The Best Smart Home Devices for Renters

It’s easy to get in your head as a renter, dreaming of all the things you’d do to improve your home if the papers were in your own name. But smart home technology is one upgrade that’s easy to make no matter where you live — and easy to take with you to the next place when it’s time to move. Below, we’ll dig into some of the best smart home upgrades for renters to make. Don’t forget to let us know which one you’ll be bringing home first!

Security Systems and Smart Cameras

This one’s a no-brainer — security systems keep your home safe while you’re away, and the smart version can be monitored from an app on your phone. If anything happens, you’ll be notified right away. And the cameras can be checked from anywhere, in case you’re worried while you’re away — or in case you want to check on your pup while you’re at work.

There are several versions sold today that can simply be plugged in and turned on — no drilling or wiring required. Two top names that offer renter-friendly security systems are SimplySafe and Ring.

Smart Locks

These cool devices let you unlock your door with your smartphone, so you don’t need keys or even a code to get inside. They also have the ability to schedule unlocks for other people, say, if a babysitter or relative is due to stop by your home.

For your rental, versions like August exist that can be put on with your existing deadbolt, so you don’t need to remove the landlord’s security efforts.

Smart Smoke Detectors

Your rental will already have smoke detectors in place as a legal requirement, but if you’d like even more peace of mind, check in with your landlord and see if it’s alright for you to switch to the smart version.

Smart detectors have a list of innovative features, including:

Fire notifications when you’re away from home.
The ability to test itself.
The ability to turn off false alarms from your phone.

Some versions, like the Google Nest, even give you phone notifications before the alarm sounds, so you can turn it off before the beeping begins if it’s just burnt toast.

Smart Plugs and Light Bulbs

Plugs and light bulbs are small, rental-friendly details that make a big difference in your day to day life. Smart light bulbs screw in just like the traditional versions, but you can control their schedule, and even brightness level, from an app on your phone.

Plugs sit in between your outlet and your electronics and allow you to turn items on and off as you wish. You can create an automatic schedule for items like Christmas trees or pet heat lamps, or you can make sure the power is off of important electronics from afar when you feel like you may have forgotten before you left home.

Smart Speakers

Smart speakers make life more convenient in any type of home. They work via voice command, turning on music, televisions, searching the internet, etc. They can even hook up to other smart devices in your home so you can control lights, locks, and more with your voice alone.

Are you ready to bring a new smart device or two into your rental? We sure are. And don’t forget, if you need any help finding a new place to put these awesome products to use, Realty Collective is here every step of the way.