The Best Smart Home Devices for Renters: Non-Permanent Solutions
December 15, 2023
5 min read
In the ever-evolving world of technology, the smart home revolution has made its mark, changing how we interact with our living spaces. While homeowners have enthusiastically embraced the concept of a fully connected home, renters have often felt left out in the cold, fearing the installation of permanent devices in their temporary abodes.
However, the times are changing, and today, we're here to unveil the best smart home devices for renters—non-permanent solutions that provide convenience, security, and comfort without compromising your lease agreement. From lighting to security and even entertainment, we've got you covered.
The Smart Lights: Philips Hue
Lighting is fundamental to creating the desired atmosphere and feeling in any living space. The Philips Hue smart lighting system is transforming the game for renters, offering a broad spectrum of smart bulbs and light fixtures that can be installed and removed simply and without damaging your rented residence.
Philips Hue bulbs stand out not only for their ability to customize color and brightness but also for their compatibility with voice-activated virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
This functionality grants you the convenience of controlling your lighting with simple voice commands. Additionally, the Hue Bridge serves as the central control unit, allowing you to create schedules and scenes that seamlessly integrate with your daily routines.
With Philips Hue, you can transform your rental into a smart, well-lit haven, and when it's time to move, simply unscrew the bulbs and take them with you.
The Smart Locks: August Smart Lock
For renters, ensuring the security of their living space is a top priority. While traditional locks are often immovable fixtures, the integration of a smart lock can significantly enhance your home's safety.
The August Smart Lock stands out as an excellent choice for renters due to its hassle-free installation process—it effortlessly attaches to your existing deadbolt without necessitating any alterations. Moreover, the convenience of using your smartphone as a key further simplifies the security setup.
August Smart Lock also integrates seamlessly with smart home ecosystems, offering compatibility with platforms like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. This means you can control your lock with voice commands or integrate it into your automated routines.
The best part? When your lease is up, you can simply remove the August Smart Lock and reinstall your original lock, leaving no traces of your temporary upgrade.
The Smart Thermostat: Nest Thermostat
Controlling the temperature in your rental has never been easier or more energy-efficient than with the Nest Thermostat. Nest's reputation for sleek design and intuitive functionality makes it a top choice for renters looking to upgrade their living space without violating their lease.
The installation of the Nest Thermostat is a breeze and harmonizes effortlessly with many heating and cooling setups. Its advanced learning capabilities are a cost-saving advantage, continuously adapting the temperature to suit your personal preferences and daily routines, leading to significant reductions in energy costs.
Moreover, the Nest Thermostat can be controlled remotely through a smartphone app, making it easy to ensure your home is cozy when you return from work or a vacation. When it's time to move, just remove the Nest Thermostat and reinstall the original thermostat—no harm, no foul.
The Smart Plugs: TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug
Smart plugs are a renter's best friend when it comes to transforming regular appliances into smart devices. The TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug is an affordable and versatile option for renters looking to add smart capabilities to their rented space.
The Kasa Smart Plug empowers you to exercise remote control over any connected device—be it lamps, fans, or your trusty coffee maker—through the intuitive Kasa app or simple voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The setup process is a breeze, and you gain the ability to establish schedules and timers, thereby automating your devices and elevating both convenience and energy efficiency.
What's great about smart plugs is that they don't require any permanent alterations to your rental. Just plug them in, and you're ready to go. When it's time to move, unplug and take them with you to your new place.
The Smart Speakers: Amazon Echo Dot
A smart speaker can be a renter's best friend, offering not only entertainment but also voice-controlled smart home integration. The Amazon Echo Dot is a compact and affordable choice for renters, providing access to the vast world of voice-activated technology.
With the Echo Dot, you can control compatible smart devices, set reminders, check the weather, play music, and even order groceries, all by simply asking Alexa. Its small size and discreet design make it perfect for any rental space.
The Echo Dot can also connect to your existing audio system, making it a great addition to your home entertainment setup. When you move, just unplug and pack it – no need to leave your digital assistant behind.
The Smart Security Cameras: Wyze Cam
Security is a top priority for renters, and the Wyze Cam offers an affordable and non-permanent solution for keeping an eye on your home. This compact camera can be easily placed on a shelf, attached with adhesive, or mounted temporarily without causing any damage.
The Wyze Cam provides high-definition video quality, two-way audio, and night vision capabilities. It also integrates with voice assistants and offers cloud storage for recorded footage. Whether you want to keep an eye on your front door or check in on your pet while you're away, the Wyze Cam has you covered.
When you decide to move, just remove the Wyze Cam, and your landlord won't even know it was there.
Smart Home Tech You Can Take With You!
In the past, renters may have felt excluded from the world of smart home technology due to concerns about damaging their temporary living spaces. However, thanks to these non-permanent smart home solutions, renters can now enjoy the benefits of convenience, security, and comfort without violating their lease agreements.
From smart lights that set the perfect mood to smart locks that enhance security and from energy-efficient thermostats to voice-controlled smart speakers, plenty of options are available to transform your rental into a connected haven. The best part is that when it's time to move, you can take these devices with you, leaving no trace of your smart upgrades behind.
So, if you're a renter looking to embrace the future of home living, don't hesitate to explore these non-permanent smart home solutions. Your rental space can be smart, secure, and comfortable without any strings attached. Welcome to the world of hassle-free, renter-friendly smart living!
