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When you think of smart home devices, you might picture luxury new builds with all the bells and whistles.
However, gone are the days when homeowners were the only ones who could benefit from these upgrades.
In recent years, more renters have been able to jump on the smart home bandwagon—thanks to portable, no-drill, no-wiring smart tech that has made its debut.
If you’re a renter, don’t miss the opportunity to boost your home’s convenience, efficiency, and safety with cutting-edge smart home devices you can take with you should you ever decide to move.
What smart home features are trending right now
In 2025, the smart home market is full of exciting devices and features—many of which are more than just techy add-ons and bring real convenience and peace of mind to today’s renters who value simplicity amid their busy lives.
“Some of the communities we’ve leased recently had features like MyQ garage openers, which allow residents to control their garage doors right from their phones, and Ring doorbell cameras that add an extra layer of security,” says Taylor Lucyk, real estate broker at The Taylor Lucyk Group in Paramus, NJ.
Alison Mills, vice president of design and development at CRG in Chicago, is seeing similar trends in the student housing communities she represents.
“Across all of our chapter-branded properties, we’re standardizing the use of Salto smart locks. Plus, we’re implementing smart thermostats across our portfolio,” Mills explains.
Speaking of smart thermostats, Greg Fyke, CEO and president of ecobee in Seattle, explains that while ecobee smart thermostats are often installed by landlords, they’re also designed for easy DIY installation with no special tools required.
“Our app walks you through the installation process, step by step. If you’re renting, you typically need to receive approval from your landlord before installing. But once that happens, it’s a simple install,” Fyke explains.
Mills also notes that student renters often bring their own smart speakers, like Alexa or Google Nest, and incorporate plug-and-play smart lighting into their units. When you consider all this, Rently’s most recent stats are no surprise:
- 65% of renters find apartments more appealing if they’re equipped with smart home tech.
- 31% of renters prioritize these features above similar units.
- 58% of renters would swap pools and gyms for smart tech.
Rent-friendly ways to upgrade your apartment
If you’re a renter looking to take your home up a few notches with smart home features, these tips can help you out without breaking your lease rules.
Start with smart plug adapters
Smart plug adapters are a great starting point. They let you control lamps, coffee makers, or fans with your phone or a voice assistant.
“These afford simple conveniences such as ensuring that your lights are turned off when a room isn’t occupied or you are not home,” explains Fyke.
Try voice assistants
“Voice assistants like Alexa or Google Nest are especially popular in our communities,” says Mills. They act as a central hub for other smart devices and are completely noninvasive.
Explore video doorbells and smart cameras
If you’re seeking a bit more security or peace of mind, battery-powered video doorbells and small cameras can do the trick. They can be mounted with adhesive—no drilling required.
Upgrade your lighting
Wall switch faceplates or stick-on dimmers can take your lighting game to new heights. And rest assured, there’s no rewiring involved, so you don’t have to worry about violating your lease.
Take advantage of ‘smart’ subscriptions
Maintenance request apps or package lockers are becoming increasingly common in managed rentals. They can take the hassle out of home maintenance and mail retrieval.