Home automation

Glossary

Home automation connects apartment devices and workflows to reduce manual work, improve visibility, and support resident experience.

Definition

Home automation in multifamily means using connected apartment devices—such as smart locks, thermostats, lights, and other in-unit technology—that residents or staff can control through apps or automated rules. In operations, it becomes more valuable when those devices connect with property systems and workflows for access, maintenance, turns, and resident communication. The goal is to reduce manual steps while giving teams better visibility and residents a smoother living experience.

Example

During a unit turn, the operations team uses connected locks to manage vendor access, adjusts thermostat settings remotely, checks device alerts such as low batteries, and then prepares the apartment for the incoming resident without relying on multiple manual handoffs.

Why It Matters?

Home automation matters because standalone devices can add complexity, while integrated systems can help automate routine tasks, reduce onsite labor, improve energy efficiency, and standardize operations across units and buildings. For operations leaders, the biggest value comes when home automation supports measurable outcomes such as faster turns, fewer manual checks, better resident service, and stronger return on investment.

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