Vape Detectors in Co-Living and HMO Properties: Peace of Mind for Everyone Under One Roof

In co-living and HMO properties—where up to six or eight unrelated tenants may share a home—the potential for lifestyle clashes is high. One issue that continues to rise, especially among younger renters, is indoor vaping. While vaping may seem less intrusive than smoking, its effects can still be invasive—especially in tightly shared homes with limited ventilation and adjoining bedrooms.

That's where smart vape detection steps in.

Not a Smoke Detector—And That’s the Point

Let’s clear up the confusion: vape detectors are not smoke detectors.

• Smoke detectors are AS-certified fire safety products designed to save lives in the event of a fire.

• Vape detectors are non-certified alerting and deterrent devices designed to pick up aerosol particles, volatile chemicals, and air quality changes specifically related to vaping or smoking.

They are not replacements for smoke detectors and shouldn’t be treated as such. Instead, they’re an additional tool for managing household behaviour—particularly in properties with clearly outlined no-smoking or no-vaping policies.

Why Vape Detectors Work in Co-Living Properties

In co-living setups, everyone deserves a clean and comfortable living environment. When one person’s vaping habits start affecting others—whether it’s through second-hand vapour, odour, or residue on furniture—tensions can rise fast. Without clear evidence, house managers are left relying on hearsay or complaints.

Vape detectors solve this.

✅ Real-Time Alerts: Devices like the ResiSense vape detector send push notifications directly to a designated house manager’s or landlord’s smartphone. When someone vapes in a bedroom, the alert is triggered immediately.

✅ Room-Specific Placement: Vape detectors are usually placed in private bedrooms, bathrooms, or other sensitive areas—where vaping is likely to occur but shouldn't.

✅ Audible or Silent Alarms: The local alarm can be toggled on or off. Want to let the tenant know they’ve been caught in real-time? Keep the buzzer on. Want to avoid disturbing others in the house? Use silent alerts and follow up later with a respectful conversation.

✅ No Interconnected Wires Required: Unlike hardwired smoke alarms, vape detectors are Wi-Fi connected, not physically interconnected. All devices communicate through the same smart home app (like Tuya Smart), allowing centralised monitoring without complicated installs.

The Real-World Benefits of Vape Detection in Shared Homes

1. Protects Non-Vapers’ Rights

In HMOs or co-living spaces, people come from diverse backgrounds. Some tenants may be highly sensitive to chemical vapours, or recovering from respiratory conditions. Vape detectors help landlords enforce clear boundaries without relying on tenant disputes.

2. Discourages Rule-Breaking Early

Tenants who know vape detection is active are less likely to vape indoors. This helps maintain your property standards—no yellowing ceilings, no stained curtains, no lingering smells in carpets or air vents.

3. Maintains Harmony

You’re not just managing property—you’re managing shared space and social dynamics. Vape detection enables fair, neutral enforcement of policies—based on data, not accusations. No more “he said, she said.”

4. Supports Clean Turnovers

Vaping residue can damage soft furnishings and require deep cleaning at the end of a tenancy. Catching and discouraging vaping early reduces maintenance costs and prevents bond disputes.

5. Strengthens Lease Agreements

Smart vape detection reinforces clauses in your lease that prohibit indoor vaping or smoking. With timestamps and alerts as backup, you’ll be in a much stronger position if disciplinary action or eviction is necessary.

Who Gets the Alerts? The Power of Smart Notifications

Typically, a “parent” user (usually the property manager or house manager) receives vape alerts on their phone. No need to broadcast alarms across the whole house. You stay in control—choosing when to intervene, whether to speak to the tenant quietly, or whether it’s time to escalate.

Respecting Privacy

One key benefit of units like the ResiSense detector: they do not record audio or video. They monitor air quality—not people. Tenants can live confidently, knowing that while the property is being fairly managed, their personal privacy is being respected.

Conclusion: An Investment in Harmony

In today’s high-demand rental market, reputation and retention matter. A vape detector may seem like a small addition, but in a co-living or HMO property, it can make a big difference in tenant satisfaction, long-term upkeep, and operational peace of mind.

Whether you’re managing a six-room share house in the suburbs or a purpose-built HMO in the city, vape detectors help you stay a step ahead—not just in rule enforcement, but in creating cleaner, calmer, and healthier shared spaces.

✅ Ready to protect your co-living property?

Talk to us about installing ResiSense vape detectors in your HMO or co-living spaces. Smart alerts. Easy install. Peace of mind for everyone under one roof.