Best Smart Home Products for Renters
As technology advances, transforming your apartment into a smart home has become easier
However, as a renter, you’re often limited by lease agreements that prevent you from making permanent modifications.
Fortunately, many smart home products are renter-friendly, requiring no hardwiring or extensive installation. These products can elevate your living space, enhance convenience, and improve security without violating any lease terms.
We also can advise on a list of products that will allow you to automate your home without a complex setup that would involve drilling and violating rent terms.
Click here to check out the best smart home products…
Here’s a guide to the best smart home products for renters:
1. Smart Speakers and Voice Assistants
Top Picks:
Amazon Echo Dot
Google Nest Mini
Smart speakers with built-in voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant are ideal for renters. These devices can control other smart gadgets, answer questions, play music, and set reminders. They’re small, portable, and don’t require any complicated installation. Additionally, they’re great for managing other smart home products through voice commands.
You will be able to use these whether you rent or own without any problems at all because they do not affect the property.
Why It’s Perfect for Renters:
Easy to set up and move
No drilling or mounting required
Multifunctional: control lights, thermostats, and more
2. Smart Plugs
Top Picks:
TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug
Amazon Smart Plug
Smart plugs are an inexpensive and renter-friendly way to control any appliance or electronic device from your phone or via voice assistant. Simply plug the device into an outlet, and then connect lamps, fans, coffee makers, or other appliances to it. This allows you to control these devices remotely or set up automated schedules.
You will be able to use these as much as you want, if you ever move you can simply take the Smart plugs with you.
Why It’s Perfect for Renters:
No installation needed
Easy to take with you when moving
Allows automation of traditional devices
3. Smart Lighting
Top Picks:
Philips Hue Bulbs
LIFX Smart Bulbs
Smart lighting systems let you control your lights with your smartphone or voice commands. They come in a variety of styles, from color-changing bulbs to dimmable lights.
With no need to change the wiring, renters can simply replace their regular bulbs with smart ones. They’re energy-efficient and allow you to create personalized lighting scenes.
This is probably one of the most popular ways of trying home automation as they are so easy to set up.
Why It’s Perfect for Renters:
No hardwiring required, just replace bulbs
Customizable colors and schedules
Helps save on electricity bills
4. Video Doorbells
Top Picks:
Ring Video Doorbell
Eufy Security Video Doorbell
While video doorbells might seem like a permanent installation, many models like the Ring and Eufy offer mounting options that don’t require drilling. These devices let you monitor who’s at your door through an app, providing extra security for renters. Some models are battery-powered, eliminating the need for hardwiring.
We highly recommend going for a battery version if you are renting, this again can be taken with you if you end up moving.
Why It’s Perfect for Renters:
Adhesive or no-drill mounting options available
Increases security without damaging property
Portable and easy to take when moving
5. Smart Thermostats (Non-Hardwired)
Top Picks:
Google Nest Thermostat
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite
While many smart thermostats require hardwiring, there are models designed for non-invasive installation. Some attach to the existing thermostat without any need for complex setup. They allow you to control the temperature in your home remotely, helping save on energy bills while keeping your space comfortable.
Why It’s Perfect for Renters:
Non-invasive installation options
Reduces energy consumption
Easy to revert to standard thermostat when moving
6. Smart Security Cameras (Indoor)
Top Picks:
Wyze Cam v3
Arlo Essential Indoor Camera
For renters who want to boost their home’s security, indoor security cameras are a simple solution. Most models are compact, wireless, and easy to set up. You can place them on shelves or mount them with adhesive strips. These cameras can monitor your home in real-time and even send notifications when motion is detected.
These will also run from battery so super easy to setup and use.
Why It’s Perfect for Renters:
No complicated installation required
Portable and easy to reposition
Enhances home security
7. Smart Blinds
Top Picks:
Soma Smart Shades
MySmartBlinds
While upgrading blinds might seem like a permanent decision, smart blind solutions exist that are designed for renters. Some, like Soma Smart Shades, allow you to motorize existing blinds without drilling or wiring. You can control them through your phone or voice assistant and even schedule them to open and close at certain times.
Why It’s Perfect for Renters:
Works with existing blinds
Battery-powered and wireless
Improves comfort and privacy
8. Smart Locks (Non-Invasive Options)
Top Picks:
August Smart Lock
Wyze Lock
Many smart locks are designed with renters in mind, allowing you to install them without replacing the existing lock. The August Smart Lock, for example, attaches to the inside of your door and works with your current key. This allows you to lock and unlock your door remotely or through voice commands, adding a layer of security without requiring landlord approval.
Why It’s Perfect for Renters:
No need to replace the door lock
Increases security and convenience
Reversible, easy to uninstall
Conclusion
Creating a smart home as a renter is no longer a challenge thanks to the variety of portable, non-invasive, and easy-to-use products available today. Whether you’re looking to enhance security, improve energy efficiency, or simply add convenience to your daily life, there’s a smart solution for you that doesn’t require permanent modifications.
These products are not only functional and tech-savvy but also perfect for anyone living in a rented space, providing flexibility and ease of use while you’re at home and even when it’s time to move.
The main takeaway is to pick products that allow you to automate your home without having to work on the property. A lot of the options that you may think are out of bounds for you can be used with the alternative battery options.
You can also check out our reviews of the products above on this site.
