Smart Home Automation for Renters: What You Can Do

30 May 2025

Home automation is becoming more popular by the day, allowing us to control everything from lights and locks to temperature and security with just a tap on our phones. But here's the catch: most of the smart home gadgets out there seem to be designed with homeowners in mind. You know, people who can drill holes in walls, rewire things, and basically make all the permanent changes they want.

So, what about the renters? If you're renting, you might feel a little left out of the smart home revolution, but trust me, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your space without ticking off your landlord.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of smart home automation for renters. We’ll explore the best renter-friendly gadgets and discuss how you can still enjoy a futuristic home without breaking the lease agreement. Let’s dive in!

Why Should Renters Consider Smart Home Automation?

Before we get into the juicy details, let’s talk about why you, as a renter, should even care about smart home automation in the first place. It’s not just for bragging rights (though, yes, it’s cool to show your friends what your home can do). There are real benefits here:

- Convenience: Imagine controlling your lights, thermostat, or even your coffee maker from your smartphone. No more getting out of bed to turn off the lights!
- Security: Smart cameras, doorbells, and locks can keep you safe and give you peace of mind.
- Energy Efficiency: Smart thermostats and lighting systems can help you save on electricity bills.
- Customization: You can create routines to automate your day, from waking up to winding down.

And the best part? You don’t need to own the place to enjoy all this!

What Can Renters Do for Smart Home Automation?

If you're renting, you’re probably thinking, “But I can’t drill holes in the walls!” or “I’m not allowed to mess with the wiring!” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The good news is that many smart home devices can be installed without any permanent modifications. They’re renter-friendly and can easily be packed up and taken with you when you move.

Here’s a list of smart home automation options that are perfect for renters:

1. Smart Lights

Let’s start with the basics: lighting. You don’t need to mess with the wiring to enjoy the convenience of smart lighting. All you need are smart bulbs. These bulbs can be screwed into your existing light fixtures, and voila! You can now control them with your phone or voice via a smart assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant.

Some popular options include:
- Philips Hue Bulbs: These are a bit pricier but offer a wide range of colors and can be controlled via a hub or Bluetooth.
- LIFX Bulbs: These don’t require a hub and can connect directly to your Wi-Fi. They’re also known for their bright colors.

You can set schedules to turn lights on or off, dim them for movie night, or even change the color based on your mood. The best part? No tools required, and you can take them with you when you move.

2. Smart Plugs

Smart plugs are a renter’s best friend. They’re small devices that plug into your existing outlets, and you can then control whatever is plugged into them via your phone or voice assistant.

Here’s how you can use them:
- Automate Your Coffee Maker: Set your coffee maker to start brewing as soon as your alarm goes off.
- Turn Off Appliances Remotely: Left the house and forgot to turn off your iron or fan? No problem, just use the app to switch it off.
- Create Routines: Pair smart plugs with your smart assistant to create routines, like turning off all devices when you say "Goodnight."

Some great options to consider:
- TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug: No hub required, affordable, and integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Amazon Smart Plug: Works seamlessly with Alexa devices.

3. Smart Thermostats for Renters

This one’s a little tricky because most smart thermostats require some installation, and you might not be allowed to mess with the wiring in your rental. But don’t lose hope!

Nest Thermostat and Ecobee are two of the most popular smart thermostats, and they are known for being energy-efficient. While installing them may require landlord approval because they replace your existing thermostat, some renters have reported success by simply asking permission and offering to restore the original thermostat when they move out.

If that’s not an option for you, look into portable smart heaters or smart fans that can be controlled via apps or voice assistants.

4. Smart Speakers and Assistants

Smart home automation starts with a smart speaker or voice assistant. These devices act as the control hub for all your other smart gadgets. The most popular options are:
- Amazon Echo (Alexa)
- Google Nest Mini (Google Assistant)
- Apple HomePod Mini (Siri)

With these, you can control your smart lights, plugs, and other devices simply by using voice commands. Plus, they double as great speakers for music, podcasts, and more.

If you’re worried about privacy (because, let’s be real, these devices are always listening), you can disable the microphone when you're not using voice commands.

5. Smart Security Cameras

Let’s talk about security. Just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you can’t beef up your home’s security with smart cameras. The key here is to go for wireless cameras that don’t require drilling or permanent installation.

Some renter-friendly options include:
- Ring Stick Up Cam: This camera is battery-powered, so no wiring is needed. It can be placed anywhere, inside or outside.
- Arlo Pro 4: Another wireless option that offers excellent video quality and cloud storage.

These cameras can be placed on shelves, mounted using adhesive strips, or even just set on a flat surface. You can monitor your home remotely and receive instant alerts if motion is detected.

6. Smart Doorbells

A smart doorbell can be a game-changer for security, especially if you’re not home often. Many of these devices come with built-in cameras, so you can see who’s at your door and even talk to them through your smartphone.

Ring Video Doorbell is one of the most popular options for renters because it doesn’t require hardwiring. You can use a rechargeable battery, and it attaches to your doorframe with adhesive or screws (just remember to patch any holes before you move out).

7. Smart Locks (No Drilling Required)

Now, here’s a tricky one. Installing a smart lock might seem impossible if you’re renting since most smart locks require you to replace the existing deadbolt. But there are no-drill options available that let you keep your current lock while still enjoying the convenience of smart access.

For example:
- August Smart Lock: This device attaches to your existing deadbolt, so you can still use your old key if needed. Plus, it works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s HomeKit.
- Wyze Lock: Another renter-friendly option that doesn’t require major installation work.

With smart locks, you can lock or unlock your door remotely, and even give temporary access to guests or service workers.

8. Smart Blinds and Shades

If you’re really into the idea of automating your home, you can even upgrade your window treatments with smart blinds. While installing completely new motorized blinds might not be feasible in a rental, there are retrofit kits that allow you to automate your existing blinds without drilling or permanent modifications.

Some options include:
- Soma Smart Shades: This device attaches to your existing blinds and allows you to control them with your smartphone.
- Ikea FYRTUR: If you’re allowed to change your blinds, these affordable motorized shades can be a great option.

Things Renters Should Consider Before Buying Smart Home Devices

Before you start adding all these cool gadgets to your cart, there are a few things renters should keep in mind:

1. Landlord Approval

While most of the devices I’ve mentioned don’t require permanent installation, it’s always a good idea to check with your landlord before making any changes—especially when it comes to things like smart locks or thermostats.

2. Keep It Portable

One of the biggest advantages of renting is the flexibility to move. So when choosing smart home devices, make sure they’re portable and easy to uninstall. This way, you can take them with you when you move out.

3. Avoid Wi-Fi Overload

If you’re planning on adding multiple smart devices to your home, make sure your Wi-Fi can handle it. Too many devices connected to your network at once can cause slowdowns or connectivity issues. You might want to invest in a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system to ensure every device works smoothly.

Conclusion

Smart home automation isn’t just for homeowners. Renters can absolutely enjoy the convenience, security, and fun of smart gadgets without making permanent changes to their living spaces. From smart plugs and bulbs to wireless cameras and no-drill smart locks, there are plenty of options to choose from.

So go ahead—transform your rental into a smart home and enjoy the benefits of tech-savvy living. Just remember, the key here is to keep things portable and landlord-friendly!