Best Smart Home Devices for Renters (2026)
Last updated: April 2026
Renters have a specific challenge: you want a smart home, but you can't modify the unit permanently, and you're moving again in 1–3 years. Every device here installs without drilling, doesn't leave a trace when you remove it, and comes with you when you move.
This page covers one top pick per category — the device we'd actually buy if we were starting from scratch in a rental. Full comparison guides are linked for each category if you want to dig deeper.
The three rules for renter smart home devices
- 1.No permanent modifications — no drilling, no wire work, no replacing built-in switches
- 2.Fully removable — everything goes in a box when you move, leaves no trace behind
- 3.Self-contained — doesn't depend on building infrastructure (dedicated wiring, hub systems)
Smart Lock
Top Pick for Renters
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)
Best for renters — installs in minutes and leaves no exterior trace
$179
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock attaches to the interior side of your existing deadbolt's thumb turn — the exterior hardware is unchanged, your existing keys still work, and there's nothing for your landlord or neighbors to see. Installation takes 5 minutes with a screwdriver. When you move, you unscrew it and take it with you. Features: keyless entry via app, Alexa/Google/HomeKit support, auto-lock, and up to 100 guest access codes.
Read the full smart lock guide →Indoor Security Camera
Top Pick for Renters
Wyze Cam v4
The best indoor security camera under $40 — 2K resolution at an unbeatable price
$36
The Wyze Cam v4 sits on any shelf or surface with its magnetic base — no screws, no tape. USB-C powered. At $36, it's the best value indoor camera available, with 2K video, free local storage via microSD, color night vision, and both Alexa and Google Home support. For renters who just want a camera watching the front door or living room, nothing beats it for the price.
Want pan-and-tilt coverage of the whole room? The Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan & Tilt at $40 rotates to cover your entire living area and follows motion automatically. Check price →
Read the full apartment camera guide →Smart Lighting
Top Pick for Renters
Kasa Smart Multicolor Bulb (KL135)
No hub, no hassle — the best value smart bulb that just works
$15/bulb
Smart bulbs are the ultimate renter upgrade — screw into any existing socket, take every bulb when you move, and leave nothing behind. The Kasa KL135 at $15/bulb is the best value: full color (16 million colors), white temperature tuning, no hub required, Alexa + Google support, and energy monitoring. A one-bedroom apartment takes 4–6 bulbs to cover living room and bedroom — $60–$90 total.
Read the full smart lighting guide →Smart Thermostat
Top Pick for Renters
Google Nest Thermostat
The affordable Nest that skips the C-wire requirement entirely
$129
Smart thermostats are the only smart home device with a real ROI — 10–23% HVAC savings according to independent studies. The Google Nest Thermostat at $129 works without a C-wire (uses power-sharing from the system), installs in 30 minutes, and when you move, you reinstall your original thermostat and take the Nest with you. You'll want to check your system compatibility and get landlord permission before swapping thermostats, as it involves the HVAC wiring.
Read the full no-C-wire thermostat guide →Outdoor Smart Plug
Top Pick for Renters
Kasa Smart Outdoor Plug EP40
Best value outdoor smart plug — two independently controlled outlets, IP64 rated
$17
The Kasa EP40A gives you two independently controlled outdoor outlets for $17 — schedule patio lights to turn on at sunset, automate a balcony space heater, or monitor how much your outdoor devices draw. IP64 rated, so it handles rain without issue. Moves with you instantly.
Read the full outdoor smart plug guide →Full Renter Smart Home: Estimated Cost
The thermostat typically recovers its cost within 1–2 years in energy savings. The rest is pure quality-of-life improvement that moves with you to every apartment.