Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have a “smart home.” Even with limited square footage or strict lease parameters, there are plenty of smart devices that can elevate your living experience without sacrificing space or landlord approval.
Before you invest in the latest smart device, it’s important to understand which ones are best suited for your rental. This means finding enhancements that adhere to your lease agreement and benefit your lifestyle. To help you choose, we’re sharing our picks for the best smart devices for an apartment or rental home, along with some tips and tricks on how to make the most of them. Here’s a look at what we’ll cover:
- Smart homes: how they work
- How to turn an apartment into a smart home
- What to consider when shopping for smart home devices
- How to ask your landlord about smart devices
What Is a Smart Home?
A smart home is a residence with digitized household devices that can be controlled remotely through a smartphone, computer, or voice-activated assistant. These devices, known as smart devices, are designed to improve a home’s comfort and convenience by automating tasks and increasing accessibility. They can range from simple devices like light bulbs and thermostats to more complex structures like security systems and entertainment consoles.
In 2024, nearly 70 million U.S. households actively used smart home devices. This number is expected to grow, as researchers predict an annual 10.2% usage growth rate from now until 2028. That said, more and more renters are searching for smart homes or ways to incorporate smart devices into their current living spaces.
How Can I Turn My Apartment into a Smart Home?
You don’t need a big budget or technical expertise to turn your apartment into a smart home. In fact, all you need is a reliable internet connection, a smartphone or tablet, and an idea of how you want to elevate your space. Are you looking for practical uses like energy efficiency and convenience, or do you want to add a touch of luxury with enhanced lighting and entertainment? Either way, here are some devices you might consider requesting from your landlord:
Smart lighting for better ambiance
Picture this. You’re cozied up on the couch, ready to relax and watch a movie. You have popcorn to your right and the remote to your left. All the vibes are right, except the overhead lights are shining over you, creating a glare on the television. Rather than interrupting your comfort and getting up to flip the light switch, you can take out your phone and dim the lights with the push of a button. This is the beauty of smart lighting.
Smart lighting systems allow you to control your lights remotely, create custom schedules, and adjust brightness and color schemes without flipping a switch. These convenient systems operate on what are known as “smart bulbs” – a wireless, energy-efficient alternative to the traditional incandescent bulb. So, not only will you enjoy a better ambiance in your apartment, but you may also save some money on utilities.
A smart thermostat for energy efficiency
Smart thermostats are another great tool for lowering energy bills. These internet-compatible HVAC tools automatically adjust temperatures based on your preferences. For example, if you work a 9-5 office job, your smart thermostat will automatically adjust temperatures while you’re away. Then, once you return, it will re-adjust them to your liking. This functionality is great for energy conservation and can generate big savings on heating and cooling bills.
Like many other smart devices, smart thermostats also have remote capabilities. This means that you can adjust the temperature from anywhere. Say you’re going on a week-long vacation and forget to turn down the thermostat before you leave. With a smart thermostat, you can adjust the temperature from your phone and ensure optimal energy conservation while you’re away. It’s really that simple!
Smart locks for enhanced security
If you’re concerned about home security, consider investing in a smart lock. Smart locks allow you to remotely control and surveil your front door from your smartphone, allowing you to monitor activity while you’re away. Additionally, some smart locks allow keyless entry, as you can use virtual keys to unlock and lock the door. This is especially convenient if you have guests coming over or want to grant a friend access to your home while you’re out of town. Otherwise, you’d have to leave a physical key in a planter or under your mat – which is not the most secure option.
Smart security cameras for advanced surveillance
Renters in apartment communities are typically protected by building security and surveillance. However, you might not have this luxury when renting a standalone house. In this case, consider installing a smart home security system for additional protection. Like the smart lock, smart security cameras can send phone alerts when someone enters your property. You can also stream live footage and remotely control pan, tilt, and zoom lenses to better look at potential trespassers.
Smart plugs for easy appliance control
If you’re looking to start small with your apartment tech upgrade, try out a smart plug. These plug-in devices allow you to automate and remotely control nearly any electronic device. Perhaps you leave the television on for your pet while you’re away at work. If your TV is hooked to a smart plug, you can control and schedule it to power off, all from your phone! This can save you money on utilities and give you peace of mind knowing that electronics are turned off while you’re away.
Smart speakers for elevated entertainment and convenience
For the party hosts and entertainers, smart speakers are a great investment for your next get-together. Not only will they elevate any party with quality audio and sound, but they’ll also serve as an at-home assistant for your daily tasks. For example, when running out the door, you may ask your speaker about the current weather or traffic conditions. You can also set reminders, make calls, and ask questions about package deliveries, current events, and more!
What to Consider When Shopping for Smart Home Devices
Now that you know your options for smart home solutions, it’s time to decide which ones are right for you and your living space. If you live in a single-family house, you might invest in a smart home security system for extra peace of mind. Or, if you’re an apartment renter, you might seek devices like smart bulbs or plugs.
Whatever your living situation may be, here are some things to consider before investing in smart home technology for your rental:
Compatibility with existing systems
Your rental might already be equipped with some smart home devices. In this case, you want to make sure you don’t introduce any new technology that could interfere with those systems. Additionally, you should confirm that your personal devices, like smartphones and tablets, will be compatible with any new smart home additions you plan to make. This will ensure smooth and stress-free integration.
Privacy and security features
Privacy and security should be top of mind when introducing new smart home technologies. Before making a purchase, research the privacy policies and security features of your device. Typically, smart home devices have advanced privacy features like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and other security measures. Consider reading customer reviews to learn more about others’ experiences with these devices, as that will instill more confidence in your investment.
Ease of installation and use
Lastly, you want to consider your device’s installation process. Will it require help from professionals? Or is it something you can set up on your own? If you’re interested in devices like smart thermostats or security systems, you might need to hire a professional (with landlord approval, of course). However, for smaller-scale devices like lighting or speakers, you can likely install them on your own with little to no assistance.
How to Ask Your Landlord to Install Smart Devices
Before starting your apartment’s tech upgrade, it’s important to get approval from your landlord or property manager. In apartment communities, there’s often a standard policy governing upgrades for all tenants, which could limit your ability to make smart home improvements if they’re restricted by your lease agreement. On the other hand, if you rent from an independent landlord, you might have more flexibility. Here are a few tips to help you secure their approval:
Do your research
When proposing smart upgrades for your rental, it helps to have research to back up your argument. Come prepared with some knowledge of the benefits of smart devices and how they can increase the property’s value. Tell your landlord which devices are on your radar, the cost and installment process, and how they could improve the property’s livability. Also, be prepared to address any potential concerns, such as privacy and security.
Be respectful
When dealing with landlords, it’s not just about what you ask for but how you ask for it. If you propose smart tech upgrades with respect and professionalism, your landlord is more likely to consider your request. Avoid making demands, and instead, work to build trust by explaining your reasoning with supported research.
Offer to cover costs
Some smart devices cost more than others. So, depending on your specific request, you might offer to cover purchase and installation costs. Say you want to improve your home security with a smart security system. You might offer to cover the monthly subscription fee or even share control access with your landlord for added peace of mind. This gesture exhibits politeness and respect, increasing your chances of getting approval.
Elevate Your Rental with ForRent
As a renter, it’s important to find ways to elevate your space and make it your own. For some, that means painting walls or hanging up art. For others, it means upgrading the apartment with smart home technology. Whichever route you choose, ForRent has resources to help you leave your mark and make the most of your rental experience.
FAQ
Is it safe to connect smart home apps to your apartment wi-fi?
Yes, connecting smart home apps to your apartment wi-fi is safe if you take precautions like using a strong password and two-factor authentication. Make sure to keep your devices and apps up to date to protect against security vulnerabilities.
Can you have a smart thermostat in an apartment?
It depends on your landlord’s rules. If you plan on modifying the existing thermostat, just ensure you have permission. You can also consider portable smart thermostats that don’t require permanent installation.
Is Google Nest renter friendly?
Yes, Google Nest is renter-friendly. It offers smart devices like speakers, cameras, and portable thermostats that typically don’t require additional wiring and can easily be set up and removed when you move.
Is a smart bulb worth buying?
Smart bulbs are a simple and affordable way to upgrade your apartment’s lighting. They offer features like remote control, scheduling, and customizable colors, making them convenient and energy efficient.