I get the argument for keeping things simple—trust me, I’ve dealt with enough late-night leaks and weird noises to last a lifetime. But honestly, I think there’s a case for some of these “smart” upgrades if you pick the right ones and actually maintain them. In my experience, tenants appreciate features like heated seats or bidets, and it can even justify a slight rent bump.
The trick is not just slapping in the fanciest thing on the market. Stick with brands that have a solid track record and decent support. I always make sure there’s a manual override, too—nothing worse than being stuck with a malfunctioning auto-flush at 3am. And yeah, software updates are a pain, but so is replacing wax rings every year because someone keeps over-flushing.
Bottom line, it’s about balance. Don’t go overboard with gadgets, but don’t write off every upgrade as a liability either. Sometimes the extra comfort is worth the occasional headache... as long as you’re ready for it.