Smart home technology is becoming a must-have for renters – not just a nice-to-have. For property owners and operators in the single-family rental (SFR) and build-to-rent (BTR) markets, future-proofing with smart devices is one of the most effective ways to reduce maintenance costs, protect assets, and attract tenants who expect more from their homes.
That’s where Swidget comes in.
Swidget’s modular smart solutions are designed to be flexible, tenant-friendly, and operator-focused – making them easy to install, manage, and upgrade over time. Whether you’re building new homes or retrofitting existing ones, here’s how to future-proof your rentals with Swidget in five easy steps.
Step 1: Plan for Smart Capabilities
Start smart by identifying the most impactful places to install Swidget’s smart-ready outlets and switches. Look for areas where you can:
- Detect water leaks (under sinks, near dishwashers, in laundry rooms)
- Control humidity (in bathrooms or basements)
- Monitor vacant units (with in-wall video cameras)
- Improve tenant comfort or convenience (with lighting and USB charging inserts)
Identify these key areas and add the Swidget smart-ready devices into your build or renovation plans. Remember, not every outlet or switch needs to be smart-ready. By strategically identifying even one area where you can add a Swidget device in each room, you can quickly make the entire home smart-ready!
Step 2: Install Swidget Smart-Ready Devices
Once your target areas are mapped out, it’s time to install Swidget’s smart-ready outlets and switches during the construction or renovation phase. These outlets and switches function like standard hardware but come equipped with a unique cavity designed for Swidget Inserts – modular smart sensors that simply snap in when you're ready to activate specific smart features.
Swidget’s smart Inserts include a wide range of options including:
- Humidity & Temperature Sensors
- Motion Sensor
- Video Camera
- Air Quality Sensor
- USB Charger
- Guide Light
- Emergency Light
- Water Leak Sensor
Unlike other smart systems, Swidget gives you the flexibility to pre-wire areas of your home for smart capabilities without having to commit to specific smart features on day one. This not only reduces your upfront costs and the risks associated with pre-selecting smart capabilities but also provides the ultimate flexibility to your tenants to choose what smart features they want to integrate into their home.
Swidget’s wireless, battery-less smart Inserts are simple and hassle-free to use. Tenants simply snap them into their Swidget outlets or switches, and adjust their preferences through the Swidget smartphone app. The Inserts draw power directly from Swidget outlets or switches, meaning less maintenance, fewer service calls, and no surprise downtime due to dead batteries.
By installing smart-ready infrastructure now, you’re setting the stage for cost-effective, future upgrades. Whether you add smart functionality right away or tenants do so later down the line, Swidget gives you the freedom to evolve your units as needs or tenant preferences change.
Step 3: Showcase Swidget-Enabled Homes
Once your units are Swidget-enabled, make it a key selling point.
During tours or marketing campaigns, highlight the benefits of Swidget’s modular system – such as customizable comfort, energy savings, and built-in protection from costly damage. Let tenants know they can personalize their home with hassle-free smart Inserts for things like:
- Automated ventilation
- Lighting schedules
- Real-time air quality monitoring
- Convenient USB charging
- Energy savings
Offer tenants the option to rent or purchase these Inserts to further personalize their living experience.
Step 4: Simplify Tenant Onboarding
Upon move-in, provide tenants with their selected Swidget Inserts and a simple quick-start guide. The Swidget app makes it easy to set up and manage their smart features with no tech background required.
Want to boost engagement and satisfaction? Consider bundling a few Inserts as part of the lease, or include a smart home starter pack that aligns with the needs of your renter demographic. This makes the home “smart” from the beginning, while still allowing tenants the flexibility to customize their space with the rest of the smart-ready outlets and switches you’ve already installed in the home.
Step 5: Streamline Sensor Management for Future Tenants
When a tenant moves out, their Swidget Inserts can be easily collected, reset, and reused – no need to uninstall or replace your switches or outlets.
This not only streamlines turnover operations and reduces turnover cost, but ensures every new tenant has access to the latest smart features without additional installation or wiring. It’s a cost-efficient, scalable, and sustainable way to keep your properties smart for the long haul.
The Bottom Line: Smart, Modular, and Made for Rental Living
Swidget’s future-proof smart solution is purpose-built for rental environments. Our platform gives operators full control over how, when, and where to deploy smart features – all while delivering the flexibility and convenience that today’s renters are looking for.
With Swidget, you can:
- Reduce maintenance and energy costs
- Prevent property damage before it starts
- Increase tenant satisfaction and retention
- Stay ahead of evolving smart tech trends
Ready to upgrade your portfolio with a smarter approach? Visit swidget.com to learn more about our solutions for property managers, builders, and operators.