The Best Smart Home Products for Renters

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Owning a home means having the freedom to install any smart device you desire. When renting, your options are more limited.

The last thing you want is to go through the trouble of upgrading someone else's home, only to lose your security deposit for making changes not permitted in your lease. As a general rule, you should never mess with plumbing, electrical wiring, or major appliances in a property you're renting.

Installing a fancy new smart toilet, laundry machine, oven, or refrigerator in a property you're renting is likely out of the question. Moreover, many smart home security systems, outdoor surveillance cameras, video doorbells, and other internet-connected gadgets require electrical wiring, making them unsuitable for renters.

But renting doesn't mean having to forgo all the conveniences of a connected home. There's plenty of plug-in and battery-powered models you can easily set up on your own in minutes, then take with you to your next spot when your lease is up. Read on for the most renter-friendly smart home devices.

One of the benefits of owning a home is the freedom to install any smart device you desire. In a rental, your options are more limited. The last thing you want is to go through the trouble of upgrading your space, only to lose your security deposit for making changes that your lease doesn't permit.

As a general rule, you should never mess with plumbing, electrical wiring, or major appliances in a property you're renting. This means installing a fancy new smart toilet, laundry machine, oven, or refrigerator is likely out of the question. Moreover, many smart security systems, security cameras, video doorbells, and other internet-connected gadgets require wiring and are thus unsuitable for rentals.

But renting doesn't mean you have to forgo all the conveniences of a connected home. We've gathered the best renter-friendly smart home devices that you can set up in minutes without any physical installation and pack up and take with you when you move.