Smart technology for landlords, HMOs and student accommodation

What landlords and operators use it for

• Keyless access for entrances, flats and rooms, with codes or credentials that can be issued and revoked without changing locks.
• Heating control with sensible limits, so rooms are warm without heating with the windows open.
• Leak detection in kitchens, bathrooms and plant rooms, with automatic shut-off where appropriate.
• Temperature and humidity sensors that flag conditions where condensation and mould are likely.
• Resident Wi-Fi that is fast, secure and separated per unit.
• Energy monitoring across the building.

Damp and mould: early warning matters

Since 27 October 2025, Awaab's Law has required social landlords in England to investigate and fix significant damp and mould hazards and emergency hazards within fixed timescales, with further phases planned for 2026 and 2027 (Shelter). It does not currently apply to private landlords, but the direction is clear. Humidity and temperature sensors give early warning, so problems can be addressed before they become hazards. Sensors support good management; they do not replace it.

Safety rules smart technology does not replace

• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Since 1 October 2022, relevant landlords in England must ensure there is a smoke alarm on each storey with living accommodation and a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms with a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers (legislation.gov.uk).
• Electrical safety. Private landlords in England must have the electrical installation inspected and tested by a qualified person at least every five years (GOV.UK).
• Fire safety in HMOs and purpose-built blocks has its own requirements. Smart systems must integrate with, and never compromise, fire alarms and escape routes, including how electric locks behave in an alarm.

Privacy for residents

Residents have a right to privacy in their own space. CCTV should be limited to entrances and communal areas, with signage and a clear policy. Operators are likely to need to pay the ICO data protection fee if they use CCTV. Our business CCTV guide explains the obligations. Sensors in private rooms should measure environment, not behaviour.

Designing for scale

• A robust, centrally managed network with each unit on its own segment.
• Hardware that can be maintained without entering every room.
• Remote monitoring, so faults are found before residents report them.
• Documentation that maintenance teams can follow.

Our commercial work

Alongside residential projects, we work on multi-unit buildings, including a 61-apartment student accommodation building currently in progress. Talk to us through our trade partnership or book a discovery call.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Common questions

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Related services

Sources

• Shelter: How Awaab's law changes the rules on hazards in social housing
• legislation.gov.uk: The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• GOV.UK: Electrical safety standards in the private rented sector

Last reviewed 1 November 2026. Prices ex. VAT unless stated.