It is important to find the best smart home devices for your apartment or rental. Not only will you save time and energy, but it could also provide peace of mind that comes with a sense of security.
Smart homes are great because they help make our lives easier in many ways. They can even prevent break-ins by setting off an alarm when someone enters your property without permission.
In this list, we were able to include essential smart home devices for apartments including doorbells, security cameras, smoke alarms and more.
- What is smart home technology in apartments?
- 10 Best Smart Home Devices and Gadgets Guide for Apartments and Renters
- Smart Home Devices Recommendations for Apartment or Home Security and Safety
- Recommended Smart Home Hubs for Apartments and Homes
- How do these smart home technologies improve safety and security for apartment owners or renters?
- What are some other benefits of using smart home devices and technology in your apartment?
- What are some common mistakes renters and apartment owners make when choosing the best smart home tech?
- How to Set Up Smart Home Devices for Renters – Important Tips to Keep in Mind
- Do I need software to control smart apartment technology?
- Conclusion
What is smart home technology in apartments?
Smart home technology encompasses a variety of devices that make your apartment more convenient and efficient. In particular, locks, thermostats, lights, and z-wave hubs are the most common devices in apartments.
With these devices, you can control various aspects of your apartment with ease. From unlocking your door remotely to turning off all the lights with the touch of a button.
Some of the essential smart home devices for apartments and renters include:
- A smart door lock: This allows you to remotely lock and unlock your door, and can also give you alerts when someone enters or leaves your home.
- A smart thermostat: This can help you save money on your energy bill by allowing you to control the temperature of your home remotely.
- A smart lighting system: This can help you save energy by allowing you to control your lights remotely.
- A smart security system: This can help you keep your home safe by allowing you to monitor it remotely.
10 Best Smart Home Devices and Gadgets Guide for Apartments and Renters
1. Smart Security Cameras
One of the most important aspects of living in an apartment or renting a space is safety. Smart Security Cameras can provide you with peace of mind by keeping your property secure while you are away. Installed indoors or outdoors, these cameras are compatible with Wi-Fi and allow you to watch live footage on smartphones, tablets or laptops.
Smart security cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your home when you’re not there. Arlo, Lorex, Reolink, Ring and Blink wireless home security system consists of a camera array and hub. The hub connects either via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and each camera is wireless.
Smart security cameras are a recent technological advancement in the home security industry. They have features such as two-way audio, night vision, and HD video that allow you to keep an eye on your home at all times.
2. Smart Video Doorbells
Video doorbells are a great way to increase security at your apartment, and they can also be used to see who is at the door before you open it. There are many different models on the market, but some of the best include the Ring Video Doorbell, the Nest Hello Video Doorbell, and the August Doorbell Cam Pro.
These doorbells work by connecting to your Wi-Fi network and sending alerts to your smartphone or tablet when someone is at your door. They also have built-in cameras so you can see who is there, and some models even come with two-way audio so you can talk to the person at your door.
Most video doorbells are battery-powered, so you will need to charge them periodically, but they are otherwise very easy to install and use.
3. Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is a great way to save money on your energy bill and have more control over your home’s temperature. You can program it to turn on and off at specific times, or even set it to automatically adjust based on your schedule.
They are easy to install- most of them just need a screwdriver and can be wire hooked up in minutes. Plus, they come with an app that allows you to control the temperature from anywhere.
4. Smart Locks
While there are many great smart home devices available on the market, not all of them are ideal for renters. This is because some devices require installation or permanent changes to the home, which can violate the terms of a rental agreement.
However, there are still plenty of great options for renters looking to upgrade their homes with some new tech. One of the best options is a smart lock.
A smart lock is a device that allows you to remotely lock and unlock your door using your smartphone. This is a great option for renters because it doesn’t require any installation or permanent changes to the home.
There are many different smart locks available on the market, so it’s important to do some research to find the best one for your needs. Some of the best smart locks for renters include the August Smart Lock, the Kwikset Smart Lock, and the Schlage Connect Smart Lock.
If you’re looking for a great way to upgrade your home without violating your rental agreement, a smart lock is a great option.
5. Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are one of the best ways to make any home a little bit smarter, and they’re perfect for renters since they don’t require any installation. Just plug them into an outlet and connect them to your home’s Wi-Fi network, and you’ll be able to control them with your smartphone or voice assistant.
You can use them to turn appliances and lights on and off, set schedules, and even create scenes that control multiple devices at once.
There are a lot of different smart plugs on the market, but our favorite is the AmazonBasics Smart Plug. It’s inexpensive, easy to use, and compatible with Amazon’s Echo and Fire TV devices.
If you’re looking for something a little fancier, we also like the Belkin WeMo Insight Smart Plug, which has energy monitoring capabilities.
6. Smart Speaker
If you want to control your smart home with your voice, you’ll need a smart speaker. Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home are the two most popular options, and they both work with a variety of smart home devices. You can use them to control your lights, thermostat, and other devices.
7. Smart Smoke Detector
A smart smoke detector is a device that uses sensors to detect smoke and carbon monoxide. The device will then send an alert to your smartphone or other connected devices. This can be a lifesaving feature, especially if you have a family or pet.
There are many different types of smart smoke detectors on the market. Some of the features you may want to look for include:
- Battery backup: This feature ensures that the device will still work even if there is a power outage.
- Wireless connectivity: This feature allows the device to connect to your home network and send alerts to your smartphone or other connected devices.
- Self-testing: This feature allows the device to test itself on a regular basis to ensure that it is working properly.
When choosing a smart smoke detector, it is important to consider your specific needs. If you have a family or pet, you may want to choose a device with a battery backup. If you live in an apartment, you may want to choose a device with wireless connectivity.
8. Smart Air Conditioner
Living in a hot climate or having to deal with the heat from an old, outdated air conditioner can be frustrating and uncomfortable. A smart air conditioner is a great option because it can quickly cool your space, is more energy-efficient than traditional air conditioners, and often has a lower noise level.
Additionally, a smart air conditioner is a great option if you want to save energy and money. You can set it to turn on and off at certain times or temperatures, so you always come home to a cool and comfortable space.
Plus, Ivation smart air conditioners come with filters that can help remove allergens and pollutants from the air, which is great for people with allergies or asthma.
9. Smart Lighting
Smart Lighting is a great way to create the perfect ambience for any occasion. You can use it to set the mood for a party, relax after a long day, or even as a security measure. Additionally, Smart Lighting is more energy-efficient than traditional lighting options.
Smart lighting is one of the most popular categories of smart home devices. With it, you can control your lights from anywhere using your smartphone. You can also use voice control (either through Google or Amazon Alexa) to control the brightness of your bulbs. This can make it easy to get ready for work in the morning or come home to a well-lit house at night.
10. Smart Home Hub
A hub is a device that helps users control all of their other smart devices from one central app. This can be really helpful for people who have a lot of different gadgets because it lets them translate the signals of all those devices into one unified signal.
There are many different types of hubs on the market, but the two most popular are the Amazon Echo and the Google Home. Both of these devices are voice controlled and can be used to control all of the other devices on this list.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, the Samsung SmartThings Hub is a great choice. This hub can be controlled with your voice, but it also has a mobile app so you can control your devices when you are away from home.
Smart Home Devices Recommendations for Apartment or Home Security and Safety
X-sense Smoke Detector — Best Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, the X-sense is a great choice.
It’s outfitted with advanced features like a photoelectric sensor, an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor, and an LED display that shows the current battery level. It also has a loud, 85-decibel siren that will alert you in the event of an emergency.
Also Read: X-sense Smoke Detector vs Google Nest Protect — Best Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Wally Sensor — Best Smart Leak Sensor
If you live in an apartment or home, you know that one of the most important things to consider is security and safety. And, one way to help ensure both is to install a Wally Sensor. Wally is the best smart leak sensor on the market and can help detect water leaks, humidity, and temperature changes that could indicate a problem.
Wally sensors are easy to install and can be placed near water heaters, sump pumps, washing machines, and other appliances. They connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network and send alerts to your smartphone or tablet if a water leak is detected. Wally also has a built-in temperature and humidity sensor that can alert you to changes that could indicate a problem, such as a slow leak or a pipe that is about to burst.
The best part about Wally is that it can help you avoid costly repairs by alerting you to a problem before it becomes a crisis. And, if you do have a leak, the Wally app can help you find a plumber in your area. Wally is the best way to protect your home from water damage, and it can also help you save money on your home insurance.
If you’re looking for a smart home device that can help you protect your home from water damage, we highly recommend the Wally Sensor.
Arlo Pro 4 — Best Smart Wi-Fi Camera
The Arlo Pro 4 is one of the most reliable smart Wi-Fi cameras on the market. It has a brilliant range of features, including motion and sound detection, night vision, and two-way audio. This camera is perfect for keeping an eye on your home or office when you’re not there.
The Arlo Pro 4 is perfect for renters or homeowners who want to have a smart security camera. The best part is that it can be set up to the arm or disarm based on your location, so you never have to worry about forgetting to disarm it when you’re home.
Plus, you get 24 hours of free cloud storage which is more than enough for most people.
August Smart Lock — Best Smart Lock for Renters
If you’re looking for a smart lock that’s easy to install and is compatible with a wide range of home automation systems, the August Smart Lock is a great option. The August Smart Lock is a battery-powered lock that can be controlled via a mobile app.
It has a built-in sensor that can detect when a door is open or closed, and it can also be programmed to automatically lock or unlock the door when you come and go.
The August Smart Lock is also compatible with a number of home automation systems, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Nest. And if you have an Amazon Echo, you can use the August Smart Lock to lock and unlock your door hands-free.
If you’re looking for a smart lock that’s easy to install and is compatible with a wide range of home automation systems, the August Smart Lock is a great option.
Ring Video Doorbell 4 — Best Smart doorbell Security camera
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 is the best smart doorbell camera for most people because it has great 1080p video, it’s easy to install, and it’s affordable. The Ring app is also one of the best in the business, allowing you to quickly view your live video feed, see a history of motion-activated alerts, and even talk to visitors at your door.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive security solution for your home, the Ring Alarm Security Kit is also a great option. This system includes a base station, contact sensor, motion detector, and keypad, and it can be expanded with additional products like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Recommended Smart Home Hubs for Apartments and Homes
Amazon Echo Dot
The Amazon Echo Dot is a hands-free, voice-controlled device that uses Alexa to play music, control smart home devices, make calls, send and receive messages, provide information, read the news, set alarms, and more.
The Amazon Echo Dot is a great choice for a smart home hub because it is affordable, easy to use, and comes with a variety of features that can be useful in both apartments and homes. For example, the Echo Dot can be used to control smart home devices, make calls, and set alarms. Additionally, the Echo Dot has access to a variety of information and can be used to play music and provide news updates.
Amazon Echo Show
The Amazon Echo Show is a great option for those who want a smart home hub that can do it all. With its built-in display, the Echo Show can be used to watch videos, check the weather, control smart home devices, make video calls, and much more. Plus, its always-on microphone and camera make it easy to stay connected with loved ones.
Google Nest Hub
The Google Nest Hub is a great choice for those who want a hub that can do it all. This hub can control your smart home devices, play music, and even act as a digital photo frame. It’s also one of the most affordable hubs on the market.
If you’re looking for a hub that can control your smart home devices and play music, the Google Nest Hub is a great choice. It’s also one of the most affordable hubs on the market.
How do these smart home technologies improve safety and security for apartment owners or renters?
- A smart home security system that includes door and window sensors can help to prevent break-ins.
- A smart thermostat can help to save on energy costs.
- Smart lighting can help to deter criminals and make it easier to find your way around your home at night.
- A smart lock can help to keep your home secure and make it easier to come and go as you please.
- A home automation system can help to make your life easier by controlling all of your smart devices from one central location.
These smart home technologies can improve safety and security for apartment owners or renters by deterring criminals, saving on energy costs, and making it easier to come and go as you please.
What are some other benefits of using smart home devices and technology in your apartment?
While there are many benefits to using smart home devices and technology in your apartment, some other benefits include:
More convenience:
Smart devices can automate many of the tasks that you would normally have to do manually, such as turning off the lights or setting the thermostat. This can save you time and make your life more convenient.
Greater security:
Smart home devices can also help to increase the security of your apartment by providing features such as remote monitoring and automated security alerts.
Reduced energy costs:
By automating tasks such as turning off the lights when you leave the room or setting the thermostat to a more energy-efficient temperature, you can help to reduce your energy costs.
Improved safety:
Smart home devices can also help to improve the safety of your apartment by providing features such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as automatic emergency alerts.
What are some common mistakes renters and apartment owners make when choosing the best smart home tech?
Not getting a home security system that integrates with other devices
Many renters and apartment owners don’t get a home security system because they want to save money. They may not realize that the cost of renting is often higher than owning, so if you’re renting, it’s worth investing in a home security system that integrates with other devices like your lighting and thermostat.
Not checking to see if the device is compatible with their home
A common mistake that many renters and apartment owners make when choosing the best smart home tech is not checking to see if the device is compatible with their home.
If they are renting, they need to make sure the property has a Wi-Fi connection that allows them to install smart home devices. If they own their apartment, then they need to check what types of gadgets can be hooked up in the area.
Not considering how the device will be used
Renters and apartment owners often make the mistake of purchasing a device for their home without considering how it will be used. For example, if someone was going to purchase an Amazon Echo, they would need to make sure that it is located in an area of their home where they will be able to access it from anywhere.
The device should also have a good Wi-Fi connection. The Wi-Fi connection should be strong enough to support the device’s features.
Not taking into account future needs
Some of the common mistakes apartment owners and renters make when choosing smart home tech are not taking into account future needs, getting overly complicated setups that require too many devices to work together, or forgetting to consider the potential for future upgrades.
Not reading the reviews
When choosing a smart home device, it’s important to read reviews. Not reading reviews is like buying a car without test driving it. You might get lucky, but you’re just as likely to end up with something that doesn’t work for your needs.
How to Set Up Smart Home Devices for Renters – Important Tips to Keep in Mind
Minimalism
When it comes to setting up smart home devices for renters, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to make the process as smooth as possible.
First of all, it’s important to choose devices that are easy to set up and don’t require any permanent changes to the rental property.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to select devices that offer a wide range of features and benefits, as this will make the rental property more attractive to potential tenants.
Finally, it’s important to make sure that the devices are compatible with the rental agreement and the landlord’s permission before proceeding with the installation.
Compatibility
Smart home devices are becoming increasingly popular, but many renters are hesitant to invest in them because they fear they won’t be compatible with their rental unit.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind that can make setting up smart home devices in a rental unit a breeze.
First, it’s important to check with your landlord or property manager to see if there are any restrictions on installing smart home devices.
Second, consider the type of devices you want to install. Some, like smart thermostats, can be easily installed with just a few screws, while others, like smart security cameras, may require more extensive wiring.
Third, be sure to read the reviews of any smart home devices you’re considering purchasing to make sure they’ll work well in your rental unit.
Following these simple tips will help you enjoy all the benefits of smart home technology without any headaches.
Portability
If you’re a renter, you might not think that you can take advantage of all the great features that smart home devices have to offer.
However, there are actually a few ways that you can set up smart home devices in your rental property, as long as you keep a few important things in mind.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when setting up smart home devices in a rental property:
- Make sure that the devices you choose are portable. This way, you can easily take them with you when you move to a new rental property.
- Choose devices that don’t require a lot of installation or setup. This will make it easier to set up the devices in your new rental property.
- Choose devices that offer features that are important to you. For example, if you’re concerned about energy efficiency, choose devices that can help you save on your energy bills.
- Make sure to read the reviews of any smart home devices before you purchase them. This will help you make sure that you’re getting a quality product.
following these tips, you can easily take advantage of all the great features that smart home devices have to offer, even if you’re a renter.
Ease of Use
Renters need to take a few extra steps to set up their smart home devices so that they can easily use them while renting.
- Make sure that the devices are compatible with the home’s Wi-Fi network and can be controlled remotely.
- Choose devices that do not require a lot of installation or setup, such as plug-and-play devices.
- Consider battery-operated devices so that there is no need to worry about wired connections.
- Select devices that offer features that are important to renters, such as security features, energy efficiency, and convenience.
Do I need software to control smart apartment technology?
In order to control smart apartment technology, a renter does not need any specific software. However, a strong and reliable wifi connection is necessary to support the multitude of devices that will be connected.
Additionally, it is important for renters to research the compatibility of their devices with the smart home system they are considering.
Resident-controlled apps
Most major smart apartment technology providers offer a resident-controlled app that allows residents to control various aspects of their home, including:
- Locking and unlocking doors
- Adjusting thermostats
- Viewing energy usage
- Monitoring security cameras
- Requesting maintenance
While some of these features may be available without an app, using one can often make controlling your smart home much easier.
Community staff functionality
Community staff need to be able to control all of the apartment’s smart technology from one central location. They should also be able to see a log of all activity that has taken place in the apartment, as well as set up rules and notifications for certain events.
In addition, staff should be able to remotely control any of the apartment’s smart devices, in case a resident is not able to do so themselves.
Conclusion
There are a few essential smart home devices that every apartment and renter should consider to make their life easier, safer and more energy-efficient. These include a smart thermostat, a smart security system, smart lighting, and a smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector.
By investing in just a few key smart home devices, you can make your apartment more comfortable, secure and efficient – all without breaking the bank.
