Quick Verdict
Best voice hub: Amazon Echo Dot ($49) — no installation, just plug in. Best smart plug: Kasa EP25 4-pack ($49) — instant smart home for any outlet. Best renter doorbell: Ring Battery Doorbell Plus ($179) — no wiring, adhesive mount. Best renter lock: August WiFi Smart Lock ($199) — interior only, no exterior changes. Complete renter setup: Under $766 for a fully functional smart home with zero permanent changes.
Who This Is For
Apartment and house renters who want smart home technology without risking their security deposit. Every pick on this list requires no permanent installation and moves with you when you leave.
Who This Is Not For: Homeowners — if you own your home you have more options. See our complete smart home devices guide [blocked] for picks that include hardwired and permanent installations.
Our Testing Methodology
We tested every device in this guide specifically in rental contexts — apartments and rented houses. We evaluated installation reversibility, landlord impact, portability, and performance alongside the standard criteria of reliability, app quality, and value.
Renting used to mean missing out on smart home technology entirely. Not anymore. A complete smart home setup that requires zero permanent installation and moves with you is not only possible in 2026 — it is genuinely affordable.
Every device on this list requires no drilling, no wiring, no landlord permission, and no permanent changes to your rental property.
The Renter Smart Home Rules
Before buying any smart home device as a renter follow these three rules:
Rule 1 — No Permanent Changes. Avoid anything that requires drilling, hardwiring, or modifying existing fixtures without landlord permission. Everything on this list meets this requirement.
Rule 2 — Takes Moves With You. Every device here packs up and moves to your next place. Your smart home investment travels with you.
Rule 3 — Check Your Lease for Thermostats. Smart thermostats are the one gray area. Some leases prohibit replacing the thermostat. Check before installing. Most landlords approve when asked — smart thermostats save them money too.
1. Amazon Echo Dot — Essential Starting Point
Every renter smart home starts here. The Echo Dot is your voice control hub for every other device. Plug it in, connect to WiFi, done. Takes 5 minutes to move to your next place.
Price: $49
Buy Amazon Echo Dot on Amazon_
2. Kasa Smart Plugs — Instant Smart Home
Smart plugs are the single best smart home upgrade for renters. Plug any existing lamp, fan, coffee maker, or appliance into a Kasa smart plug and it instantly becomes voice controlled and automatable.
Set your lamps to turn on at sunset automatically. Schedule your coffee maker to start at 7am. Turn everything off when you leave with one voice command.
The Kasa EP25 monitors energy usage per outlet — useful for identifying which appliances are costing you the most electricity.
Key Features: Works with Alexa and Google Home • Energy monitoring per outlet • Schedule and automation support • No hub required • 4 pack available for whole home coverage
Price: $29 single or $49 for 4 pack
Buy Kasa Smart Plug on Amazon_
Buy Kasa Smart Plug 4-Pack on Amazon_
3. Ring Battery Doorbell Plus — Renter Security
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is the perfect renter video doorbell. No wiring required — it charges via USB like a phone. Mount it with the included adhesive mount or a single screw that leaves a hole smaller than a thumbtack.
See who is at your door from anywhere. Answer remotely when you are not home. Get motion alerts when packages are delivered.
Key Features: No wiring required — USB charging • 1536p HD video • Advanced motion detection • Two way audio • Works with Alexa • Moves with you when you leave
Price: $179
Buy Ring Battery Doorbell Plus on Amazon_
4. August WiFi Smart Lock — Renter Perfect
The August WiFi Smart Lock is specifically designed for renters. It installs entirely on the interior of your door and works with your existing deadbolt. No exterior changes. Your door looks identical from outside.
Your landlord will never know it is there. When you move simply unscrew two screws and take it with you. Your original hardware goes back in five minutes.
Auto-lock ensures your door is always locked when you leave. Auto-unlock opens the door as you arrive home. Never fumble for keys again.
Key Features: Interior installation only — no exterior changes • Works with existing deadbolt and keys • Auto lock and auto unlock • Works with Alexa, Google Home, and HomeKit • 10 minute installation and removal
Price: $199
Buy August WiFi Smart Lock on Amazon_
5. LIFX Smart Bulbs — No Hub Lighting
LIFX smart bulbs are perfect for renters because they require no hub — just screw them in and connect to WiFi. When you move unscrew them and take them with you. Your rental gets its original bulbs back and you keep your smart lighting investment.
At 1,100 lumens LIFX bulbs are brighter than standard smart bulbs making them ideal for apartments where maximizing light in smaller spaces matters.
Price: $44 per bulb
Buy LIFX Smart Bulb on Amazon_
6. Wyze Cam v3 — Renter Security Camera
At $35 the Wyze Cam v3 is the best value security camera available. Place it on any surface, plug it in, connect to WiFi. No mounting required. No installation. Full color night vision and free 14 day cloud storage included.
Use it to monitor your front door from inside, watch your packages, or keep an eye on your pet while you are away.
Price: $35
7. Amazon Smart Thermostat — Check Your Lease First
A smart thermostat is the highest ROI smart home upgrade available — but renters need to check their lease first. Most landlords approve the swap when asked because smart thermostats reduce energy costs for everyone.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat at $79 is the most affordable option. It pays for itself in energy savings within 8–12 months. When you move reinstall the original thermostat and take it to your next rental.
Price: $79
Buy Amazon Smart Thermostat on Amazon_
The Complete Renter Smart Home Budget
| Device | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Echo Dot | $49 | Buy on Amazon |
| Kasa Smart Plug 4-pack | $49 | Buy on Amazon |
| Ring Battery Doorbell Plus | $179 | Buy on Amazon |
| August WiFi Smart Lock | $199 | Buy on Amazon |
| LIFX Smart Bulbs x4 | $176 | Buy on Amazon |
| Wyze Cam v3 | $35 | Buy on Amazon |
| Amazon Smart Thermostat | $79 | Buy on Amazon |
| TOTAL | $766 |
Alternatives to Consider
If any of the main picks don’t fit your situation:
- Google Nest Mini ($49) — Best alternative voice hub for Android users and Google ecosystem. View on Amazon
- Blink Mini 2 ($39) — Best alternative indoor security camera for renters. Plug-in, no installation. View on Amazon
- Eufy Video Doorbell E340 ($159) — Best no-subscription doorbell alternative if you want to avoid Ring’s monthly fees. View on Amazon_
Final Verdict
| Category | Best Pick | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voice Hub | Amazon Echo Dot | $49 | Buy on Amazon |
| Smart Plugs | Kasa EP25 4-Pack | $49 | Buy on Amazon |
| Video Doorbell | Ring Battery Plus | $179 | Buy on Amazon |
| Smart Lock | August WiFi | $199 | Buy on Amazon |
| Smart Lighting | LIFX Bulbs | $44 | Buy on Amazon |
| Security Camera | Wyze Cam v3 | $35 | Buy on Amazon |
| Thermostat | Amazon Smart | $79 | Buy on Amazon |
