Best smart device features when managing multiple properties

Managing multiple homes without the hassle

Owning more than one home, whether it’s an Airbnb rental, vacation property or secondary residence, can be a lot to manage. You've got more doors to lock, more thermostats to monitor and more energy bills to track.

Thankfully, smart home technology allows you to control everything — lights, temperature, entryways and energy use — across all your properties from a single app. Sounds impressive, but what does smart automation need to include to truly simplify your property management and give you peace of mind? Let’s cover the basics to be on the lookout for.

Our top 8 smart device features for multiple homes

Managing smart devices across multiple properties can get complicated. With homes sitting empty, guests coming and going, and the risk of unexpected maintenance issues, it helps to have the right tools in place. These eight powerful features make it easier for you to automate your smart devices like a pro.

Feature 1: Automated energy settings that reduce waste

Ever left your vacation home and realized later that you forgot to adjust the thermostat? Smart thermostats allow you to create specific energy settings like “Vacation,” “Away" or “Guest Mode” based on who's arriving, leaving or staying.

You can schedule changes by time of day, when the home will be occupied or even by local weather. If plans change, you can make manual adjustments from your phone whenever needed.

Why this matters

Smart thermostats help you eliminate wasted energy, save money and always come back to a comfortable home.

• No more heating or cooling empty homes for days
• Create a schedule that matches your travel or hosting schedule
• Remotely fine-tune settings when your plans or a guest’s plans change

Feature 2: Energy usage tracking by property

It’s not possible to be at each home to see how energy is being used, so smart energy tracking lets you see data by location, by device and even by time of day. If an unexpected power spike happens in your lake house or rental unit, you'll know where it's coming from and be able to respond instantly. Many smart systems also integrate directly with your smart electric meter, giving you a real-time picture of how much each home is consuming.

Why this matters

This feature helps you spot red flags, fix problems fast and cut operating costs.

• Catch broken appliances or inefficient systems early
• Remotely turn off a heater or AC if the home has been left unoccupied
• Understand how much energy each home uses to help with decision-making

Feature 3: Smart locks and cameras for remote security

Managing who can access your property can be one of the biggest stressors for homeowners, especially when homebuilding or renting from a distance. Smart locks let you create unique access codes for friends, renters, cleaners or contractors. Add a camera to the front door and you can see exactly who’s entering the property, whether you're 5 minutes or 5 hours away.

Why this matters

This feature helps property owners keep homes secure without handing out physical keys or having to be there in person.

• Grant or revoke access instantly with a few taps
• Set guest codes to activate or expire on your schedule
• Monitor real-time visitors and deliveries with video doorbell cameras

Feature 4: Instant alerts when something’s off

What if a pipe bursts at your cabin in winter, or the front door of your rental home is left wide open? Smart sensors catch little details like temperature drops, water intrusion or suspicious activity that could become enormous headaches later. They send instant notifications to your phone so you’re never the last to know.

Why this matters

This feature helps you act fast, even when you’re miles away or in the middle of a busy day.

• Get alerted before water damage, theft or freeze damage sets in
• Instantly know if motion is detected where it shouldn't be
• Stay on top of emergencies so you can reach out for help if needed

Feature 5: Water leak sensors that help prevent damage

Even a slow, unnoticed leak can warp floors, ruin furniture and lead to mold. In homes you’re not in every day, this risk only multiplies. That’s why placing smart water sensors in key areas, like under sinks or near water heaters, is essential. When moisture is detected, these sensors will notify you immediately.

Why this matters

This feature helps you stop a silent, expensive disaster before it starts.

• Get alerts at the first sign of trouble so there’s no surprise damage weeks later
• Perfect for crawl spaces, basements and guest bathrooms
• Some systems even shut off water automatically when a leak is detected

Feature 6: Automated guest settings for rental homes

Managing guest stays shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. With smart home automations, you can prep the entire space remotely, like setting lights, temperature and even access, without lifting a finger. After checkout, everything resets back to your preferences.

Why this matters

This feature helps you create a 5-star guest experience while protecting your personal space.

• Schedule lighting and HVAC to welcome guests before they arrive
• Automatically lock up after checkout
• Personalize access so guests can easily see exactly what they need

Feature 7: One app to rule them all

Jumping between apps to control different homes and devices is confusing and extremely inefficient. A centralized smart platform lets you monitor all your properties in one place with full access controls, device status, schedules, video feeds and more. And with the Vivint app, you'll receive energy insights from Reliant to help you effortlessly manage your energy and smart home features, all in one place.

Why this matters

This feature helps you feel in control, organized and stress-free no matter how many properties you own.

• View live activity across homes without switching apps
• Manage temperature, security systems, smart lighting systems and more from one place
• Share access with co-hosts or family while keeping your settings secure

Feature 8: Easy expansion as you add more homes

Your life changes, and so do your properties. Whether you’re buying another rental home, restoring a family cottage or simply expanding your setup, a scalable smart home system makes growth simple. Add new devices or homes without starting from scratch or rebuilding what’s already working.

Why this matters

This feature helps you grow with confidence, keeping things simple no matter how many homes you own.

• Add a new smart property or room from the same app
• Keep automation and access control consistent across locations
• Expand your system without reinstallation or headaches

Take the next step toward smarter home control

Managing multiple properties doesn’t have to mean juggling multiple systems, running up energy bills or wondering what’s happening when you’re not there. With the right smart devices and a simple, connected setup, you can stay in control, protect your spaces and create a better living experience for yourself or your guests.

Frequently asked questions

What is smart home automation, and how does it work across multiple properties?

Smart home automation allows you to control home systems — like lighting, temperature, security, door locks and more — remotely through connected devices and apps with less hassle. When managing multiple properties, a centralized smart platform lets you oversee every home from one dashboard, giving you remote monitoring and control without having to be tech-savvy or present on-site.

What are the biggest benefits of automating more than one property?

Multi-property automation is cost-effective, saves time, increases energy efficiency, enhances security and creates consistent guest experiences. You'll minimize energy consumption during vacancies, respond quicker to issues and create smoother transitions for guests or renters. Automation lets you spend less time troubleshooting from afar and gain more insight into how each property is performing day-to-day. 

Do I need a separate system for each property?

Not necessarily. You may need separate hardware installed at each location (like thermostats and security cameras), but with a scalable platform, you can manage all of your homes through one account. Some solutions even let you tailor settings and access privileges by property.

Is internet or Wi-Fi required at each home?

Yes. A reliable internet connection is required at each property for devices and systems to communicate and for you to control and monitor them remotely through an app.

What should I look for in a smart home platform for multiple properties?

Look for a platform that’s scalable, easy to use and allows centralized management. Features like remote access, customizable alerts, strong security and integration with thermostats, sensors and surveillance cameras are key. Look for perks like keyless entry, automated temperature control and the ability to monitor energy consumption by property.