Smart Home Essentials for Your Rental
4 key upgrades that protect your property, improve guest experience, and make management easier.
How This Works
Property Owner Responsibility
As the property owner, you handle purchasing and installation. Each product includes DIY installation guides, or you can hire a local handyman.
We Handle the Integration
Once installed, we connect these devices to Hostfully for automated guest access codes, monitoring alerts, and seamless property management.
Our 4 Recommended Products
The highest-rated options in each category — all verified to work with Hostfully.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
No subscription required
Why we recommend it: WiFi built-in (no hub needed), up to 100 unique access codes that auto-expire at checkout, and works with all major smart home systems.
Hostfully Integration: Hostfully Devices natively supports Schlage Encode locks with automatic access code generation and expiration.
Google Nest Doorbell (Wired, 2nd Gen)
Nest Aware for 24/7 video history (optional)
Why we recommend it: Best-in-class video quality with smart AI detection that reduces false alerts. See who's at the door and verify check-ins remotely.
Hostfully Integration: Works standalone with Google Home app. Hostfully Digital Guidebooks can include doorbell instructions for guests.
Minut Smart Home Sensor
Minut Pro plan per property
Why we recommend it: Industry standard for vacation rentals. Monitors noise levels (decibels only — no audio recording) to catch parties early while respecting guest privacy.
Hostfully Integration: Official Hostfully integration — syncs reservations and guest info for automatic noise alerts tied to bookings.
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)
No subscription required
Why we recommend it: Set temperature limits between guests, monitor remotely, and save on energy costs. The sleek design looks great in any rental.
Hostfully Integration: Hostfully Devices recommends Google Nest thermostats — full support for remote control and automation between bookings.
One-Time Hardware Cost
~$906
All 4 products
Monthly Subscriptions
~$20/mo
Minut $12 + Nest Aware $8 (optional)
These products pay for themselves through fewer issues, better reviews, and time saved.
Boat Lift & Dock Monitoring
For lakefront, riverfront, or coastal rentals with boat lifts or docks, standard cameras won't cut it. Here's what we recommend for long-range, weather-resistant monitoring.
Reolink RLC-823A
No subscription required
The best single camera for both front door and boat lift monitoring. 4K resolution with 5X optical zoom lets you see detail at distance — critical for dock surveillance.
Key Features
- 4K (8MP) Ultra HD resolution
- 5X Optical Zoom — sharp detail at 200ft+
- PTZ (Pan 360°, Tilt 90°) — one camera covers multiple areas
- Color night vision up to 100ft
Why It Works for Docks
- IP66 weatherproof — handles humidity, rain, temp swings
- PoE power — single cable run up to 300ft to dock
- Local storage — no monthly cloud fees
- Person/vehicle detection — reduces false alerts from wildlife
Solar-Powered Options
For docks without nearby electrical outlets, these solar-powered cameras work completely wire-free with rechargeable batteries and included solar panels.
Reolink Argus 4 Pro + Solar
4K, Color Night Vision, 180° View
- Solar panel included — truly wire-free
- Dual-lens 180° panoramic view
- IP65 weatherproof
Ring Spotlight Cam Pro Solar
1080p HDR, 3D Motion, Two-Way Talk
- Solar panel included — stays charged
- 3D motion detection with Bird's Eye View
- Ring Protect plan optional ($4/mo)
Note: Cameras operate standalone — they don't integrate with Hostfully since there's no guest-code automation needed. You'll monitor through the Reolink app. Be sure to disclose exterior cameras in your listing and Hostfully guidebook.