(NYC) BREAKING: NYC Landlord SUED BY TENANTS in apartment building that installed smart locks manufactured/developed by the high-tech, app-driven start up “Latch”. The law suit was initially seeking remedy after the building had revoked physical key access from elderly tenants, but then sparked a larger controversy centered around *wait for it….* consumer data collection & privacy concerns. 

“It’s fundamentally inappropriate for anyone to be told that a condition of living somewhere is giving up their data,” said Lee Rowland, policy director at the New York Civil Liberties Union. “It is a problem that state law, that local laws do not clearly prohibit landlords from using their tenants as a source of data.”

This lawsuit/story has caused NYC Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal and City Councilman Mark Levine to both draft/propose a legislation that includes investigating and placing limits on the data companies like “Latch” (& others) can collect. 

While technology obviously provides useful benefits in today’s world, I am very hesitant to offer my customers a product that may expose their asset to unnecessary risk found in interconnected, IOT web devices. (Think data privacy and hardware/software compatibility nightmares) 

Also, for any clients performing value-add/re positioning projects, any pending legislation associated with newly installed home technology can affect a timely/profitable property exit strategy. 

Let Elixir Residential help you find the ‘sweet-spot’ between old/inconvenient keys and risky/expensive overkill. 

Your tenants will thank you! 

Feel free to reach out to me directly at john@elixir-residential.com if we can be of any assistance to your community.

If you have read this far in the article, be sure to check out our Amenities Offerings page found at elixir-residential.com/amenities.

Source: https://nypost.com/2019/03/16/hells-kitchen-residents-suing-over-keyless-apartment-entry/

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Elixir Residential LLC helps multifamily (condos/townhomes/apartments) communities safely and affordably boost the quality of living through the selection, installation and on-going support of tech & convenience based amenities.

Elixir Residential LLC also specializes in the acquisition and management of apartment communities in the Tampa / Saint Petersburg, Florida Metro Area.

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