Smart homes aren't scary... are they? As the IoT market grows, people's questions about smart home devices and smart apartments are also increasing. There are various myths and mysteries surrounding the IoT, some of which are scary. But as with any technology, you can quell your fears with solid research and uncover the truth about these smart apartment myths.

Let's examine some smart apartment myths.

1. Smart apartments are easy to hack.

Any technology carries the risk that people with bad intentions manipulate the vulnerabilities of the system. Cybersecurity should be a priority for all multi-family IoT solution providers, as a careless attitude towards security can wreak havoc. I]

In apartment buildings, technology touches sensitive data about residents' daily lives, building employees and other stakeholders. Fortunately, some audits and practices access a company's systems to ensure they are secure.

2. Smart homes are expensive and have no return on investment (ROI).

Smart apartments are an investment and, with the right technology, can offer quick returns. Multi-family wallet owners can greatly benefit from IoT platforms that can be adopted and expanded through smart devices connected to a single platform, or "fleet management".

Be aware of the obvious differences between multi-family IoT solutions and single-family solutions that have been hastily adapted to multi-family homes. Technology and practices targeting single-family homeowners can exclude residents, staff and / or owners of multiple families from participation or have limited impact. One example is residential unit-based networking hubs, which are inefficient and pose serious security concerns. The right multi-family apartment solutions will reduce operating costs and promote sustainability that interests most residents. Additionally, smart housing infrastructure can future-proof your property, which can add value to the property and provide a foundation for easy future upgrades, rather than a complete technology overhaul every few years.

3. Smart homes can enhance any living unit, but do not provide property-wide benefits.

Home automation can provide each resident with a more personalized living experience, not just in their unit, but in the community as a whole. Within a resident unit, a smart apartment can customize its experience of temperature, humidity, lighting, shading, and more. through automation. Some of these same functions in housing units can regulate common spaces for building-wide water, energy, and waste efficiency and comfort.

For example, automatic thermostat control, which takes into account a resident's optimum temperature, can allow property staff to control vacant units, eliminating the need to check and adjust thermostats manually. Additionally, leak detection inside units and across the property reduces risk and losses from water damage. Additionally, products like smart switches can help you control appliances in your house even when you’re not home.

 Every resident produces waste, and smart waste management can reduce costs for owners and residents and promote a more sustainable approach to waste throughout the property.

A holistic approach to smart apartments recognizes that residents' life experience goes beyond unity. As with any evolving technology, there is a lot of misinformation and myths about smart apartments out there. But by being curious and facing your own questions, you can learn the truth about smart apartments.