Last Updated: April 2024
Smart water devices have revolutionized property management, offering unparalleled efficiency and cost savings for rental properties. These innovative devices not only monitor water usage but also detect leaks and can automate water conservation to reduce cost of rental property utilities. Each device offers unique features that cater to the specific needs of rental properties, ensuring both the comfort of tenants and the peace of mind of property owners.
Best Smart Water Devices for a Rental Property
| Best Overall | Best Auto Shutoff | Best Usage Tracking | Best Flood Sensor | Best Freeze Detector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Moen Smart Leak Detector |  Moen Flo |  Flume 2 |  Orbit B-hyve Flood Sensor |  Kidde Freeze Alarm |
Below we explore the top 5 smart water devices for rental properties based on 5 different factors that landlords and property managers should consider when determining which type of smart water device is best for their property.
Best Overall
Moen – Flo Smart Water Leak Detector, Water Sensor Alarm for Home, White, 3-Pack
Type
Leak Detector
Pros
- Offers quick alerts for water, temperature, or humidity changes, helping to prevent property damage.
- Provides versatile notification options including an app, text, phone call, or email, ensuring timely awareness of any issues.
Cons
- The need for multiple units to cover a larger area may increase the overall cost.
- Reliance on an internet connection for alerts could be a limitation in areas with unstable network connectivity.
Why We Like This Overall Device
The Moen Smart Leak Detector impresses with its reliable and prompt alerts for water, temperature, and humidity changes, offering an effective solution to prevent potential water damage. Its diverse notification options, including an app, text, phone call, or email, provide great flexibility and peace of mind for homeowners and property managers alike.
Best Auto Shutoff
Buying Options
Moen – Flo WI-FI Smart Water Monitor for 3/4″ Pipes – Microleak Technology, Automatic Shutoff Sensor
Type
Automatic Shutoff
Pros
- Provides comprehensive leak protection for entire home by automatically shutting off water to prevent catastrophic damage.
- View live updates on flow rate, pressure, and ambient temperature of water and control it remotely through the Moen Smart Water App.
Cons
- Requirement to pair the device with Smart Leak Detectors for complete monitoring may result in additional costs.
- Dependence on real-time alerts for leak detection might be challenging in areas with poor network connectivity.
Why We Like This Auto Shutoff Device
The Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff by Moen is an innovative device that excels in safeguarding homes against water damage, thanks to its automatic shutoff feature during leaks. Its ability to provide real-time data on water usage and conditions, accessible remotely via an app, makes it an invaluable tool for homeowners seeking to maintain efficient and safe water systems.
Best Usage Tracking
Buying Options
Flume – Flume 2 Smart Home Water Monitor & Water Leak Detector
Type
Usage Monitor, Leak Detector
Pros
- Offers easy self-installation within 10 minutes, without the need for plumbing modifications.
- Can accurately detect water usage down to one-hundredth of a gallon, enabling precise monitoring and leak detection.
Cons
- Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection to function effectively, which might be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.
- Requires smart home systems such as Alexa and Google Home in order to utilize its full potential.
Why We Like This Usage Tracker Device
The Flume 2 Smart Water Monitor stands out in a crowded field of rental property building products, with its exceptionally easy and quick self-installation process, making it a hassle-free addition to any home. Its advanced technology provides meticulous monitoring of water usage, even detecting the smallest leaks, offering homeowners a reliable and efficient tool for water conservation and leak prevention.
Best Flood Sensor
Buying Options
Orbit 71003 B-hyve Smart Flood Sensor – WiFi Water Leak Detector
Type
Leak Detector
Pros
- Advanced features like automatic flush, bidet, and air purification enhance hygiene.
- Remote control feature allows for easy control of all intelligent features.
Cons
- Higher cost due to advanced features and technology.
- Potential for more maintenance and issues with advanced electronic features.
Why We Like This Flood Sensor Device
The B-hyve Smart Flood Sensor impresses with its sensitivity to even minimal water presence, offering an essential layer of protection against potential water damage in the home. Its compatibility with a user-friendly smartphone app for both iOS and Android, along with the flexibility of placing the discreet sensors in various risk-prone areas, makes it a highly reliable and convenient tool for any homeowner.
Best Freeze Detector
Buying Options
Kidde – WiFi Water Leak Detector & Freeze Alarm
Type
Freeze Detector, Leak Detector
Pros
- Quickly alerts users to water leaks and freezing temperatures, aiding in the prevention of water damage and frozen pipes.
- Compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa, allowing for voice command control and easy alarm status checking.
Cons
- The device’s small size may limit its detection range, requiring multiple units for complete home coverage.
- Reliance on mobile alerts to inform, requires them to be available and able to respond promptly in case of an alert.
Why We Like This Freeze Detector Device
The Kidde Water Leak + Freeze Detector excels in providing early alerts for water leaks and impending freeze conditions, greatly reducing the risk of water damage and frozen pipes in homes. Its compatibility with smart home systems like Google Home and Amazon Alexa, combined with its compact design for easy placement, makes it a highly efficient and user-friendly solution for any homeowner looking to enhance their home safety measures.
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Smart Water Device Installation
How to Hire a Rental Property Plumber
Installing smart water management devices requires a pro with advanced rental property construction knowledge, specifically in the field of plumbing and cutting existing pipes open. It’s recommended to hire a plumber for these jobs, in which understanding how to hire a plumber for a rental property ensures you are likely to get a qualified plumber to satisfactorily complete the job.
Where to Find a Rental Property Plumber
Finding qualified, honest, and reliable service professionals can easily be done with online service directories. These platforms have the ability to directly connect customers with local service professionals who can do virtually any home improvement service from installing rental property garbage disposals in an apartment kitchen, to installing smart video doorbells.
Rental Property Smart Water Device FAQ
What Types of Smart Water Devices are Best for Rental Properties?
Smart water devices are increasingly important in managing rental properties efficiently and sustainably. Below is a table highlighting different types of smart water devices suited for rental properties, along with descriptions for each:
| Device Type | Description |
| Leak Detectors | Detects the presence of water in areas prone to leaks, such as under sinks and near appliances, providing early warnings to prevent water damage. |
| Smart Water Meters | Tracks overall water usage in real-time, helping in identifying unusual consumption patterns and encouraging conservation efforts. |
| Automatic Shutoff Valves | Automatically cuts off water supply in case of a detected major leak, preventing extensive water damage and reducing repair costs. |
| Water Pressure Monitors | Monitors the water pressure in plumbing systems, alerting to potential issues like pipe bursts or weak flow, ensuring system health. |
| Smart Irrigation Controllers | Controls outdoor watering schedules based on weather and soil conditions, optimizing water usage for landscaping while maintaining property aesthetics. |
How Do Smart Water Devices Impact Landlord-Tenant Relationships?
Smart water devices can foster a more collaborative approach to water management between tenants and landlords. They provide transparency in water usage, which can lead to more trust and open communication. These devices also show a landlord’s commitment to maintaining the property, potentially increasing tenant satisfaction. However, they must be implemented with clear communication to ensure tenants understand their purpose and do not feel their privacy is being invaded.
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What is the Cost-Benefit Analysis of Installing Smart Water Devices in Rental Properties?
The initial investment in smart water devices can be offset by the long-term savings in water bills and reduced risk of expensive repairs from water damage. These devices can also increase the value and attractiveness of the property to prospective tenants who value sustainability and modern amenities. Over time, the efficiency gains and preventive benefits often outweigh the upfront costs. Additionally, these devices can contribute to more sustainable water usage, which is an increasingly important consideration for property owners and tenants.
What are Legal Considerations Regarding Tenant Privacy When Installing Smart Water Devices in Rental Properties?
When installing smart water devices in rental properties, landlords must consider tenant privacy and legal compliance. Tenants should be informed about the devices, how they work, and what data they collect. Landlords must ensure that the installation and use of these devices comply with local landlord-tenant laws and regulations, including any rules regarding tenant privacy. It’s also important to establish clear policies on data handling and access. In some jurisdictions, landlords may need to obtain consent from tenants before installing these devices, particularly if they monitor detailed usage information.
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About the Author
Ryan Nelson
I’m an investor, real estate developer, and property manager with hands-on experience in all types of real estate from single family homes up to hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial real estate. RentalRealEstate is my mission to create the ultimate real estate investor platform for expert resources, reviews and tools. Learn more about my story.
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