Blog posts and videos discussing all the latest and greatest in the smart home industry typically target homeowners. It makes sense. Homeowners have complete control over their properties. They can install smart home devices as they see fit. But what about renters? They can live in smart homes too.
The big thing with renters is that they aren’t allowed to physically alter the spaces they live in without written permission from the landlord. If you are talking a rental house, getting permission might not be a big deal. But very few apartment building owners will give the okay to physical alterations. There is too much liability involved.
Nonetheless, apartment renters can still install a range of smart home devices that make them safer and more comfortable. Below are some suggestions. All can be purchased independently or is part of a renter’s package offered by a major home automation dealer.
Smart Lights
For so many people new to home automation, their introduction to the technology comes by way of smart lights. Smart lights are offered as both fixtures and light bulbs with smart technology built in. They can be controlled with a smartphone, tablet, or smart home hub.
Smart light bulbs and fixtures can be installed without doing any damage to the property. You simply remove the bulb currently in the fixture and replace it with the smart device. Then you bring up a mobile app and program your lighting. It is easy.
Smart Speaker
Anyone can enjoy the benefits of a smart speaker regardless of ownership status. A smart speaker sitting on the kitchen counter can give you the latest headlines, fetch the weather report, and even play your favorite songs. But it can do so much more.
According to the folks and Vivint Smart Home, home automation devices compatible with a given brand of smart speaker can be controlled by that smart speaker. If your smart lighting is compatible with Google Home for instance, you can turn lights on and off just by speaking a tailored command.
Smart Lock Conversion
One of my favorite home automation devices is the smart lock. It’s a keyless entry lock that can be remotely accessed with a smartphone. Normally, smart locks are off limits to renters. But now renters can purchase conversion kits. These are kits that convert existing deadbolt locks without having to replace the entire lock mechanism.
A conversion kit replaces the interior side of a deadbolt lock. You just unscrew the plate from the interior of the door and install the conversion kit in its place. It only takes minutes. When you move out, you simply swap out the conversion kit with the original rear plate.
Video Cameras
Renters obviously won’t be installing video cameras outdoors or in common spaces within the building. But they can still install them inside their own apartments. A few carefully placed cameras can provide full coverage of an entire apartment, offering around-the-clock video feeds. Best of all, renters can program their cameras to send them alerts whenever motion is detected.
There is so much more I could write on this topic, but space will not allow. Here is the point: smart home automation is no longer limited to homeowners. Manufacturers now make plenty of devices that are just as useful to renters. You just need to know what to look for.
From smart lighting to smart lock conversion kids and video cameras, renters are no longer left out in the cold. If you rent an apartment, do some research. Find out what devices might make your apartment safer and more comfortable.
