. >> thanks, robbia. >> it was fun. definitely weird. >> reporter: weird perhaps, but efficient. >> i've gotten more used to having to do everything through apps and technology. nice to make it convenient and i didn't have to wait on anybody else, and was able to do it in my own time frame. >> reporter: the technology allows people who might just drive by a home see it immediately. of course, it only works for rentals, because they're usually empty. that is, nothing to steal. but it raises the question of safety for the potential renter, walking into a home alone. >> we ask you to quickly take a picture of your i.d., and then instantly verify who you are and check your background. if it all comes clear we send you a unique code that you can then enter into our smart block. >> it didn't feel like there wasn't somebody there because she was in the room for me. >> reporter: zen place offers the rental service in california but soon will put it in rental homes in five other states including new york and florida if it catche