Renting? Most smart home guides assume you own your home. This is for the 80M+ US renters who want a smart setup that won’t void the lease.
The renter-friendly stack
Smart plugs (no drilling) — TP-Link Kasa KP125M ($19) · plug into existing outlets · take with you when you move.
Smart bulbs (no drilling) — Philips Hue Starter ($179) replaces existing bulbs. Hue hub plugs into router.
Smart thermostat for renters? — Most landlords resist. Alternative: smart space heater + smart fan controlled by smart plug.
Security camera (no drilling) — Eufy Indoor Cam C220 ($59) + tabletop tripod. No drilling.
Smart lock (lease-allowed) — Yale Assure Lock 2 ($169) replaces existing deadbolt. Most leases allow with permission. Save original deadbolt for move-out.
Total budget: $440
This setup: smart plugs + bulbs + camera. Skip lock if not lease-allowed. Move-out: take everything with you.
Verified energy savings for renters
~$20-30/month average from smart plug phantom load + scheduling. Pay back gear in 12-15 months.
Full renter-specific guide: V1 30-Day Smart Home Setup Checklist ($9.99 · all renter-friendly).
⚠ AI-assisted research synthesis · human-edited by SUJI KIM · EU AI Act Art. 50 transparency
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