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As multifamily communities become more connected, the infrastructure behind that connectivity matters more than ever.
SmartRent has been awarded a utility patent for its multi-unit automation and control system, formally recognizing the architecture that enables coordinated device management across an entire community. This marks the company’s second utility patent and reinforces the strength of the platform that supports SmartRent solutions across multifamily housing.
At the center of the patented design is a centralized system controller that acts as the “brain” of the community. Each housing unit includes a control hub that communicates with this central controller. The hubs facilitate communication between sensors and effectors — such as smart locks, thermostats and leak sensors — enabling coordinated monitoring and control across the property.
Instead of managing disconnected devices or separate point systems, operators gain a coordinated architecture designed for community-level oversight.
Supporting proactive operations and automated response
The impact of this architecture is operational.
Rather than discovering issues after damage has occurred, the system can detect events and initiate predefined responses. When a leak sensor is activated, for example, the system can automatically generate a corrective maintenance work order and provide limited digital access to maintenance personnel. These capabilities support faster response and more coordinated follow-through.
Both management representatives and residents may access the centralized system controller through electronic devices such as smartphones. Residents can control effectors within their units, while operators maintain visibility and oversight across the community.
This coordination between unit-level hubs and the centralized controller allows device activity to align more closely with operational workflows.
What earning a patent represents
Receiving a utility patent requires detailed documentation and technical review. SmartRent defined the system architecture, demonstrated how unit-level hubs communicate with a centralized controller and established how the design enables interoperability across a wide array of devices.
The patent protects the core platform architecture that supports automated corrective maintenance and controlled access within multifamily housing.
SmartRent product and engineering leaders Braeden Scheer, Vice President of Product Management; John Price, Senior Director of Research and Development; and Tyler Floyd, Director of Engineering are named inventors on the patent.
Continuing investment in multifamily technology
This patent builds on SmartRent’s broader intellectual property portfolio. In 2018, Smart Operations, previously SightPlan, was granted a utility patent (https://www.prweb.com/releases/sightplan-awarded-patent-for-innovations-in-real-estate-operations-and-service-management-863506481.html) covering innovations in task documentation, complex assignment routing, seasonal workflows and disaster preparedness. SmartRent’s hubs, which centralize control of multiple smart devices, are also protected by a design patent.
Together, these patents protect architectural elements that support coordinated device management and automation within multifamily communities.
For operators, that reflects continued investment in infrastructure purpose-built for multifamily communities, where multiple units, staff roles and device types must operate within one coordinated system.
Smart for everyone.™