In today’s multifamily housing market, resident expectations are evolving faster than ever - and smart home technology is leading the charge. What was once a novelty is now becoming an expectation, with connected living features influencing everything from lease decisions to resident retention. Properties that invest in integrated, reliable technology aren’t just offering a perk - they’re delivering a lifestyle residents demand.

At Dyverse, we’re continually studying how digital tools impact resident behavior, satisfaction, and retention. Recently, we connected with Sarah Bonder, an industry expert from Livly and a leader in multifamily smart technology solutions, to gain insights on what residents truly value, and we’ll explore how data-driven property marketing and management can harness this demand.

What Smart Technologies Do Residents Value Most?

According to Livly, it’s less about the individual devices and more about how those devices work together to simplify and secure everyday life.

This emphasis on seamless integration speaks to a growing consumer expectation for on-demand, app-based control. Residents no longer see keyless entry or mobile thermostat controls as luxuries - they expect them to work effortlessly, and data from resident satisfaction surveys confirm this trend. Properties that fall short risk losing valuable renewals.

Smart Technology’s Impact on Satisfaction and Retention

Smart living isn’t just a buzzword - it’s a powerful driver of resident happiness and loyalty.

“Once residents experience true smart living, they don’t want to go back. No one likes a downgrade,” Sarah explained. “Beyond convenience, technology also fosters a stronger sense of community. The Livly app’s resident engagement features bring people together, creating connections that increase retention. A resident who feels at home, not just in their unit but in their community, is far more likely to renew.”

This is where data capturing becomes crucial for property management teams. By tracking usage patterns, feature adoption rates, and resident feedback through integrated platforms, operators can identify which smart features are resonating and where adjustments are needed. For example, if data shows frequent resident frustration with package room access or app glitches, addressing those issues quickly can prevent turnover and negative reviews.

Does Smart Tech Influence Lease Renewals?

In a market where job changes and affordability pressures often dictate moves, technology still has a surprising amount of influence.

“Absolutely, yes,” Sarah emphasized. “A bad tech experience, glitchy access control, unreliable apps, or frustrating package management, poor communication and response time can push a resident to look elsewhere. Livly eliminates these pain points by offering a fully integrated, proven solution that works the way residents expect.”

By monitoring resident engagement and satisfaction metrics tied to technology performance, property managers can address friction points before they impact renewal rates. At Dyverse, we often advise clients to build these data touch points into their leasing and retention reporting to identify actionable trends.

How Should Properties Market Smart-Enabled Homes?

“Residents don’t care about what brand of smart lock is on the door. They care about how technology makes their life easier and safer,” Livly pointed out. “Marketing should focus on the experience.”

Practical, resident-focused messaging resonates most. Highlight real benefits like:

• No more lockouts - unlock your door with your phone.
• Grant secure access to guests, dog walkers, or house cleaners without sharing keys.
• Control your thermostat from anywhere.
• See who’s at the door in real time for added peace of mind.

Properties can also gather data on what marketing tactics are driving the most engagement. Are prospective residents clicking on virtual tours showcasing smart features? Do they linger longer on amenity pages that highlight integrated apps? By tracking these data points, marketing teams can continuously refine their messaging for better results.

What’s Next for Smart Living in Multifamily?

Emerging amenities like EV charging stations are quickly transitioning from perks to essentials. But as Livly noted, it’s not just about installation - it’s about integration.

“EV charging is quickly becoming an expected amenity, not a luxury. But it’s not just about installing chargers. It’s about seamless integration into the resident experience. The Livly app can handle charging reservations, payments, and real-time availability, making EV charging a true digital amenity.”

This presents another opportunity for data-driven optimization. By tracking EV charger reservations, usage trends, and resident feedback, communities can fine-tune infrastructure planning, pricing models, and marketing strategies.

Final Thoughts: A Data-Driven Future for Resident Experience

Smart technology isn’t just transforming how residents interact with their homes - it’s redefining how properties capture, analyze, and act on data to improve satisfaction and retention. Platforms like Livly don’t just enable smart living; they create valuable data ecosystems that help operators make smarter decisions.

“Smart technology isn’t just about convenience. It’s about security, autonomy, and a better overall living experience,”

Sarah concluded. Like Livly, Dyverse believes in a “It’s all Connected” philosophy - we believe data-informed marketing and operations are tied to the future of multifamily housing through strong data analytics and marketing automation. By investing in technology that improves resident satisfaction and provides actionable insights, communities can stay competitive, attract quality renters, and build long-term loyalty.