Moving into a rental apartment brings a lot of excitement but also comes with limitations. You can paint walls, drill holes for frames and shelves, and install fancy lighting. Sometimes, you can even keep a pet, but what about personalizing the space and making it feel like your home as well?
If you are a renter and want to personalize your space by upgrading to a smart home, then you have to worry no more. This article will discuss renter-friendly smart home device ideas and how they can benefit you in the long run. Keep reading to personalize your space without having trouble with your landlord.
Benefits Of Smart Homes for Renters
Living in a rental house brings many restrictions, but it doesn't mean one should stop living on one's terms. The smart home is one of the dreams and has become necessary in society as we evolve in the technological era. It has numerous benefits, bringing efficiency and simplifying daily tasks and extra security measures to the tenants. Let’s take a look at how smart homes are beneficial for renters.
1. Convenience and Control
With the latest technology, renters can control different features of their homes from anywhere. Using smartphones or voice commands, they can easily adjust the lighting, thermostat, and security systems. This adaptability enables effortless control and personalization of the living space.
2. Automation
Automation in smart homes offers numerous advantages for renters, improving convenience and efficiency. Renters can easily manage tasks such as lighting and heating, enhance security measures, and conveniently control devices from a distance. Automation streamlines daily routines and promotes energy efficiency. It creates a customized and cozy living environment without requiring permanent alterations.
3. Enhanced Security
Enhance your security with intelligent features like cameras, doorbells, and smart locks that empower renters with advanced monitoring and control over home access. This not only improves security but also provides a sense of tranquility.
4. Cost Saving
Despite the initial investments, smart home devices have the potential to generate long-term savings. Using energy-efficient devices can help lower your utility costs, and certain insurance providers may give you discounts for implementing better security measures.
5. Easy DIY Installation
Many smart home devices are created with a user-friendly installation process, allowing individuals to set them up quickly without requiring professional help. This aligns with the temporary nature of renting, enabling residents to establish their smart homes without making significant changes.
4 Must-Have Smart Home Devices for Renters
You need clarification about how and what devices renters can add for smart home upgrades to avoid conflicts with homeowners. Following are the device ideas renters can consider buying for smart homes.
1. Wireless Smart Doorbell
Meet Video Doorbell E340, a smart doorbell for renters. Renters can benefit from real-time monitoring of their doorstep, allowing them to monitor visitors remotely. With easy installation and advanced features, a smart video doorbell camera is valuable for renters seeking extra security and peace of mind.
Key Features
Let’s take a look at the features of Video Doorbell E340 and how it can benefit you as a renter.
- Dual Camera: Two cameras collaborate to provide an enhanced viewing experience. The front-facing camera prioritizes capturing people, while the downward-facing camera offers a clear view of the floor before your door.
- Color Night Vision: Introducing the first dual-light system in the business, along with an innovative algorithm for capturing and processing light. It has less blur than older versions of night vision and can see up to 16 feet (5 meters) away at night.
- Battery Powered: Installation is made easy with the battery mode. Ensure you have an extra quick-release battery to easily swap out and prevent any interruptions caused by charging. The wired mode is battery-powered and easily set using the wired power source, ensuring long-lasting performance.
2. Smart Plugin Night Light
The Lumi Plug-In Night Light is perfect for renters who want a practical and versatile lighting solution. The plug-in design of this product allows for easy installation without any permanent changes, making it suitable for renters. By offering the convenience of remote control and customizable scheduling, renters can effortlessly personalize living space with no hassle of complex installations.
Key Features
Let’s take a look at the features of Lumi Plug-In Night Light and how it can benefit you as a renter.
- Glareless lighting: The Lumi Plug-In Night Lights provide excellent, glare-free illumination for nighttime guidance. The gentle glow gives off just the right amount of light to see without being too bright.
- Integrated Light Control: With their innovative activation feature, these night lights will only switch when the surrounding light level drops below a specific threshold. Because of this quality, they can easily adjust to different lighting situations and shine a light where it is most needed.
- Energy Efficiency: Thanks to its impressive dedication to energy efficiency, every Lumi Night Light only costs less than 30 cents a year to operate. Based on 12 hours of daily usage and an energy cost of 0.11/kWh, these lights provide a cost-effective, eco-friendly lighting solution.
3. Smart Locks
Here is Video Smart Lock E330; it provides a wide range of advantages for renters, improving security and convenience. These cutting-edge devices offer a convenient solution for entry, removing the hassle of traditional keys that can easily be misplaced or copied. Renters can remotely control and monitor their door locks using a smartphone app, providing a convenient way to manage access.
Key Features
Let’s take a look at the features of Video Smart Lock E330 and how it can benefit you as a renter.
- Triple Security: This device combines lightning-fast fingerprint recognition, a cutting-edge 2K HD camera with an impressive f/1.6 lens, and a convenient video doorbell, all in one sleek package. Experience enhanced visibility and complete control over your front door, allowing you to see details day and night.
- Remote Control: Stay connected no matter where you are. Make the most of the Eufy Security app to conveniently monitor visitors at your doorstep and effortlessly control your lock from anywhere. Stay updated with helpful notifications and effortlessly manage visitor access.
- Rechargeable Battery: Say goodbye to the never-ending cycle of purchasing batteries. The Smart Lock is powered by a high-capacity rechargeable battery, allowing for extended usage without frequent replacements. With a substantial 10,000 mAh capacity, the battery efficiently powers all the features of the Smart Lock.
4. Wireless Security Cameras
For renters looking to boost home security, wireless security cameras provide essential advantages in terms of convenience and effectiveness; meet SoloCam S340. These cameras offer a hassle-free installation and eliminate the need for complicated wiring. They provide the convenience of flexible placement, allowing renters to easily monitor their living spaces without making any permanent modifications.
Key Features
Let’s take a look at the features of SoloCam S340 and how it can benefit you as a renter.
- Solar Powered: Install it once; it will always work. Enjoy peace of mind all the time with this solar-powered security camera. It's simple to set up and always on because it is easy to remove solar panels.
- Dual-Camera: Record all activities near your home in crystal-clear 3K resolution. Get a clear view of who is approaching your home with 8× zoom.
- 360° View: Say goodbye to blind spots with complete home coverage. This security camera offers a 360° surveillance radius, easily monitoring your front porch, backyard, and driveway, ensuring no area is left unattended.
4 Smart Home Setup Considerations for Renters
As a renter, consider a few things when setting up your smart home to avoid problems. Let's dive into essential considerations to think about and ways to prevent issues with your landlord.
1. Review your Lease Agreement
You should review your lease agreement before setting up any smart home devices. Some homeowners have restrictions on modifications and new setup arrangements so you may require permission for specific installation and changes in your home. Understanding these terms is crucial to avoid any conflicts.
2. Choose Portable Devices
Choose portable smart home devices that can easily change while being placed. Wireless and battery-powered devices, like smart plugs and battery-operated sensors provide the convenience of easy placement and removal without causing any harm to the property. It provides a smooth change when moving to a new home.
3. Inform your Landlord
Inform your landlords or property managers and assure them with complete confidence. Share your plans to upgrade your home with smart devices, highlighting the advantages and the hassle-free installation process. Approval is essential for conforming to property rules and maintaining a positive landlord-tenant relationship.
4. Consider Privacy and Security
Pay close attention to your smart home devices' privacy and security settings. To prevent unwanted access, ensure that devices have robust security mechanisms, such as encryption and secure authentication. Learn how each device gathers data, and choose those whose policies are open and considerate of your privacy.
Conclusion
Turning a rental property into a smart home is possible and highly beneficial for tenants. The smart home devices mentioned are designed to meet the specific needs of renters. They offer convenience, security, and energy efficiency while maintaining a positive landlord-tenant relationship.
Wireless smart doorbells, efficient smart locks, and versatile wireless security cameras seamlessly integrate technology into everyday living, making them ideal for renters. By following lease agreements, opting for portable devices, and emphasizing privacy and security, renters can easily customize their space and enjoy the benefits of a smart home hassle-free. No need to feel left out as a renter; upgrade your space to a smart home and enjoy living as if you own it!
FAQS
- Can I install smart home devices without any destruction to the property?
Yes,! Several devices mentioned in this article, like wireless smart doorbells, plug-in night lights, and battery-operated sensors, are created for easy, hassle-free installation. Most commonly, adhesive mounting or plug-and-play functionality is used, enabling you to enjoy the advantages of a smart home without causing any property damage.
- Do any smart home gadgets need a professional setup?
Many smart home devices are accessible for renters to set up themselves. Still, for more complicated options, like security systems with hardwired cams, you should get help from a professional. It's always best to check the device's directions or call the maker for more information about installing something.
- What will happen to the installed smart home devices once I leave the property?
Most smart home gadgets that are good for renters are portable and don't need to be permanently installed, so moving them with you is easy. Just be careful when removing any sticky mounting and return the walls or surfaces to how they were before.