Hundreds of properties sell every day in North Texas. Many of them come with smart devices that help our homes operate smoothly and make our lives easier. But there is a disturbing issue that may lurk in the shadows of these sales.
Who is controlling and accessing the smart devices when the homeownership transfers? Smart devices attached to a property along with their controls and passwords are supposed to transfer from seller to buyer when the property sells. Handing over control of these smart devices can be as important as the devices themselves.
Presumably, new homeowners will then change the codes so that only they can access the devices. But often that is easier said than done. In all the hubbub of paperwork, loans, packing, moving, and everything that comes with transferring your address, it can be easy to overlook this critical element.
If a seller wants to take one of their smart devices, then they should remove it before the property is listed and shown for sale. For example, a smart door lock that can be engaged or unlocked from a phone could be replaced with an ordinary lock before the property goes on the market. Then there would be no question of it remaining with the property.
Remote Control
It’s not hard to imagine that a seller could continue to manipulate a number of gadgets and gizmos if their access is not changed. They could turn your sprinkler system on or off at will. Maybe open your garage door at any time. Turn down the heat or turn up the air conditioning when the mood suits them.
Even refrigerators, electrical plugs, and smoke alarms can be monitored and managed by “smart” controls these days. The mere idea of someone controlling your smart doorbell, locks, lights, security cameras, audio systems and more is frightening to most folks.
Anyone with access to your smart home devices can watch, hear, and control many aspects of your home. The manipulation of smart home systems can extend from listening to audio devices like Alexa or Echo, to spying on movements through security cameras.
Whether intentional or not, a seller could wreak havoc on a homebuyer. They could not only turn your new home into a haunted house, but compromise your security as well. This is the stuff of nightmares.
Access, Denied
Rightfully, the seller is required to terminate and remove all access and connections on their personal devices such as phones and computers. But how can you be sure that happens? The solution can be simple.
“I always recommend to my clients that they change the passwords for everything associated with their new home,” advises Realtor Simone Jeanes of Allie Beth Allman & Associates. She recommends all buyers ensure the sellers deliver written information for access codes, usernames and passwords needed to access, operate, manage and control smart devices. Then change them.
“Most people are basically honest. But it’s wise to be cautious and aware,” adds Jeanes. Home automation is designed to make your life easier, not stressful. As a new homeowner, any vulnerability with smart devices lies in your own hands.
The opinions expressed are of the individual author for informational purposes only and not for legal advice. Contact an attorney for any particular issue or problem.
