The article describes the automated monitoring of buildings and structures using sensors. Criteria of need to deploy the automated monitoring system (according to the Town Planning Code of the Russian Federation) are specified. Various types and examples of objects subject to automated monitoring are listed, possible negative scenarios at objects of various types that require monitoring in the first place are indicated. The general characteristic of monitoring is given, its purposes and ways are stated, examples of the equipment used when automated monitoring are given, and also the organization of monitoring system as a uniform hardware-software complex is described. The examples of the operation of the automated monitoring systems installed at the objects, the adverse events recorded by them are considered, the interpretation of their indications is given. Criteria of the choice of the measuring equipment (need of monitoring of certain parameters, economic expediency, influence of operating conditions on the choice of the equipment) are specified. For unique objects, monitoring systems have, in addition to practical value, theoretical value for understanding the processes occurring during the operation of the object.