Smart Home Control for AIRBNB home owners

Introduction:

In recent years, the concept of the smart home has transformed the way we live. This technology has not only enhanced our daily lives but has also revolutionized the way we approach security. For Airbnb owners in Ireland, the safety and security of their guests and property are of paramount importance. By incorporating smart home devices and security into their rental properties, they can provide a seamless, unique, and secure experience for guests while safeguarding their property.

In this blog, I will explore the essential smart home security devices that every Irish Airbnb owner should consider incorporating into their property.

Getting the keys to guests can be the most challenging part of being an Airbnb host. Physical keys can go missing, and lockbox codes are easy for guests to forget. But a smart lock solves all those problems and allows your guests to check themselves in using their smartphone or a keypad.

With smart lock solutions, Airbnb owners can remotely grant access to guests, receive notifications of entry and exit, and even create time-limited access codes, so as one guest leaves, their unique code will be deleted and a new code provided automatically for the next guests. This enhances security by reducing the risk of unauthorized access and ensures a smooth check-in process for guests, whilst also saving the owner time and hassle of having to meet guests with keys and collect them again afterward.

Separate temporary codes can even be granted for cleaners directly after the check-out times of your guests. 

Video surveillance is a crucial aspect of any comprehensive security strategy for an Airbnb property. Security cameras can provide real-time updates of activity occurring around your property. They can be used to verify when guests arrive and leave, they can notify you of any wrongdoers snooping around your property when it is vacant and they also simply act as a great deterrent by themselves with studies showing that having a surveillance camera system results in a 50% reduction in crime or more.

Cameras can be set to specifically look for an activity that matters to you or that is captured on your property only and by determining the difference between small animals, people, and vehicles you can ensure you aren’t bombarded with notifications. 

Video doorbell cameras are also a great addition to your AIRBNB Property as they can seamlessly integrate with some smart door locks. When guests arrive you can verify who is there via the doorbell camera, speak with the guests, and with the click of a button, grant access via the door lock. 

This provides a secure yet exciting experience for both the guests and the owner.

Smart sensors play a vital role in enhancing the safety and security of an Airbnb property. A wide variety of sensors, including door/window sensors, motion sensors, and water leak sensors are available these days and are key to keeping things safe when you have no guests, but also provide the homeowner with key updates while the property is in use. 

Door/window sensors alert the owner whenever a door or window is opened or closed and can even let the owner know if a door/window was left open for a prolonged period of time, providing valuable insights into guest activity. Motion sensors, on the other hand, can detect any movement in specified areas, triggering alerts in case of unexpected motion. Water leak sensors are particularly useful in preventing potential water damage, as they can identify leaks early and notify the owner to take necessary action.

Many smart security systems in Ireland can be controlled remotely now, allowing the owner full control to activate and deactivate their security system based on whether the property is in use or not, so no need to worry about your guests setting off the alarm themselves! Some smart alarm systems also allow you to integrate your cameras, smart locks, security and more into one system as well meaning you won’t be needing multiple apps or subscriptions and you have a one-stop place for the support and maintenance of the entire system. 

Safety should be a top priority for every Airbnb owner in Ireland, and smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are crucial devices to ensure guest well-being. Most smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can send real-time alerts to the property owner via an app, and local authorities in the event of emergencies. This ensures that any potential fire or gas-related threats are promptly addressed, even when the owner is not on-site. 

In addition to security, smart home devices can also help Airbnb owners manage their property's energy consumption efficiently. Smart thermostats allow owners to remotely control the heating and cooling systems, ensuring that energy is not wasted when the property is vacant whilst also ensuring that temperatures do not drop too low causing possible build-ups of mold which can be a nightmare to deal with for any Irish property owner. These thermostats can be programmed to adjust temperature settings based on guest check-ins and check-outs, maintaining a comfortable environment while saving on utility bills as well.

Smart lighting is an essential aspect of creating a welcoming and secure atmosphere in an Airbnb property. With smart lighting solutions, owners can remotely control the lighting in their property, whether it's turning lights on or off, dimming them, or scheduling lighting patterns to simulate occupancy. This can deter potential intruders and create a sense of comfort and convenience for guests during their stay. 

Smart lighting can also be integrated with security cameras meaning that if your cameras detect activity outside of your property, lights can be turned on inside, acting as a deterrent.

While the above-mentioned devices are essential for securing an Airbnb property, professional monitoring services provide an additional layer of protection. Here trained experts are alerted in case of security breaches, fire emergencies, or other potential threats. These experts can quickly assess the situation and take appropriate action, including notifying the owner and local authorities, if required. This 24/7 monitoring service ensures that the property remains under vigilant protection at all times which is especially handy for owners who do not reside near their rental properties. 

As the popularity of short-term rentals continues to grow, Airbnb owners must prioritize the safety and security of their properties. Incorporating smart home devices significantly enhances the security infrastructure of an Airbnb property, providing peace of mind for both owners and guests. From smart locks and security cameras to sensors and smart thermostats, the range of offerings on the Irish market allows owners to create a comprehensive and efficient smart home security system. By investing in these cutting-edge technologies, Airbnb owners can ensure a memorable and secure experience for their guests while safeguarding their valuable rental property.