In today’s ever-changing world of technology, smart home devices are more than just a luxury; they make life easier, safer, and more convenient. It’s often difficult for renters to enjoy the many benefits of a smart home without making permanent changes to a property they don’t own. Fortunately, there are various smart devices on the market today that are tenant-friendly, easy to install, and easy to remove when you move out.
Here are some of the best smart home devices for renters that can provide all the functionality of a connected home in a temporary living space. These smart devices can enhance the energy efficiency, security, and convenience of your rental property without requiring extensive renovations.
Smart Plugs: The Gateway to a Smarter Home
Smart plugs are an affordable and easy way to make your home smart. These handy devices plug directly into an electrical outlet and make any appliance smart. With smart plugs, you can control your coffee maker, lamp, or fan with a smartphone app or a voice assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant. Renters adore these devices due to their quick removal and lack of wiring requirements. Smart plugs can help tenants save money and manage their energy usage through scheduling and energy monitoring.
Smart Bulbs: Custom Lighting Without Complex Wiring
Switching to smart lighting is one of the simplest yet most effective changes a tenant can make. Smart bulbs plug into a wall socket just like regular light bulbs, but they do more. Smart bulbs allow tenants to create the perfect ambiance through brightness, color, and integration with their daily activities, without hiring an electrician. You can control some lights with your voice or smartphone, and they adjust based on the time of day to help regulate your circadian rhythm. They’re ideal for tenants because they don’t need to be permanently installed and can be moved around.
Video Doorbells: Added Security without Breaking Your Lease
Most tenants prioritize security, and a video doorbell enables you to monitor visitors around the clock. Many doorbells are battery-powered or installed with removable adhesive, so no drilling or rewiring is required. Video doorbells such as Ring and Eufy provide features such as two-way audio, motion detection, night vision, and cloud storage to safeguard your door and provide you with a sense of security. Some doorbells are designed to accommodate temporary visitors, making them ideal for Airbnb hosts or roommates. These devices are compatible with various smart home ecosystems and ensure the smooth running of your rental space.
Smart Thermostats: Comfort and Energy Efficiency Made Easy
You don’t have to own a home to adjust the temperature in yours. Smart thermostats that do not require a C-wire, such as Google Nest or Ecobee, are becoming increasingly popular among renters. These thermostats offer unparalleled comfort and energy savings, with features like learning your preferences, scheduling, geo-fencing, and voice control. They often come with a mount, so you don’t have to replace the thermostat hardware. Smart thermostats can lower energy bills and increase comfort, making them an excellent investment for renters.
Smart Security Cameras: Wearable Surveillance
Security cameras are no longer installed in homes. Wireless, indoor, and outdoor smart cameras have revolutionized rental homes. These cameras run on batteries or USB cables and come with magnetic mounts or adhesive for easy, damage-free installation. Smart cameras now record HD video, stream live, have night vision, and provide AI-powered motion alerts. Some smart cameras also support smart assistants and cloud storage. Whether you want to monitor your front door or your pets, smart security cameras offer insight and visibility without infringing on your lease.
Smart Locks (No Drilling Required Options):
While some tenants may view smart locks as unsuitable, there are several adaptable models available on the market. You can attach your retrofit smart locks to your deadbolt from the inside, ensuring your landlord won’t notice. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi locks from August and Wyze let you lock and unlock your door with your phone, assign virtual keys to tenants, and track visits. Keyless entry systems protect your lease and provide smart security without the need to permanently replace hardware.
Smart Sensors: Automate and Monitor Your Environment
Motion sensors, water leak sensors, and door and window sensors can detect problems before they become serious. These compact, discreet, and battery-powered stick-on smart sensors are perfect for rental properties. Smart sensors can be paired with other devices to turn on lights when you enter a room or send push notifications when a window is opened. These devices save renters time, money, and effort by proactively protecting their homes.
Voice Assistants: The Central Hub for Smart Living
Voice assistants like Amazon Echo and Google Nest are the foundation of the central control system for smart homes. These unobtrusive, portable smart speakers can play music, control smart devices, set reminders, and more. Regular updates and integration with third-party apps enable voice assistants to streamline daily tasks, boost productivity, and enhance the futuristic appearance of your rental property.
Smart Air Purifiers: Comfort and Health
Indoor air quality is a growing concern, especially in apartments and older rental properties. Real-time monitoring, automatic ventilation, and app-based control are the driving forces behind smart air purifiers. Many smart home products are small, portable, and quiet, making them perfect for bedrooms and shared living spaces. Voice assistants can pair with some products for effortless control. Every tenant deserves cleaner air for better sleep, fewer allergies, and a healthier atmosphere.
Conclusion: Smart Living without Compromise
Renting doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of a smart home. Plug-and-play, wireless connectivity, and easy relocation make smart devices more tenant-friendly than ever. Renters can use smart plugs, thermostats, video doorbells, and smart locks to transform their lifestyle without changing their lease. These advanced technologies are affordable, within reach, and offer unparalleled convenience, efficiency, and peace of mind. With so many customizable high-tech devices, renting and smart living are easier than ever.
FAQs:
1. What smart home devices should tenants who move frequently use?
Tenants who move frequently can benefit from smart plugs, lights, and wireless security cameras. They’re portable, easy to install, and don’t require any fixtures.
2. Will a smart lock break your lease?
Not necessarily. Retrofitting a smart lock usually only requires installation on the inside of the door, with no structural modifications required. Always check with your landlord before installing a device in a public space.
3. Is renting a smart thermostat worthwhile?
Many models, such as the Google Nest, work without hardwiring. Some models come with a bracket that doubles as a remote temperature sensor if you can’t replace the device.
4. Can smart devices lower your energy bill?
Absolutely. Smart thermostats, plugs, and lights can help you plan your energy usage and minimize your utility bill.
5. Are video doorbells safe in apartments?
Many video doorbells are battery-powered and are attached with adhesive or brackets to protect your property. They provide security and are simple to remove when you move.
