Smart Home Setup for Renters: What You Can Do Without Drilling a Hole

Renting has its perks, but it also comes with a few challenges, especially when it comes to customizing your space. If you've ever wanted to install smart home devices but ran into rules about drilling or making permanent changes, you're not alone.

Fortunately, there's still plenty you can do. With renter-friendly smart home upgrades like smart bulbs, plug-in cameras, and wireless hubs, you can enjoy many of the benefits of a connected home or apartment— without making a single hole in the wall.

Challenges Renters Face With Smart Home Upgrades

Renters are in a unique spot. While they have full use of the space like a homeowner would, they usually can’t make permanent changes without permission. That can make installing wired smart home systems a challenge. Plus, some renters use shared Internet networks with limited bandwidth, which can make matters worse.

And with short-term leases, many renters avoid investing in tech they can't take with them or might not be able to fully use. All of this can make smart home upgrades feel more like a hassle than a benefit, which is why some people assume smart homes just aren’t made for renters.

That belief, however, is too short-sighted. Many workarounds and solutions exist for renters to create the perfect smart home, and they don’t require tricking (or even notifying) the landlord.

Best Plug-and-Play Smart Devices for Renters

For renters looking to add some smart home automation or other smart home features to their space, the best option is to go for plug-and-play devices. A smart thermostat, for example, probably wouldn’t be an option because it requires wiring into the property’s system. But the options below are great ways to advance the technology in your rented space.

Smart Bulbs and Plugs

To easily add smart lighting to your rental unit, add smart bulbs and smart plugs. Both are inexpensive, require no extra infrastructure, and are also easy to take with you when you move. While not able to be elaborately programmed, both accessories can enable you to add an automated lighting experience to your living space.

Portable Indoor Cameras

Many smart home security systems require hardwiring to work properly. For a renter, that’s almost always a non-starter. Don’t worry! There are plenty of portable indoor and outdoor cameras that are easy to temporarily mount and then remove. Whether you want to keep an eye on the hallway outside your front door in lieu of a wired video doorbell, or you want video to accompany motion sensors for when you’re out of town or just away from your space, portable cameras are an easy option.

Voice Assistants or Smart Speakers

Voice assistants and their accompanying gadgets — think Google Home and Amazon Alexa — are popular smart home technologies for renters. All you’ll need is an outlet and a solid WiFi connection.

Battery-Powered Smart Locks

Some battery-powered smart locks actually fit over the existing deadbolt on the inside of your door. With those products, the outside of your door doesn’t change. That means you and your landlord can still use the original key. The difference is that with the right kind of smart lock, you can use your phone’s Bluetooth and an app to unlock your door, let someone in when you aren’t home, and keep track of who’s coming and going.

Smart Home Hubs That Don't Require Wiring

Smart home hubs are nice to have for a connected home because they make controlling and automating devices a lot easier. While some smart home hubs require wiring, many don’t. Here are just some of the smart home hub options that renters can easily use in their spaces:

• Aeotec Smart Home Hub
• Amazon Echo
• Apple HomePod 2
• Hubitat Elevation

This is not a complete list, so be sure to do your homework to find the non-wired smart home hub that’s best for you.

How to Maximize Internet Efficiency with Limited Setup

To get the most out of your smart home setup, finding reliable high-speed Internet is key. That means starting with a solid Internet provider, but it also helps to have the right equipment to ensure strong WiFi coverage throughout your rental space.

One of the easiest, renter-friendly upgrades you can make is a mesh WiFi system. It typically includes a main router and a few satellite units that work together to create a seamless signal across your home. Many mesh systems don’t need to be mounted — they’re designed to sit on shelves or counters — so there’s no need to drill holes or submit maintenance requests.

Another great option is an Ethernet-to-powerline adapter. These let you extend a wired connection through your home’s electrical system without any complex installation steps required.

Best of all, both solutions are portable. So when you move, you can unplug them and set them up again easily in your next place.

Get Plug-and-Play Ready with SmartMove

It’s true, renting can make it tricky to benefit from smart home systems. Still, there are plenty of ways renters can add advanced tech to their living space, and SmartMove can help.

Whether you need to find a compatible Internet service in your area or you’re looking to bundle your Internet service with mobile and other smart device-friendly options for cost savings, we help you get connected fast.