Renter's Smart Home Guide
Smart home as a renter.
Zero damage. Zero permission needed.
You don't need to own your home to enjoy smart lighting, voice control, and automations. Here's everything you can do — no screwdriver, no landlord call required.
Find my setup →No drilling needed. Smart bulbs + plugs + battery sensors = full smart home. Zero damage, 100% removable.
👇 Your whole renter smart home should fit in one box. If it doesn't, you've gone too far.
What type of renter are you?
I want plug-and-play, absolutely nothing permanent
Best for rentersYou'll take everything with you when you move.
→ Smart bulbs + smart plugs only
My landlord allows minor changes
You can add hooks, command strips, small sensors.
→ Add motion sensors + smart buttons
I'm in a long-term rental and can do more
You might be able to replace a switch with landlord approval.
→ Consider smart switches too
The renter's smart home toolkit
💡
Smart bulbs
Screw in, screw out. Take them with you when you leave. No installation, no damage, no permission. The perfect renter device.
🔌
Smart plugs
Plug into any socket. Control lamps, fans, coffee makers. Leave zero trace when you unplug and pack them. Works with Alexa and Google Home.
🔘
Smart buttons
Adhesive-backed wireless switches. Mount anywhere with a command strip. Control any smart device — no wiring, no drilling, removable with zero damage.
💡 Tip
Battery-powered sensors stick to walls with double-sided tape and come off cleanly without any damage.
Our tool finds your ideal setup in 60 seconds.
Find my setup →What renters can and can't install
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Smart bulbs ✅🏆 Smart bulbs + plugs |
|
| Every renter, every situation |
Smart plugs ✅ |
|
| Lamps, fans, coffee makers |
Smart switches ⚠️ |
|
| Only with explicit landlord permission |
The renter-safe smart home.
Smart bulbs + plugs
Install in 5 minutes, remove in 5 minutes. Take everything with you when you move. Zero risk of losing your deposit.
Find my renter setup →⚠ Renter mistakes to avoid
- 1
Replacing switches without permission
Even if you keep the original switch and plan to reinstall it, replacing a switch without landlord consent can cost you your deposit. Always ask first.
- 2
Drilling for motion sensors
Stick-on mounting with command strips works for most sensors. There's no reason to drill. If a sensor only offers a screw mount, find one that includes adhesive strips.
- 3
Buying a hub you'll leave behind
A hub is a permanent fixture of your smart home — take it with you. Plan your setup around portability: Wi-Fi bulbs and smart plugs move easily. A Hue Bridge just moves with you.
- 4
Forgetting the 'smart bulb + switch cover' combo
Smart bulbs need the wall switch to stay on. Use a command-strip switch cover or a battery-powered smart button to give physical control without cutting power.
⚠️ Common mistake
Never install a smart switch if you're renting — you'll need to restore the original when you leave, or risk losing your deposit.
Not sure which one is right for you?
Find my setup →The renter's starter pack
Everything works, nothing stays behind.
Start here — no permission needed, ever.
#1TP-Link Tapo L530E
The renter's best friend. Screw in, connect in 2 minutes, take it with you in 10 seconds. 16 million colors, works with Alexa and Google Home, costs €13.
Best for:Best renter bulb — zero installation, full smart home.
Have a floor lamp? → This makes it smart instantly.
#2TP-Link Tapo P110 Smart Plug
Turn any floor lamp or desk lamp into a smart device. Schedule it, control it by voice, or automate it with a motion sensor — all without touching any wiring.
Best for:Best smart plug — turns any lamp smart in 5 seconds.
Want physical wall control? → This sticks on, peels off.
#3Philips Hue Dimmer Switch v2
A battery-powered smart button that sticks to any wall with included adhesive. No wiring, no drilling. Controls your Hue bulbs with 4 physical buttons.
Best for:Best wall control without touching wiring — stick anywhere.
Renter smart home by room
🛋️
Living room
Smart bulb in floor lamp + smart plug on the second lamp. Control both from one app or Alexa. Done, no tools.
🛏️
Bedroom
Smart bulb in bedside lamp. Schedule off at midnight. Wake-up light at 7am. Voice off when in bed. The renter dream setup.
🚪
Hallway
Smart plug on the hallway lamp + motion sensor. Automatically on when you enter. Pack both in your bag when you move.
☕
Kitchen
Smart plug on the coffee machine. Schedule it to start at 7:15am. The best €15 you'll spend on smart home.
🚀 Quick recommendation
Your whole renter smart home should fit in one box. If it doesn't, you've gone too far.
Find your ideal renter setup
Answer 5 quick questions and get a setup that works perfectly in a rented home — easy to install, easier to pack up.
Find my setup →Free · 60 seconds · No account needed
Frequently asked questions
Will smart bulbs work in ceiling fixtures?
Yes, if the fixture uses standard E27 or E14 sockets. Many ceiling lights do. If your fixture has recessed LEDs or integrated panels, you'll need a smart plug on the switch — or ask your landlord about a smart switch.
Can I take smart bulbs with me when I move?
Absolutely. They unscrew in 10 seconds. Replace with a standard bulb for the move-out inspection and take your smart bulbs to your next home.
Do I need internet for smart devices to work?
For basic schedules and local control, no. Most Wi-Fi bulbs cache their schedule locally. Voice control (Alexa, Google) does need internet. If your internet goes down, manual app control usually still works on the local network.
What about smart door locks — can I install those as a renter?
Most smart locks replace the existing lock mechanism and require landlord permission. Some models (like August) attach over the existing deadbolt without replacing it — worth checking with your landlord before buying.
Will my landlord notice smart bulbs?
No. From the outside they look identical to regular bulbs. The only giveaway is the switch cover if you use one — which also looks like a normal switch plate.