Public housing units that are managed under affordable housing authorities or property management companies have their own complex challenges and obstacles that they must face to create safe and healthy spaces for those looking for affordable housing. They also need to keep costs down to provide low-cost housing, as well as comply with insurance, government, and housing program requirements, such as HUD’s Smoke-Free Legislation. Smart sensor technology has been introduced in several public and affordable housing properties, such as the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority, to address these challenges and make these spaces the best they can be to residents while maintaining compliance and reducing liabilities. Some of the challenges that are conquered with smart sensor technology include:
Providing Healthy Affordable Housing Spaces
Smart sensor technology can be used in many ways to ensure public housing properties stay healthy for residents and property staff. For instance, the HALO Smart Sensor monitors indoor air quality for particulates and contaminants to ensure the air residents breathe in their homes is healthy and free of harmful contaminants. HALO can also monitor humidity to prevent mold, mildew, and other harmful issues that can plague housing units with diseases, as well as rack up high repair and restoration bills.
Providing Safe Public Housing
Smart sensor technology has been used in facilities of all kinds for safety. One safety risk that is a concern in public housing units is fire risk. This is why the federal government has banned smoking in all public housing. However, with any mandate, some people may not comply, which can lead to dangerous consequences. With smart sensor technology, property owners, managers, and authorities can be notified when smoking or vaping of any kind is being conducted inside the units. This not only keeps the units safe for all but also contributes to the quality of life for residents, as well as reduces the costs of potential damage or renovations due to smoking. Smart sensors such as HALO can also detect noise disturbances, vandalism, and trespassing and alert housing authorities to act swiftly.
Keeping Costs Down, Complying With Insurance, and Reducing Liability
To provide residents with low-cost housing, housing authorities, and property managers are tasked with ensuring property costs are kept low. The hotel industry is tasked to tackle similar issues and has utilized smart sensor technology to minimize costs while maintaining positive experiences for their guests. Many different factors can rise property costs that can be kept at bay, such as previously mentioned smoking and vaping, preventing humidity damage, as well as preventing vandalism. Smart sensors can also manage HVAC energy costs for buildings through air quality monitoring. Property managers can monitor HVAC systems all on one dashboard and can minimize the use of the HVAC when units are unoccupied, therefore saving housing management funds.
Property management companies and housing authorities are also tasked with complying with their insurance requirements, federal and state-level requirements for public housing, and reducing liabilities where they can. The use of smart sensor technology can ensure resident compliance with these requirements, while also maintaining the privacy one would expect in their home. Success has also been found in maintaining compliance and reducing liability in senior living communities, where property managers are also tasked with providing safe communities for all residents.
All people deserve to live in safe and healthy living quarters. Devices like the HALO Smart Sensors help housing authorities provide safe housing at a low-cost, while also helping to keep management costs low. Contact us today to learn more about the HALO Smart Sensor.
