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17 May 2018 | Tenant Tips

Smart Home Gadgets for Your Darwin Rental Property

Smart devices for your Darwin rental

As a renter, there is virtually no way you can watch over your property 24/7, but modern technology can make it easier to stay on top of things. You can control everything from the locks on your doors to the light bulbs in your lamps using voice activation or artificial intelligence. Smart devices can make your home safer, more comfortable, and more energy efficient, whether you're renting a house or an apartment. Here's a look at some of the most critical smart gadgets your rental needs and how to choose which ones are right for you.

Check with your landlord

Of course, before making any changes to your rental property check with your landlord or property manager first.

Smart devices for your Darwin rental

There are smart devices available for just about every area of your house or apartment:

  • Locks: With smart locks, you'll never worry about forgetting to lock the door again. You can control your door locks remotely via a mobile app so you can lock them after the fact if you forget. This can also come in handy if you are not home and need to let visiting friends or family inside. Many smart locks can also sync with security systems and other smart devices. 
  • Thermostats: Smart thermostats let you take control over your cooling (they handle heating as well, but heat isn't in short supply in the Top End). You can reduce your energy usage while you are out while still making sure that your home is at a comfortable temperature when you get back.
  • Irrigation Systems: A smart irrigation system can help you keep your indoor and outdoor plants in perfect health, even if you need to go out of town. No more relying on friends to water your plants for you. This also makes it easier to ensure that your plants are being cared for properly.
  • Moisture Sensors: While moisture sensors may not seem particularly important, they can alert you and your property manager to any minor leaks before they become major issues. Even though it is likely your landlord's responsibility to cover the cost of the repairs, the sooner you can catch any problems, the less disruption there will be to your home during the repair process.
  • Light Bulbs: Smart light bulbs are great for setting the mood in your home. Depending on the variety you choose, you may be able to brighten and dim the lights, change their colour or even sync them to the music you are listening to.
  • Batteries: With smart batteries, you can make your smoke detectors more useful than ever before. Through the app associated with the batteries, you can be alerted to when your battery needs to be changed or recharged. You can also monitor the history of any alarms being triggered.

Installing Smart Devices in Your Rental

Putting smart devices in a rental property is only mildly more complicated than installing them in a home you own. The key difference is that you'll have to get approval from your property manager before making any modifications to your property.

Depending on the terms of your lease, you may have to remove everything when you move out, with repair costs coming out of your deposit. Other landlords might allow some changes, but not others. Always check your lease agreement and consult with your property manager before doing any work on your rental apartment.

Embracing Modern Technology

Smart home technology is still only in its infancy, and it is likely to continue to advance in the coming years. In the future, many property managers may include smart devices and gadgets in all of their rental properties, incorporating the cost in the monthly rent. Until all of this technology comes standard, though, you'll need to arrange for it yourself. Once you start with the first gadget, you'll be so excited to build your collection to create a completely smart home.