Smart Home Solutions Perfect for Renters

Smart Home for Renters: Discover innovative wireless solutions that provide voice control, automation, and convenience without damaging walls or violating rental agreements.

Owning a home lets you freely install any smart tech you’d like. But in a rental, your choices are fewer. You might worry about losing your deposit if you break your lease’s rules. However, just because you rent doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy smart home tech. You can find smart home devices for renters that require no installation. This means you can easily set them up and later take them with you.¹

Looking to add cool tech, voice control, better lights, or more safety? The smart home market for renters keeps getting better. You can choose from wireless home control, portable smart devices, even landlord-approved home automation. This guide will show you options for building your perfect smart apartment. It will fit right with your lifestyle and rental needs.¹²

Key Takeaways

Renting doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the convenience and security of a smart home
Wireless, portable, and rental-friendly smart home devices allow you to create a customized setup
Focus on solutions that don’t require permanent modifications to your rental property
Take advantage of voice control, smart lighting, and DIY home security for renters
Flexible smart home systems enable you to easily pack up and move your tech when relocating

Automate Your Existing Tech

Smart home technology doesn’t always need a full redo of your home. You can change your regular devices into smart ones with smart plugs. These devices can make anything powered by a plug, like lamps or even Christmas trees, smarter. You control them with your phone.¹

Smart Plugs for Lamps, Heaters, and More

The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim With Energy Monitoring (KP125M) is a top choice. It tracks energy use and works with lights that you can dim. It’s a bit pricier at $39.99, but you can get it for $23.99 on Amazon.¹ The Leviton Decora Smart Mini Plug-In Dimmer (2nd Gen, D23LP-2RW) is also high-quality. It can monitor energy and dim the lights. It costs $32.99 but is $42.58 on Leviton’s website.¹ If you want something cheaper, the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip HS300 is for you. It has six outlets you can control separately and protects against surges. It’s listed at $79.99 but goes for $44.99 on Amazon.¹

Outdoor Smart Plugs for String Lights and Water Features

The Wyze Plug Outdoor is good for outside areas. It’s waterproof, comes at $17.99 MSRP, and is $17.98 on Amazon.¹ This smart plug can be used with your voice and knows when to turn on. It’s perfect for lights and water features outdoors.

Get Started With Voice Control

A smart speaker or smart display is key for any connected home. These devices act as central hubs. You can voice-control other smart home devices connected to them. The top choices for working with Amazon Echo’s Alexa or Google Assistant are the¹ Amazon Echo (4th Gen) and¹ Nest Audio. They’re known for their great sound quality and compact size.¹

Smart Speakers as Command Centers

The¹ Echo Show 8 with Alexa and the¹ Google Nest Hub with Google Assistant are great. They offer voice control with handy screens for extra features. If you use Apple, the¹ Apple HomePod mini with Siri can be your smart hub for HomeKit-enabled devices.

Smart Displays for Voice and Visual Control

Devices like the¹ Amazon Echo Dot With Clock (4th Gen) and¹ Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) are top-notch for voice and visual controls. They make managing your smart home simple, without always needing your phone or tablet.²

Connected Lighting Inside and Out

Want to upgrade your rental easily and at a low cost? Switching from old incandescent to new LED smart bulbs is a great way.¹ Wyze offers budget-friendly options like the Bulb White and the Bulb Color. They fit in the usual E26 bases.¹ For the outside, check out the Govee Lynx Dream String Lights. They’re weatherproof and have multicolor LEDs. You can control them with your phone or voice, and they have cool features like preset scenes and Music Sync.¹

Affordable Smart Bulbs for Standard Sockets

Wyze’s Bulb Color is affordable, starting at $20.99.¹ Then, there’s the Philips Dimmable Smart Wi-Fi Wiz Light Bulb at $9.97. It even has Apple HomeKit support.¹

These LED smart bulbs bring unique benefits to your lighting. They offer voice control, let you set schedules, and change colors. These features can really ramp up your rental’s lighting game.

Weatherproof Outdoor Smart Lights

Looking for fancy lights for outside? The Govee Lynx Dream String Lights are $69.99. They bring multicolor LEDs for a fun outdoor vibe.¹

These lights are tough against the weather. Plus, you can customize their colors and effects right from your phone. They’re perfect for sprucing up your patio, deck, or garden at your rental.

Rental-Friendly Home Security

A DIY home security kit helps you watch your place and feel safer. You can set it up on your own and don’t need a pro installer.³ Examples include SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm Pro. They have wireless equipment and flexible monitoring.⁴ SimpliSafe’s starter kits are from $280, and their monthly cost is $19.99. You can also choose free or paid plans up to $29.99/month.

Get Wi-Fi cameras like Wyze Cam OG and Arlo Essential XL for both inside and outside.³ Try the Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell for an easy, no-drill entry watch.³ Look for systems with sensors, locks, indoor and outdoor cameras, and doorbells.³

⁵ You can find security systems perfect for renters under $200. There may be fees for extra features or monitoring, ranging from $15 to $30 each month.⁵ Renters like systems they can install without drilling. They prefer wireless options that work even without Wi-Fi.

⁴ SimpliSafe got an impressive 9.2 rating from editors for its top-notch features.⁴ Cove stands out as a budget-friendly option with an 8.7 rating. Frontpoint is known for its easy setup with an 8.9 rating. Abode shines in home automation with an 8.0 rating. Ring Alarm gets a 7.7 rating for its wide range of equipment.⁴

³ If landlords allow smart security, it makes rentals more attractive. For those without approval, DIY systems are the way to go. They’re easy to set up and move.³ Always check the safety of the area and the home’s protective features.

³ ADT has security that’s great for renters, accessible through the ADT app. Their Blue line offers advanced automation with smart devices and assistants like Alexa.³ ADT’s solutions are affordable, simple to install, and offer pro monitoring. They bring peace of mind and safeguard your home.³

Smart Home for Renters

Renting doesn’t mean you lose out on a smart home for renters. You can get wireless, portable, and rental-friendly home automation. This lets renters use smart tech and stay secure without changing their place permanently. Wireless smart home solutions make a renter’s smart home experience move-friendly.²

Nest thermostats, for instance, cut heating bills by 10% to 12% and cooling bills by 15%. They work with the Google Home app, linking to over 80,000 gadgets.² People like Nicole James use smart devices in their rentals, like Nest Learning Thermostats. These have made their homes more comfy.² Google’s gear fits well in the renter-friendly market segment. It brings ease, safety, and customization.²

To set up a temporary smart living space, renters should choose devices that are easy to move. Think smart plugs, lights, cameras, and voice helpers. These smart home for renters gadgets are quick to install and ready to go when you move.¹⁶

Picking the right wireless smart home solutions means renters can enjoy smart tech. They keep the place friendly for renters. These temporary smart living tools boost convenience, safety, and save energy. There’s no stress or deposit risk.⁶

DIY Security Systems and Cameras

For renters, keeping a home safe is key. But, traditional security systems can be a bit much – with their setup and fees. Luckily, DIY home security kits are here. They let you watch over your place with no extra hassle or costs.⁵

Wireless Video Doorbells for Monitoring Entries

Take wireless video doorbells, for example. The Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell is perfect for renters. It lets you keep an eye on visitors easily. You can see, hear, and talk to them from your phone. It adds a nice layer of security to your place.⁵

Smart Locks for Keyless Entry

Smart locks change how you think about keys. They let you unlock and lock doors with a phone. Plus, they track who comes and goes. This is super handy for rentals. You can give out special access to guests or workers easily.⁵

SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm Pro top the list for DIY security.⁴ They work well for renters, offering simple plans and easy setup. No drilling or changing your place needed. For keeping an eye on things, check out Wyze Cam OG and Eufy E220. They’re wireless too, making security flexible and mobile.⁵

DIY security, powered by smart devices, is a great fit for renters. It boosts safety without the downsides of pro installations or contracts. You can move it with you, thanks to its wireless nature. This way, your home stays safe no matter where you go.⁵⁴

Smart Smoke Detectors for Safety

A smart smoke detector sends alerts to your smartphone if there’s a problem, even when you’re away.⁷ Sadly, nearly three out of five home-fire deaths in the US happen in homes without working smoke alarms.⁷ They send alerts right to your phone, which is great if you’re not there to hear a traditional alarm.⁷

The Nest Protect is perfect for those who rent; it can notify you, test itself, and quiet false alarms all from your phone.⁷ This smart alarm avoids issues like being switched off due to low batteries or frequent false alarms from cooking.⁷ It even warns you when the battery is low, checks its own sensors, and lets you know when it’s time to replace the alarm.⁷

⁷ Roy Furchgott is a top tech expert, having reviewed over 1,000 products and 500 apps.⁷ Look for smart smoke detectors with UL Solutions Certification for safety confidence.⁷ They should have smartphone alerts, the ability to connect with other alarms, carbon monoxide monitoring, and they should work with smart-home systems.⁷

⁷ The Google Nest Protect shines with voice alerts, top-notch sensors, and easy networking with other Nest Protects.⁷ It self-tests the sensors and warns of any issues or low batteries to reduce false alarms.⁷ Its Heads-Up feature lets you know about smoke early, giving you time to turn the alarm off and avoid disturbances.⁷

⁷ But, the Nest Protect is quite expensive and may need frequent battery changes; it also requires a Nest ecosystem for full smart-home benefits.⁷ The Kidde Hardwired Smoke Alarm system is a more budget-friendly choice. It works well with existing Kidde alarms for a smart home system.⁷

Wireless Home Control Hubs

Looking to make a sophisticated smart home system but you rent? Home Assistant is here. It’s a powerful software that works with many smart devices, no matter the brand.² This means you can create advanced automations, even with different gadgets.

Rather than being stuck with one brand, Home Assistant lets you mix and match. It connects over 80,000 products for renters to design a unique smart home hub. This variety means you can set up your smart home your way.

Have smart home gadgets from various brands? Or, want to grow what you already have? Home Assistant is your all-in-one control center. It ensures all your devices work together smoothly. So, you get the full benefits of a smart home worry-free.

Portable Smart Devices

As a renter, you can still achieve a smart home. This is done by choosing devices that are portable, wireless, and easy to install. You can take these devices with you when moving. This ranges from smart plugs and lights to security cameras and voice assistants. For renters, there are several renter-friendly smart devices that don’t need permanent setup. And they won’t damage your space or affect your security deposit.⁸

Smart plugs are key for any electrical device. They can turn a lamp, heater, or Christmas tree into a smart device. It happens from your phone. These smart plugs are budget-friendly and offer many benefits. You can save energy, set schedules, and check your usage for better efficiency.⁸ On the other hand, smart lights bring smart lighting. You get to save on energy, set the mood, control remotely, and automate lights for ease and savings.⁸

Smart cameras and video doorbells are perfect for renters. They let you watch your place without setting up anything permanent. Smart speakers act like your personal helper. They can assist with tasks, offer entertainment, and control your smart devices by just talking to them.⁸

If you want a complex smart home set up, try Home Assistant. It’s an open-source tool that works with many portable smart home tech gadgets. It doesn’t matter the brand or how they connect. You can create all kinds of smart rules that cover many devices.

Sticking to temporary smart living means you can have a smart home. It doesn’t involve any changes to your home. With these renter-friendly smart devices, you get all the benefits of smart tech in a moveable, easy-to-use way.

Landlord-Approved Home Automation

Smart home tech in rentals must respect the lease. Choose wireless, portable, and easily installed devices. They shouldn’t change the property permanently.⁶ The right smart home gadgets improve life without issues from your landlord.

Renters love smart locks and smart thermostats, a 2022 rent.com survey shows.⁹ These devices let you manage access and temperature without harming the building.⁶ Smart appliances, moisture sensors, and irrigation systems support landlords in keeping the property up. They cut repair risks and water issues.⁶

Wireless video doorbells, smart sensors, and DIY security systems up security easily.⁹ You can watch your place and get notices, keeping the rental safe.⁶ Also, smart plugs, lighting, and thermostats bring remote control and save on energy. They make the home cozy and functional.⁶

Focusing on landlord-approved smart tech lets renters enjoy a connected place without lease troubles.⁶ These gadgets let you have a smart home for renters. It adds to your stay while following the owner’s rules.⁶

Landlord-Approved Smart Home Devices	Key Benefits
Smart Locks	Keyless entry, remote access control, enhanced security⁹
Smart Thermostats	Energy efficiency, remote temperature control, convenience⁶⁹
Smart Appliances	Proactive maintenance alerts, reduced repair costs⁶
Wireless Security Cameras	Rental-friendly installation, remote monitoring, peace of mind⁹
Smart Plugs and Lighting	Remote control, energy management, customization⁶

Flexible Smart Home Systems

Creating a flexible smart home for renters is all about being smart. It means choosing wireless, portable, and easily installed devices over the usual ones. Instead of adding things that stay put, go for items like smart plugs, lights, security cameras, voice assistants. These can easily fit into your temporary home without changing anything permanently.¹⁰

Choosing the right renter-focused home automation systems can really help. It mixes the fun of home automation with the flexibility needed for renting. With these flexible smart home options, you can personalize your space easily and take it all with you when you move.²

Many cool gadgets are out there for renters, from smart lighting to wireless security. They are made for those not wanting to make permanent changes. This means you can enjoy better and smarter living in your space without upsetting your landlord.¹⁰

Picture being able to manage your space with a smart plug, a video doorbell, or a voice assistant just like a homeowner. With¹¹ these flexible smart home solutions, renters can have the convenience and control they dream of. All without causing any headaches about changes you can’t keep.¹⁰

Temporary Smart Living

To make your home smart when you rent, look for temporary, portable, and wireless solutions. These are easy to set up and take down. You won’t need to change your space permanently. Things like smart plugs, lights, cameras, and voice assistants are great. They’re made for people who rent, so no drilling or hardwiring is needed. These flexible, rental-friendly smart home technologies mean you can have a smart home. But you won’t have trouble with your landlord when you leave.

The WiZ 60W A19 Color LED bulb gives 800 lumens, which is like a 60-watt bulb. It lights up rooms well for daily tasks.¹¹ The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (EP10) works well in apartments because it’s small. It fits in small spaces like above counters or behind furniture.¹¹ The SimpliSafe system is easy to use, doesn’t need a contract, and works in any size home.¹¹ The Nest Protect smoke detector is good for renters. It uses batteries and sends alerts to phones. This is helpful when you’re not at home.¹¹ The Eufy Solo IndoorCam C24 is both small and cheap. It has great video so it’s good for apartments.¹¹ The Eufy Security Video Doorbell 2K is easy to install without wires. Its battery lasts about four months. You can also save the video it records.¹¹ The Amazon Echo Dot is small, affordable, and works with many smart gadgets.¹¹

Think about temporary smart home solutions and portable devices if you’re renting. This kind of smart home tech for rentals lets you improve your space without problems or losing your deposit.

Conclusion

Renting doesn’t mean you miss out on smart home benefits. There are many wireless, portable, and easy-to-use smart home devices today.¹² Over 75% of renters are happy to pay a bit more in rent for these features. This shows they really want smart living solutions.¹²

Renters can pick smart solutions that are simple to set up and move. This way, you can make your rented space better without bothering your landlord.¹³ You can find cheap but good smart bulbs for under $10. Also, there are affordable wireless locks, motion sensors, and smart switches. These gadgets help make a home smart and connected.¹³ The trick is to choose smart tech that is easy to use and doesn’t need permanent installation.

The smart home market is growing fast and will be worth $158 billion by 2024.¹² This means more chances for renters to improve their homes with smart technology. By using these new tools, renters can have a smarter home. This is possible without the usual limits of renting.

FAQ

What are some of the benefits of owning a smart home as a renter?

Renters face limits on smart home setups compared to homeowners. Still, many devices are renter-friendly. These include smart plugs, speakers, and bulbs. They’re quick to set up and leave no marks when removed.

What are some examples of smart home devices suitable for renters?

For those renting, there’s a wide range of friendly gadgets. These include smart plugs, speakers, and lights. Also, you can use security cameras, video doorbells, and smart locks. They all install without altering your space.

How can renters create a secure smart home without permanent installations?

Options like SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm Pro are perfect for those who rent. They offer wireless security and adaptable plans. Devices such as indoor and outdoor cameras, along with video doorbells, work without a single wire.

What are the benefits of a smart smoke detector for renters?

Modern smoke alarms, like the Nest Protect, connect to your phone. They notify you of any trouble, no matter your location. Since they run on batteries, they’re easy to set up and move with you later.

How can renters build complex smart home automations without being limited to a single product ecosystem?

Home Assistant, an open-source program, is a great choice for renters. It lets you mix and match smart gadgets from various brands. This means you can make advanced automations without sticking to just one system.

What are some tips for creating a smart home as a renter while avoiding issues with the landlord?

Renters should remember landlord rules and not make permanent changes. Stick to devices that are easy to set up and don’t damage the property. This way, you can enjoy smart home tech without breaking your lease.