HouseManual

A cleaner handoff for connected homes

Transfer the home technology—not the former household’s data.

A thoughtful smart-home handoff identifies what stays, preserves the information a new resident needs, and removes the previous resident’s accounts and access through official processes.

What makes a smart-home transfer successful?

Inventory every connected item, confirm what the contract says will remain, identify required hubs and subscriptions, preserve manuals and model details, remove personal access, follow the manufacturer’s current reset or transfer flow, and verify that the recipient can begin setup.

InventoryList devices, hubs, bridges, apps, and dependencies.
DecideUse the transaction documents to confirm what stays.
ProtectRemove accounts, personal data, automations, and old access.
WelcomeLeave verified setup information and a clean starting point.

1. Build the connected-device inventory

Walk room by room and include the less visible devices. For each item, record manufacturer, model, location, app, hub or bridge dependency, network requirement, subscription, installer or monitoring provider, official manual, and official ownership-transfer link.

  • Thermostats, switches, dimmers, outlets, sensors, and lighting hubs
  • Doorbells, cameras, locks, gates, garage controllers, and access systems
  • Alarm, smoke, carbon-monoxide, leak, and environmental devices
  • Irrigation, pool, water treatment, energy, solar, battery, and generator interfaces
  • Connected appliances, speakers, displays, routers, hubs, bridges, and voice assistants

2. Confirm what stays and what supports it

A device may depend on a personal hub, paid service, internet account, or accessory that is not part of the transaction. Mark those dependencies before deciding that the device can be transferred. The contract and applicable law—not the app—determine what conveys with the property.

3. Protect both households

Before transferSafer approach
Personal accountsRemove the home or device using the manufacturer’s supported process
Video and event historyDelete or retain it according to the provider settings, agreement, and law
Guest users and automationsRevoke old access and remove schedules that reveal personal routines
Passwords and recovery codesDo not place them in a handoff; the new owner creates their own account
Subscriptions and monitoringCancel, transfer, or restart only through the provider’s authorized process

4. Follow the official sequence

  1. Read the manufacturer’s current transfer instructions. Save the source and access date.
  2. Coordinate timing. Avoid disabling agreed property functions prematurely.
  3. Remove personal ownership and access. Revoke users, integrations, voice assistants, and automations.
  4. Reset only as directed. Some products require account removal before a physical reset.
  5. Leave a clean guide. Share model details, compatible app, manuals, installed accessories, and setup starting point.
  6. Verify both sides. Confirm the former account no longer has access and the recipient can begin supported setup.

5. Keep credentials out of the handoff

A transferable home guide should not contain a former resident’s provider password, email password, recovery key, persistent door code, Wi-Fi password, or payment information. If a temporary credential must be conveyed under an approved process, use a secure channel and change it promptly.

Authoritative sources

Always confirm the exact process with each manufacturer and the professionals managing the transaction.

Connected-home questions

A helpful reset for everyone.

What smart-home devices should be reviewed before a home sale?

Review every connected fixture, hub, thermostat, lock, doorbell, camera, alarm component, switch, sensor, irrigation controller, garage controller, appliance, and subscription that may stay with the property.

Should a seller give the buyer the seller’s smart-home password?

No. Use the manufacturer’s supported ownership-transfer, removal, reset, or invitation process. Personal provider passwords and recovery codes should not be shared.

When should a connected device be reset?

Follow the manufacturer’s current instructions and coordinate timing with the transaction and property professionals. Resetting too early can affect access or operation; resetting too late can leave personal data or access behind.

Is a smart-home checklist a legal fixtures list?

No. What transfers with a property depends on the contract and applicable law. Use the signed agreement and advice from the real-estate professionals or attorney involved.

Available on the App Store and Google Play

Give connected devices a clean beginning.

Download HouseManual for iPhone, iPad, or Android and keep verified transfer instructions with each system.

Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play