About Smart Home for Renters
Who We Are
Smart Home for Renters is a review and guide site dedicated to helping renters find smart home devices that work in apartments — no drilling, no wiring, no landlord permission needed.
We started this site because every smart home guide we found assumed you own your home. "Just replace the thermostat." "Wire the smart switch into the junction box." "Mount the camera with the included screws." That advice doesn't work when you're renting.
We're renters. We test every device in real apartments. We know what works, what doesn't, and what will get you in trouble with your landlord.
How We Test
Our Testing Methodology
We install every device in a real apartment (no drilling allowed). We test for 2+ weeks, checking ease of installation, daily usability, removal (does it leave marks?), and whether the landlord would notice. We also verify Wi-Fi range through thick walls, battery life claims, and app reliability.
Every device is scored on our Renter Readiness Score:
| Dimension | Score | What It Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Install Ease | 0-3 | 3 = plug-in only, 0 = drilling/wiring |
| Removability | 0-3 | 3 = zero trace, 0 = permanent damage |
| No-Drill | 0-2 | 2 = zero holes, 0 = requires holes |
| Portability | 0-1 | 1 = fits in a box, 0 = awkward/heavy |
| Lease Compliance | 0-1 | 1 = no landlord permission, 0 = permission required |
Max score: 10/10
Our Standards
- Honest reviews — We mention cons prominently, not just pros
- No sponsored content — We don't accept payment for reviews
- Real testing — Every device is tested in a real apartment
- Regular updates — We update articles when prices, features, or availability change
- Clear disclosures — Affiliate links are clearly marked
Contact Us
Have a question, suggestion, or product recommendation? Reach out:
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: @SmartHomeRenters
- Reddit: r/SmartHomeRenters
Affiliate Disclosure
This site contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. Read our full affiliate disclosure.