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Smart Home

10 smart home essentials every renter needs in their apartment

Plug-and-play devices will be your best friend.

Credit: Piper

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Want to deck out your apartment or rental home with smart gadgets, but are afraid you'll violate the terms of your lease? You’re not alone! Many renters feel like they can’t enjoy the perks of smart home devices because they can’t alter their living spaces.

Fret not! There are plenty of awesome products you can use in your rented space. Predominantly, you’ll want to look into plug-and-play devices, which require little to no installation and can be packed up and taken with you when you move. Here are 10 smart home devices that are perfect for renters.

1. A smart battery that upgrades normal smoke detectors

Roost Wi-Fi Battery
Credit: Roost

Turn regular smoke alarms into smart alarms.

Instead of replacing existing smoke detectors with a smart equivalent, why not just update the alarms you have? With the Roost smart battery, you can turn normal smoke detectors into smart devices simply by installing the battery. Just pop it in (no tools required) and you’ll be able to get smartphone notifications when the alarm goes off or the battery is low.

Get a Roost WiFi Battery on Amazon for $31.48

2. An installation-free smart plug that will save you energy

WeMo Mini Smart Plug
Credit: Belkin

Smart plugs can help you save on utilities.

“I wish my utilities were more expensive,” said no one ever. It’s frustrating when you’re slapped with a high electric bill on top of your rent, but Wemo smart plugs can help. Simply plug them into your existing outlets, then plug in your appliances. You’ll be able to remotely control whatever is plugged into the Wemo, letting you turn devices off when you’re not home. Hello, energy savings!

To see other great smart plugs, check out our roundup of the best smart plugs.

Get a Belkin Wemo Mini Smart Plug on Amazon for $29.99

3. A smart controller for your boring air conditioner

Tado Smart AC Controller
Credit: Tado

Control your normal air conditioner from your smartphone.

If your landlord is nice enough to provide an air conditioner, you can upgrade it into a smart AC unit with the help of the tado Smart AC Control. Install the controller, and just like that, you’ll be able to remotely control the appliance and save up to 40 percent on energy costs. The tado also works with heat pumps!

Get a tado Smart AC Control on Amazon for $199.99

4. A removable smart air conditioner

Frigidaire Smart AC
Credit: Frigidaire

This smart window AC unit is perfect for apartments.

No air conditioner? No problem. Treat yourself to a smart, affordable AC unit. The Frigidaire Smart Window AC gives you remote control over the device, and it can provide maintenance reminders so you never forget to change the filter.

Get a Frigidaire Smart Window AC at The Home Depot for $299

5. A standalone security system

Piper All-in-One Security System
Credit: Piper

With Piper, there's no need to drill any holes in your walls.

No need to mount cameras or pay a monthly fee to monitor your home. The Piper All-in-One Security System with Video Monitoring is perfect for rentals—just place it on a shelf or table and you’ll be able to keep an eye on your place with HD video streams and real-time notifications if something’s amiss.

Get a Piper All-in-One Security System on Amazon for $249.99

6. A kit to turn regular blinds into smart blinds

MySmartBlinds Automation Kit
Credit: MySmartBlinds

This kit turns normal window blinds into smart ones.

Here’s another product that turns your normal apartment fixings into smart gadgets. Once you install the MySmartBlinds Automation Kit, you’ll be able to control your window coverings from your smartphone, setting up schedules for them to open and even putting them in energy-saving mode.

Get the MySmartBlinds Automation Kit on Amazon for $129.99

7. Easy-to-install smart light bulbs

TP-Link Smart LED Bulbs
Credit: TP-Link

Install smart light bulbs in your rented home.

Who needs smart lights when you can have smart bulbs? There’s also no hub or bridge required for these light bulbs, just a Wi-Fi connection. They can even be synced with Amazon’s Alexa so you can control them with voice commands.

Get TP-Link LED Smart Bulbs on Amazon for $19.99

8. A showerhead that lets you take phone calls

H2ovibe Smart Showerhead
Credit: H2oVibe

Update your showerhead for a smart bathroom.

Smart showers are super cool, but chances are your landlord won’t spring for the installation costs. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a tech-savvy shower, though. The H2oVibe Rain Showerhead can be installed onto your existing shower, letting you answer calls or rock out to your favorite songs while you wash.

Get a H2oVibe Rain Showerhead on Amazon for $36.95

9. A sleep system to block out your loud neighbors

Sense Smart Sleep Sensor
Credit: Hello

Tune out your annoying neighbors with ambient noise.

Noisy neighbors keeping you up at night? Prioritize your Zs with the help of the Sense Sleep System. Not only can this gadget produce ambient noise to block out disruptive sounds, but it will also monitor your sleep patterns, provide personalized recommendations on how you could sleep better, and wake you up in the morning.

Get a Sense Sleep System on Amazon for $99.99

10. A pet camera to keep your dog from barking

Furbo Dog Camera
Credit: Furbo

Get alerts when Fido is barking.

If your dog’s barking while you’re away is bothering the neighbors, you can quiet down Fido with the help of the Furbo Dog Camera. This cool device will send you notifications if your pooch is barking, and it lets you talk to your dog and even feed him a treat or two.

Get a Furbo Dog Camera on Amazon for $249

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