The Expanding Role of IoT in Property Management

For years, it sounded like the vacation home of the future. A guest arrives late at night and walks right up to their rental, no need to check in at a front desk or text the manager. There was no need to pick up a key, because the keypad on the front door uses a unique, time-bound code that was created the moment they booked the property. The interior is warm and comfortable, thanks to the smart thermostat that turned on automatically two hours before they arrived.

When the guest leaves, the thermostat will switch back to a more eco-friendly temperature and housekeeping and maintenance staff will be automatically notified that the unit is vacant and ready to be turned over.

This future has arrived. 

With smart IoT devices connected through open APIs and software integrations, your vacation rental can all but run itself. With RemoteLock’s comprehensive ecosystem of integrations and property operations tools, uniting your hardware and software is easier than ever.

Access Control: The Foundation

Smart locks and access control systems form the backbone of any smart property. For both vacation rentals and multifamily communities, RemoteLock simplifies operations by:

  • Issuing and managing digital credentials instead of physical keys
  • Automating guest check-ins and check-outs
  • Providing residents with secure, app-based access
  • Granting staff and vendors the right access at the right time

This foundation connects seamlessly with other IoT devices, enabling managers to build smarter workflows.

Smart Thermostats

In vacation rentals, comfort and efficiency go hand in hand. Smart thermostats automatically adjust temperatures when guests check out, saving energy and lowering costs between stays. At check-in, the system ensures the space is welcoming and comfortable. When integrated with access control, thermostats can respond to property entry events, delivering convenience for both managers and guests. This type of integration is a key part of creating a five-star guest experience.

Water Leak Sensors

Water damage is one of the costliest issues for property owners. Leak sensors can detect problems early (sometimes before residents or guests even notice) and send real-time alerts to managers. In multifamily properties, this proactive monitoring is especially valuable, as a single leak can impact multiple units. Integrated with RemoteLock’s platform, leak sensors become part of the central management system, allowing property managers to monitor access and maintenance issues in one place.

Noise & Smoke Sensors

For vacation rental owners, guest safety and property protection are critical. Smart noise and smoke sensors help managers stay compliant with regulations, while also reducing risks of misuse or unsafe conditions. These tools pair naturally with access control: managers can see who entered a property and match that with environmental data, providing more complete visibility into how a property is used.

The Power of Integration

The real strength of IoT in property management comes from integration. A thermostat or leak sensor on its own adds value, but when combined with access control and other IoT tools, the benefits multiply. RemoteLock acts as the hub, giving property managers a single platform to oversee locks, leaks, thermostats, and more. This integrated approach reduces administrative burden, saves time, and gives managers peace of mind.

Looking Ahead: Smarter Properties

The IoT landscape is expanding quickly. More devices, smarter automations, and broader integrations are on the horizon. RemoteLock continues to evolve with this ecosystem, helping property managers prepare for the future and manage technology in a way that supports both operations and experiences.

What once sounded like the vacation home of the future is now the standard for smart property management. IoT has turned that vision into reality, connecting access control, thermostats, and sensors to automate everyday operations. With RemoteLock, managers can unite their devices and systems in one platform to save time, protect their properties, and deliver exceptional experiences for residents and guests alike.

RemoteLock

Advanced Access Control and More

RemoteLock has been automating access control and improving on-site property operations efficiencies across multiple industries, including vacation rental and multifamily, for more than ten years. As a leading access-centered property operations software platform provider with more than 10,000 customers in 75+ countries, RemoteLock helps property managers enable, control, and automate access and climate control across their portfolio. RemoteLock’s platform saves property managers time and money through the elimination of tasks for onsite staff and helps scale businesses with greater confidence. It is differentiated by its dozens of integrations with applicable hardware and business software systems for an easy-to-use, turn-key solution.