interview with: Daniel Cortin, Property Manager

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Date: Summer 2023/24 and Carnaval Season

Background:

Daniel Cortin is a seasoned property manager overseeing 37 vacation rentals across Rio de Janeiro. Known for his commitment to efficiency and guest satisfaction, Daniel has always been on the lookout for innovative solutions to improve his operations. Recently, he integrated Layla into 33 of his properties, aiming to enhance energy efficiency and guest experience.

Q: Daniel, can you tell us how Layla has impacted your property management in Rio, especially during high-demand times like Carnaval?

Daniel: Absolutely. Managing 37 properties is no small feat, and during peak times like Carnaval, it’s even more challenging. Installing Layla in 33 of my properties has been a game-changer. Rio is always bustling, and energy bills can skyrocket during these periods. But with Layla’s Eco Mode, I’ve managed to cut those costs significantly without lifting a finger. Plus, the Party Mode has helped me keep tabs on noise levels, ensuring that guests enjoy themselves responsibly while keeping neighbors happy.

Q: That’s impressive! Could you elaborate on the savings and other benefits you’ve seen?

Daniel: Of course. On average, I’ve saved almost R$200 every month per listing just from Layla’s Eco Mode. During Carnaval, when energy usage typically spikes due to higher occupancy and increased appliance use, my savings doubled compared to the monthly fees I pay for Layla. The forecasts for future savings provided by Layla have also helped me plan my budget more effectively. But it’s not just about the money. Layla’s reporting features have been invaluable. The system alerts me if there’s smoking detected inside the property or if extra guests are present beyond the reservation. This allows me to address issues proactively, maintaining the quality of my properties and ensuring all house rules are followed.

Q: How easy was it to set up Layla across so many properties?

Daniel: Super easy! Layla arrived at my place already pre-coded, so the only thing I needed to do was plug it into the power—literally easier than charging my iPhone. It took less than a minute per property. The scalability was fantastic—I could equip 33 properties without any significant downtime. After the initial setup, I haven’t had to think about it much. Layla works automatically, shutting down appliances when they’re not needed and monitoring noise levels with Party Mode. It’s like having an extra team member who works around the clock.

Q: What other benefits have you noticed since integrating Layla into your properties?

Daniel: Besides the energy savings and noise monitoring, Layla has significantly improved my ability to manage guest compliance and property security. The system’s smoking detection alerts me immediately if someone is violating the no-smoking policy, allowing me to take swift action. Additionally, Layla can detect the presence of extra guests who aren’t registered in the booking. This helps me prevent unauthorized parties or overcrowding, which can lead to property damage or neighbor complaints.

Q: What advice would you give other property managers in Rio or similar markets?

Daniel: I’d say go for it. Layla has saved me up to R$46,700 to date just from electricity, with zero investments and savings from the first month. I’ve already earned back the costs in monthly fees, and the savings keep piling up. During peak times like Carnaval, it’s especially worth it. Managing a large portfolio of properties is challenging, but tools like Layla make it significantly easier by handling energy efficiency, security, and compliance all in one package.