- No need to copy, collect, or rekey locks when tenants change
- Easy to grant temporary access to handymen or cleaners
- Tenants love not needing to carry keys
- You can monitor access logs remotely
Recommended brands: Schlage Encode, Yale Assure Lock, August WiFi Smart Lock
Just be sure to go with a model designed for outdoor use and check the battery every 6–12 months. I’ve personally had fewer lockouts and way less stress since switching to these.
3. Outdoor Security Cameras: Keep an Eye on Your Property
Let’s face it, not all neighborhoods are created equal. Whether you own a multi-family in the city or a single-family rental in a quiet suburb, security cameras are a great way to stay in the loop.
They’re especially useful in areas like:
- Driveways
- Side entrances
- Streets or sidewalks in front of the property
- Common entrances for multi-families
What They Do:
Modern WiFi security cameras stream live video to your phone and store recordings in the cloud or on an SD card. Some offer motion detection, night vision, and instant alerts when someone approaches.
You can view footage from anywhere, which is great for:
- Monitoring trash pickup issues
- Watching for unauthorized guests or loitering
- Checking if contractors or landscapers showed up
- Verifying if snow removal or lawn care was done
Why You Need One:
- Deter theft, vandalism, and illegal dumping
- Confirm tenant complaints or lease violations
- Save time by seeing what’s going on without driving over
- Improve tenant safety and peace of mind
Recommended brands: Blink Outdoor, Ring Floodlight Cam, Reolink WiFi Cameras, Eufy Security
Outdoor cameras are typically weatherproof, and many can be installed in under an hour with a ladder and drill.
Always check local laws and privacy rules. You can’t film inside tenant units, but recording common areas and the exterior is usually legal.
4. Smart Water Flow Monitors: Catch Leaky Toilets and Faucets Before They Drain Your Wallet
You might think a dripping sink or running toilet isn’t a big deal, but those leaks add up fast—especially if you’re covering the water bill.
Enter the smart water flow monitor.
What They Do:
These devices attach to your home’s main water line (usually near the meter or shutoff valve) and monitor water usage in real time. Some require a plumber to install, others are clamp-on and non-invasive.
They can:
- Detect constant flow, which might mean a toilet flapper is leaking
- Identify abnormal spikes that could signal a burst pipe
- Send you alerts if there’s continuous usage when the house is supposed to be empty
Some models also offer automatic shutoff if a major leak is detected—potentially saving you from a flood.
Why You Need One:
- Catch silent leaks that waste thousands of gallons a month
- Reduce utility costs in properties where you pay water
- Avoid large surprise water bills
- Monitor vacant units or vacation properties
Recommended brands: Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor, Phyn Plus, Flume 2 (non-invasive)
If you’re trying to run your rentals like a business—and avoid margin-eating utility surprises—this is one of the smartest devices you can install.
5. WiFi Freeze Sensors: Avoid the Nightmare of Frozen Pipes
New England winters are no joke. And whether your unit is fully occupied or partially vacant, frozen pipes are one of the costliest, most disruptive problems a landlord can face.
All it takes is one room where the heat doesn’t work, or a window left open during a cold snap—and suddenly you’re replacing drywall, flooring, and insulation.
What They Do:
WiFi freeze sensors monitor the temperature in a room and send alerts if it drops below a safe threshold (typically 40°F or lower). Some also include humidity sensors or even leak detection.
You can place them in:
- Basements
- Utility rooms
- Attics
- Closets with plumbing
- Vacant or rarely-used units
If the sensor detects dangerously low temps, you’ll get an alert on your phone—and have time to send someone out to check the heat or shut off the water.
Why You Need One:
- Protect plumbing during power outages or furnace failures
- Prevent pipes from freezing in vacant units
- Catch HVAC issues before they become disasters
- Peace of mind when you’re out of town or unavailable
Recommended brands: Govee WiFi Thermo-Hygrometer, Moen Smart Temperature Sensor, Honeywell Home sensors
They’re inexpensive (usually under $75), easy to set up, and potentially save you thousands in emergency repairs.
Final Thoughts: Be a Proactive Landlord, Not a Reactive One
Here’s the truth: the best landlords are the ones who plan ahead. They don’t wait for problems to pile up. They prevent them with smart systems and simple tools.
By installing these five physical devices:
- WiFi leak detectors
- Smart keypad locks
- Outdoor security cameras
- Water flow monitors
- Freeze warning sensors
…you’re building a rental business that’s efficient, resilient, and profitable. You save money, reduce tenant issues, and earn back your time and sanity.
Better yet, many of these devices pay for themselves the first time they catch an issue early.
