Top 10 Smart Home Devices for Renters in 2025: Smart home technology has become more accessible, powerful, and renter-friendly than ever before. In 2025, you don’t need to own a home or drill into walls to experience the convenience and security of a connected lifestyle. Today’s smart devices are sleek, wireless, portable, and easy to install making them perfect for apartments and rental homes.
Whether you want to improve energy efficiency, boost security, or create a more comfortable living space, here are the Top 10 Smart Home Devices for Renters in 2025, curated for function, flexibility, and ease of use.
Top 10 Smart Home Devices for Renters in 2025
1. Smart Speakers and Voice Assistants (Amazon Echo, Google Nest Hub, Apple HomePod mini)
Why It’s a Must-Have:
Smart speakers are the command center of your smart home. They allow you to control other devices, ask questions, play music, set reminders, and manage daily routines—all hands-free.
Renter Benefits:
- No installation required.
- Doubles as entertainment and productivity tool.
- Can easily move with you.
Notable 2025 Upgrades:
- Local processing for faster commands.
- Advanced personalization for roommates or families.
- Smarter integrations with household services (e.g., grocery ordering, maintenance alerts).
2. Smart Plugs (TP-Link Kasa, Amazon Smart Plug, Meross WiFi Plug)
Why It’s a Must-Have:
Smart plugs turn any “dumb” device into a smart one. Plug in your lamp, coffee maker, or fan and control it from your phone or voice assistant.
Renter Benefits:
- No tools or installation needed.
- Keeps wiring untouched—ideal for leases with restrictions.
- Great for energy monitoring.
New in 2025:
- Built-in energy-saving modes.
- Adaptive scheduling based on your behavior.
3. Smart Bulbs (Philips Hue, Wyze Bulb Color, LIFX)
Why It’s a Must-Have:
Control lighting brightness, color, and schedules with your phone or voice. Mood lighting? Check. Energy savings? Check.
Renter Benefits:
- No wiring or switch replacements.
- Can take the bulbs with you when you move.
- Works in any standard socket.
2025 Upgrades:
- Circadian rhythm syncing for better sleep.
- Voice-reactive lighting scenes for movies and music.
4. Smart Doorbells (Ring Battery Doorbell Pro, Eufy Security, Arlo Essential)
Why It’s a Must-Have:
See who’s at the door, get package alerts, or talk to visitors even when you’re not home—all from your phone.
Renter Benefits:
- Many models offer battery-powered or adhesive mounts, requiring no hardwiring.
- Enhance security in units without built-in surveillance.
2025 Highlights:
- AI face recognition for frequent visitors.
- Motion detection zones to avoid false alerts.
5. Smart Locks (August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, Level Lock+, SwitchBot Lock)
Why It’s a Must-Have:
Smart locks allow you to lock/unlock your door remotely, provide temporary access to guests or service workers, and monitor entry logs.
Renter Benefits:
- August and SwitchBot install over existing deadbolts—no drilling needed.
- Can be removed easily when you move.
What’s New in 2025:
- Ultra-secure biometrics via phone or smartwatch.
- Airbnb and property management integrations for short-term renters.
6. Smart Security Cameras (Blink, Wyze Cam v4, EufyCam 3C)
Why It’s a Must-Have:
Keep an eye on your space with motion-activated, live-streaming cameras that offer cloud or local storage.
Renter Benefits:
- Indoor/outdoor options with magnetic mounts or adhesives.
- No wires, no drilling.
2025 Features:
- 4K video and night vision in ultra-compact designs.
- Smart alerts for pets, people, or packages.
7. Smart Thermostats (Google Nest Thermostat E+, Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, Mysa for AC/Heaters)
Why It’s a Must-Have:
Save on energy and increase comfort by automatically adjusting the temperature based on your routine.
Renter Benefits:
- Some models are compatible with plug-in heaters or ACs (no need to replace central systems).
- Voice and app control without touching building wiring.
2025 Perks:
- AI-driven climate optimization.
- Smart learning for multi-room apartments.
READ ALSO: How to Choose the Best Smart Projector for Home Theater
8. Smart Air Quality Monitors (Awair Element, Amazon Smart Air Monitor, Eve Room)
Why It’s a Must-Have:
Monitor air quality, humidity, temperature, and CO2 to create a healthier home environment—especially important in small or urban apartments.
Renter Benefits:
- Portable and plug-in units.
- No permanent changes required.
2025 Features:
- Voice alerts for allergy spikes or pollutants.
- Recommendations for ventilation or humidifiers.
9. Smart Curtains & Blinds (SwitchBot Curtain 3, Aqara Smart Curtain, Yoolax Blinds)
Why It’s a Must-Have:
Automate natural light, save energy, and improve sleep with smart window coverings.
Renter Benefits:
- Retrofit kits clip onto existing curtain rods—no new installation required.
- Great for managing heat/cold without altering walls.
2025 Improvements:
- Solar-powered and battery-free models.
- Scene syncing with lighting and thermostat settings.
10. Smart Sensors (Aqara Multipurpose Sensor, Shelly Flood Sensor, Ring Motion Detector)
Why It’s a Must-Have:
These compact sensors detect motion, leaks, open windows, or smoke—and send instant alerts to your phone.
Renter Benefits:
- Adhesive installation—easy to remove.
- Adds security without paying for a full alarm system.
2025 Upgrades:
- Multi-sensor models that detect temperature, humidity, and light in one.
- Compatibility with automations like: If window opens, turn off AC.
Bonus Tip: Use a Smart Home Hub (like Home Assistant Sky, Google Home, or Alexa Echo Hub) to unify all devices for seamless control and automation, even across brands.
Renter’s Smart Home Setup Tips for 2025
- Check Lease Agreements: Ensure you’re allowed to install removable or plug-in devices. Most rentals are fine with non-permanent tech.
- Use Adhesives, Not Screws: 3M Command strips and magnetic mounts are your best friends.
- Go Wireless Where Possible: Choose battery or USB-powered devices.
- Keep Original Hardware: If you swap out a lock or bulb, store the original to reinstall before moving.
- Use Mobile Automation Apps: Tools like SmartThings, Apple Home, or Google Home now support multi-brand automation routines, even on Wi-Fi only.
FAQs
Are smart home devices compatible with rental apartments?
Yes! Most smart home gadgets in 2025 are designed with renters in mind—portable, adhesive-mounted, and wireless. You can enjoy high-tech living without altering the property.
Will I lose my investment when I move?
No. Unlike built-in systems, most devices (like smart plugs, locks, or bulbs) are removable. You can pack them up and take them to your next home.
Do I need a smart hub for all this?
Not necessarily. Many devices work independently through their apps or with voice assistants. However, a hub can simplify management and allow deeper automation across brands.
What if the Wi-Fi goes out?
Many smart devices now include offline capabilities, Bluetooth backup, or local control. Still, a stable internet connection is ideal for full functionality.
Is it safe to use smart locks in a rental?
Yes, as long as you use a model designed for temporary installation (like August or SwitchBot). These devices retain the original key functionality, keeping property owners happy.
Can smart devices save me money?
Absolutely. Smart thermostats, plugs, and lights optimize energy use, potentially lowering your utility bills. Many energy providers also offer rebates for smart devices.
Are these devices secure from hacking?
Leading brands now include strong encryption and multi-factor authentication. To stay safe:
- Use strong passwords
- Keep devices updated
- Avoid unknown third-party apps
Will smart devices work in shared rentals?
Yes. Most support multiple user accounts and custom profiles. Roommates can have their own preferences and permissions within the same system.
Can I automate routines like “leaving home” or “movie night”?
Definitely. You can set routines like:
- “Leaving Home”: turns off lights, adjusts thermostat, locks doors.
- “Movie Night”: dims lights, closes curtains, turns on TV or projector.
Do I need a professional to install these?
Not at all. All devices listed are DIY-friendly, requiring minimal setup—often just pairing with your phone and Wi-Fi.