How to turn your apartment into a smart home: No drills, no wires, no problems

One of the perks of home ownership is the freedom to do whatever you want to your property, including transforming it into a cutting-edge smart home. Renters typically don’t have that luxury, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the comfort and convenience that smart technology affords.

With the right approach, you can enjoy all the benefits of a connected home without running afoul of your lease agreement, upsetting your landlord, or leaving gear behind should you ever move out. Here’s how you can transform your rental into a smart haven.

Smart home basics

First things first: what exactly is a smart home? Simply put, it’s any residence with connected devices that enable remote control, management, and monitoring of a home’s systems and appliances, including lighting, heating, and security. These devices can operate directly on your Wi-Fi network, or they can rely on radio technologies such as Zigbee and Z-Wave that require a bridge or hub that connects to your home network.

The chief advantage to the latter approach is that it reduces the load on your router; the primary drawback is that you need to buy a hub. Either way, imagine being able to control your lights with your voice, having your thermostat learn your schedule, checking on your home security situation from your smartphone while you’re away, and having your front door automatically lock when you come home. It’s all possible, and it’s all pretty simple–and amazing.

The key components of a smart home include smart versions of common home appliances like lights, locks, and doorbells. These devices not only make life more convenient but can also enhance your security and help reduce your energy bills. And the best part for renters is that many of these devices require minimal installation, which is crucial as we’ll explain.

Overcoming rental limitations

As a renter, you might face some challenges when setting up a smart home. Landlords can be particular about modifications, and lease agreements often have clauses that restrict changes to the property. When choosing smart home devices for a rental property, it’s key to avoid major installations that could permanently alter or damage the property. That means anything that requires modifying the home’s plumbing or electrical wiring is off the table. It’s not worth risking your security deposit, and possibly your tenancy, to install a smart toilet or smart light switches in the wall no matter how much you may want them. Besides, there are plenty of alternatives that don’t involve permanent installation.

If you want to make your rental home smarter, non-invasive installations are your best friend. Many smart home devices have renter-friendly designs—using adhesive strips or battery power, for example—eliminating the need for drilling holes or making other permanent changes to the property. Products like adhesive smart light strips or battery-powered security cameras are just a couple of examples.

Another strategy is to focus on portable devices that you can easily take with you when you move. Smart plugs, smart bulbs, and standalone cameras can all be packed up and reinstalled in your next home.

Finally, a little communication goes a long way. It’s worth having a conversation with your landlord about your smart home plans. Some landlords might even see the added value and agree to minor, minimally invasive upgrades, especially if you frame it as enhancing the property’s security and appeal.

Smart home essentials for renters

So, what smart home devices should you consider as a renter? Here are a few essentials that are easy to install and that pack a punch in terms of functionality.

Smart bulbs: Swapping out your regular bulbs for smart ones is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. They simply screw into your existing light fixtures—no rewiring needed—and enable you to control room ambiance by brightening, dimming, and in many cases, changing the color of the lighting via your smartphone or with a voice command. Smart lights are also energy-efficient, using LED technology that consumes less power than traditional incandescent bulbs. This means you can reduce your electricity bill while enjoying customizable lighting that suits your mood and schedule.

TechHive has reviewed all the top smart bulbs.

Smart plugs: These handy devices turn your regular lamps and appliances into smart devices. You simply plug one into a wall outlet or power strip and connect it to your Wi-Fi network. Then plug a lamp, coffee maker, fan, space heater, or anything else with an on/off switch into the smart plug. Voilia! You now have a connected device you can control with your phone or a voice command. Want to control garden lights or holiday decorations? Look for an outdoor smart plug, as these are rated to work in a variety of weather conditions. (You can learn more about how products are weatherized at the preceding link.)

Additionally, smart power strips are a great solution for managing multiple devices at once. Many of them allow you to control each outlet individually—perfect for home entertainment systems or computer setups—and some monitor energy usage to help you identify energy hogs and reduce electricity consumption.

Read TechHive’s smart plug reviews.

Smart speakers: Smart speakers act as the brain of your smart home, allowing you to control all your devices from one place. Popular options like the Amazon Echo or Google Nest Hub are compact, easy to set up, and compatible with a wide range of devices. These smart speakers come with built-in voice assistants, enabling you to control smart home devices like the ones mentioned here using voice commands. Imagine simply saying, “Alexa, turn off the lights,” or “Hey Google, set the thermostat to 72 degrees,” and watching it happen instantly. In addition to controlling your smart home, these devices can play music, provide weather updates, call your friends, and more, making them versatile and essential components of a connected home.

Here’s TechHive’s extended take on smart speakers and smart displays.

Setting up a smart home security system

Security is a top priority for any home, and as a renter, you have plenty of options to enhance your safety without making permanent changes to your dwelling. There are various security components you can consider, depending on your living situation and security needs.

Indoor security cameras: Indoor security cameras are great for renters in apartments and other small spaces where monitoring entry points and common areas is sufficient. Most indoor cameras can be placed on shelves or tables, and some can be attached to walls with non-invasive mounts. Battery-powered models are ideal, as they offer maximum installation flexibility, while wired cameras only need access to an electrical outlet.

Outdoor security cameras: If you’re renting a house, townhome or condo with a private yard, outdoor security cameras provide an extra layer of security. These cameras are designed to withstand a range of weather conditions and monitor wider areas. Wireless and battery-operated models are renter-friendly, since they don’t require drilling or extensive wiring, and they can often be mounted with magnetic brackets or placed on flat surfaces, making them easy to install and remove.

There’s a host of options here, and TechHive has reviewed every important home security camera.

Video doorbells: Video doorbells are an excellent addition to any property, offering both security and convenience. They allow you to see and communicate with visitors remotely, adding an extra layer of protection to your home’s entry point. Popular brands such as Ring, Blink, and Wyze offer battery-powered options that can be installed without wiring, making them ideal for renters who want to avoid making invasive modifications. Additionally, these video doorbells do not require you to have an existing doorbell setup. But they do require a small amount of drilling to secure a mounting bracket, so be sure to clear it with your landlord before installing one. Another alternative is a product like the Ring Peephole Cam, which mounts to your door’s peephole.

Yep, TechHive has an extensive buyers’ guide for video doorbells, too.

Full smart security systems: For renters living in larger homes or houses, a full smart security system can provide more comprehensive security. While some smart home systems can be expanded to include home security products like cameras and doorbells, it’s best to opt for a dedicated smart home security system. A typical starter kit will include motion detectors, door/window sensors, and a central control panel for arming and disarming the system, with options for purchasing cameras separately. Look for features like wireless connectivity, battery-powered components, and adhesive mounts. Systems like SimpliSafe and Ring Alarm Pro offer these renter-friendly features, ensuring easy installation and portability. These systems also offer optional professional monitoring services for extra piece of mind.

Don’t miss TechHive’s take on the best smart home systems.

Maximizing your smart home setup

Once you’ve dialed in these essentials, there’s a vast ecosystem of smart-home appliances available to renters that can further enhance your living space. Smart thermostats, for instance, can help save on energy bills by learning your schedule and adjusting the temperature accordingly.

Smart smoke detectors offer advanced features compared to traditional models, such as the ability to detect smoke and carbon monoxide, send alerts to your phone, and even communicate with other smart devices in your home. And retrofit smart locks that can be installed over your existing deadbolt–a landlord-friendly upgrade that allows you to lock and unlock your door using your smartphone or an NFC card or tag.

It’s also important to ensure that whatever smart devices you choose are compatible with each other and any existing systems you might have. This will ensure seamless integration and easier management of your smart home ecosystem.

By focusing on renter-friendly smart home appliances and following these general guidelines on installation and compatibility, you can create a modern, connected living space that enhances convenience, security, and efficiency–all without compromising your rental agreement.