How do I configure Vacant and Occupied unit controls?

DOOR OS automates HVAC and lighting in vacant units to save energy. When a unit's status changes between Vacant and Occupied, DOOR can apply a different set of thermostat setpoints and lighting defaults — for example, setting the thermostat back to 60°F and turning lights off when a unit becomes vacant. This article covers how status transitions work and how to configure the vacant-state behavior.

About this feature

Each unit in DOOR OS has a status — Vacant or Occupied — that reflects whether anyone is currently assigned to live there. The status drives smart-home automation:

When a unit goes Vacant, DOOR applies the configured Vacant Unit settings (HVAC setback, lights off).
When a unit goes Occupied (a resident is assigned), the automation reverts to the resident's preferences.

How the status changes depends on whether your property has ePMS:

Buildings with ePMS — the Vacant/Occupied transition is automatic. ePMS pulls move-in and move-out dates from your PMS and updates the unit's status accordingly. No manual intervention is needed if your ePMS integration is properly configured. See Setting up ePMS in DOOR OS.
Buildings without ePMS — the status changes when you assign or unassign users to a unit in DOOR OS. A unit with 0 users assigned automatically becomes Vacant; assigning a user flips it to Occupied.

Before you start

You're signed in to DOOR OS with property management permissions.
The units you want to control have at least one DOOR Thermostat or DOOR Dimmer Switch installed and activated.
For ePMS-driven status transitions, your ePMS integration is set up and pulling correctly.

Steps — View a unit's current status

In DOOR OS, navigate to Access → Units.
The list shows each unit and its current status. Vacant units are flagged.

Steps — Configure Vacant Unit settings

These settings define what HVAC and lighting state DOOR applies to a unit when it transitions to Vacant.

Sign in to DOOR OS.
Navigate to Manage Settings → Manage Unit Settings.
Click the Vacant Unit settings tab.
Click Edit.
Adjust settings:
- Lights — default state when vacant (off, dimmed, etc.).
- HVAC — setback temperature and mode (heating, cooling, off).
Click Save.

The new settings apply to every unit that transitions to Vacant going forward. Units already in the Vacant state when you save the new settings will receive the updated configuration on the next status check.

Steps — Force a unit to Vacant or Occupied (no ePMS)

If you don't have ePMS but need to manually transition a unit:

To make a unit Vacant — go to the unit's detail page and unassign all users with access to that Unit.
To make a unit Occupied — assign at least one user to the unit.

The status flips automatically based on user assignment.

If it didn't work

Vacant Unit settings not appearing — confirm your property has at least one DOOR Thermostat or DOOR Dimmer Switch activated. Without compatible smart-home hardware, the settings page may be hidden.
Settings saved but unit didn't change state — check the unit's status under Access → Units. If the unit is still Occupied, the settings won't apply yet.
ePMS isn't transitioning units automatically — check your ePMS integration health. See ePMS sync isn't pulling new users or units.

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