If you’re managing properties in 2025, you know the job isn’t just about collecting rent and scheduling repairs anymore. Residents expect more, and the competition is fierce. The good news? There are simple, smart add-ons that can seriously upgrade your property management game—without overhauling your entire system.
Let’s dive into a few that are making a real difference right now.
Smart Pest Control: Less Stress, Happier Residents
Pest issues can be a nightmare. They lead to complaints, delays in move-ins, and even bad reviews. But here’s the thing—most residents don’t want to deal with pest control themselves, and frankly, neither do you.
That’s where Pest Share comes in. It’s an on-demand pest control service built for property managers. You can bundle it into your resident benefit package, and residents can request service directly—no more back-and-forth with your team. It even covers high-cost pests like bed bugs and fleas for as little as $5 per month. Plus, it can add an average of $89 per door in annual revenue.
This isn’t just about pest control—it’s about giving residents peace of mind and freeing up your staff’s time.
AI Assistants: Your New Leasing Sidekick
Leasing can be a time sink. You’ve probably had those days where your phone just keeps buzzing—someone’s asking about available units, someone else needs help scheduling a tour, and you’re stuck juggling five things at once. That’s where AI leasing assistants come in.
Think of them as your virtual front desk, working 24/7. Tools like LeaseHawk or MeetElise use artificial intelligence to respond to inquiries, follow up with leads, and even schedule tours for you. No more missed calls or cold leads slipping through the cracks. It’s like having an extra team member who never takes a break.
What makes these tools so powerful is their ability to keep your leasing process moving—even after hours. Say a potential resident messages your website at 10 p.m. on a Sunday. Instead of waiting until Monday morning, the AI can answer their questions on the spot, helping them move one step closer to signing a lease. And that kind of responsiveness? It’s what sets your properties apart.
Package Lockers That Don’t Create Chaos
Let’s be real—online shopping has exploded, and so have the number of package deliveries showing up at your apartments every day. If you don’t have a solid system in place, your office can quickly start looking like a warehouse. And worse, you’ll start getting complaints about lost packages.
Smart package lockers are an easy fix. Systems like Luxer One or Parcel Pending give delivery drivers a secure spot to drop off packages, and residents get notified instantly when their package arrives. No more crowding in the office, no more headaches.
These lockers also save your staff hours each week. Instead of fielding calls about missing boxes or signing for deliveries, they can focus on more important tasks. It’s a small change that brings big results, especially during the holidays when delivery volume skyrockets.
Resident Apps That Do More Than Just Rent
A resident app isn’t just a techy trend—it’s a game-changer for communication and service. And no, we’re not just talking about paying rent online. The best resident apps, like Buildium or AppFolio’s mobile platforms, let your residents submit maintenance requests, book amenities, message your team, and even renew their lease—all in one place.
If you’ve ever had a resident say, “I didn’t know about the pool closure,” or “I couldn’t find the rent portal,” you know how frustrating miscommunication can be. A resident app solves that. Everything your residents need is right at their fingertips.
It also makes your team’s life easier. You can send building updates with one click, track maintenance progress, and keep all communication in one neat timeline. Less phone tag. Less confusion. More efficiency.
Pet Perks That Keep Residents (and Their Pets) Happy
Let’s talk about pets. A lot of people have them, and they’re not just “add-ons”—they’re family. Offering pet-friendly perks can seriously boost your property’s appeal. We’re not talking about just allowing pets. We mean actually welcoming them.
Add-ons like pet waste stations, dog wash stations, or even simple things like a small dog park can make your property stand out. It tells potential residents: we get you. We know your dog is part of your life.
Some communities have even started offering partnerships with local pet groomers or dog walkers, giving residents a discount just for living there. These perks aren’t expensive, but they build loyalty fast. A happy pet parent is more likely to renew their lease—and more likely to recommend your place to others.
Keyless Entry That Makes Everyone’s Life Easier
Traditional keys are slowly becoming a thing of the past. Smart locks and keyless entry systems are gaining popularity fast—and for good reason. They’re convenient, secure, and give your staff more control without more hassle.
Imagine not having to deal with lockouts at 2 a.m. or rekeying after every move-out. With smart locks, you can set up unique access codes for each resident, and deactivate them instantly when they move out. Some systems even let you monitor entries remotely, so you always know who’s coming and going.
It’s also a big win during showings. Instead of sending someone from your team to unlock a unit, you can provide a temporary access code and let prospects tour on their own schedule. That flexibility can mean the difference between a booked tour and a missed opportunity.
Smart Thermostats That Save More Than Just Energy
Utility costs can sneak up fast—for both you and your residents. Smart thermostats like Nest or Ecobee help manage those costs more efficiently. They learn user behavior, adjust automatically, and let residents control the temperature from their phones.
But the real value for property managers? You can monitor and adjust settings in vacant units. That means no more blasting heat in an empty apartment or walking into a sweltering sauna in the middle of summer. It’s all about efficiency and savings.
Smart thermostats also show that you’re staying current with tech trends, which matters to today’s renters. Many of them look for modern amenities—and this is an easy one to offer that pays off long-term.
Noise Monitoring That Keeps the Peace
Noise complaints are one of the top issues in shared living spaces. And while nobody wants to be the “bad guy,” it’s your job to make sure everyone’s living peacefully. Enter smart noise monitoring systems like NoiseAware.
These little devices don’t record conversations or invade privacy—they just monitor decibel levels and alert you when things get too loud. That means you can step in before the party gets out of hand or neighbors start getting frustrated.
It’s a quiet way (pun intended) to keep your apartments under control without being intrusive. Plus, it shows your residents that you care about their comfort and peace of mind.
On-Demand Maintenance Scheduling
If you’ve ever had a resident tell you they’ve been waiting “forever” for a simple fix, you know how fast frustration can build. Even if your maintenance team is top-notch, slow communication can make it seem like nothing’s getting done.
That’s why on-demand maintenance scheduling tools are so effective. Services like Latchel let residents request repairs and book a time that works for them—without the back-and-forth.
It also lets your team focus on completing tasks instead of fielding calls or chasing down schedules. Everything gets tracked in one place, so you can see what’s been done, what’s still pending, and what needs follow-up. It’s smooth, simple, and keeps everyone on the same page.
Wrap-Up: Choose What Fits, Drop What Doesn’t
Here’s the bottom line—modern property management isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing smarter. Not every add-on will make sense for your setup, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to overload your properties with tech and perks just because everyone else is doing it. It’s about picking the right tools for your team and your residents.
Whether it’s smart pest control with Pest Share, a reliable resident app, or on-demand maintenance scheduling, the best upgrades are the ones that take work off your plate while adding value. Start with one or two, test the waters, and see what makes the biggest difference.
Your residents will notice. Your team will thank you. And you’ll find yourself running smoother properties with fewer headaches. That’s what leveling up really looks like.
