10 Smart Home Gadgets Under $100 That Make Sustainable Living Easy for Renters

Living sustainably as a renter can be a challenge. You often can’t make major upgrades or install permanent devices. The good news? This is where smart home gadgets shine. With affordable, renter-friendly tech, you can cut energy waste, save water, and automate your eco-friendly habits—without risking your security deposit.

Here are 10 smart home gadgets under $100 that bring sustainability within reach for any renter. We’ll highlight how each device helps the planet, how you can use it in a rental, and some tips to get the most out of your investment.

1. Smart Plugs: Cut Vampire Power Waste

Did you know many devices consume electricity even when they’re off? This “vampire power” can make up about 10% of your total energy bill.

• How it works: Smart plugs let you schedule when devices get power or turn them off remotely via your phone or voice assistant.
• Perfect for renters: No wiring or installation needed. Just plug in and start saving energy immediately.
• Best uses: TVs, coffee makers, game consoles, lamps, or even box fans.

Actionable Tips

• Set schedules for devices you know you only use at night or in the morning.
• Use groups to turn off multiple devices at once (e.g., “Leave Home” mode).

2. Smart Thermostat (Standalone Models): Intelligent Temperature Control

If your landlord won’t allow thermostat replacement, a standalone smart thermostat (portable version) can still help you maintain comfort and efficiency in your living space.

• How it works: These thermostats monitor room temperature and control plug-in heaters or A/C units automatically based on your preferences, cutting energy use when you’re away.
• Perfect for renters: No hardwiring—automate comfort in any room using portable units.
• Best uses: Plug-in space heaters, window A/C units, or portable fans.

Actionable Tips

• Set up geo-fencing to turn units off when you leave home.
• Program timers for sleeping hours—no more forgetting to turn off appliances at night.

3. LED Smart Bulbs: High-Efficiency Lighting

Lighting accounts for a significant chunk of home energy use. Swapping regular bulbs for smart LEDs is one of the easiest ways to save electricity.

• How it works: Smart bulbs use LEDs (up to 80% more efficient than incandescents) and can be controlled remotely, dimmed, or scheduled.
• Perfect for renters: Just screw them into your existing light fixtures—no wiring or tools required.
• Best uses: Lamps, ceiling fixtures, kitchen, and bedside lighting.

Actionable Tips

• Automate lights to match your daily routine or sunset/sunrise.
• Use voice commands to turn off all lights before bed or when leaving home.

4. Smart Power Strips: Tackle Multiple Devices

Tired of unplugging every charger, speaker, and TV at night? Smart power strips can handle it all at once.

• How it works: Control multiple devices individually or as a group, schedule on/off times, or use energy monitoring features.
• Perfect for renters: No installation, safe for apartments, and portable.
• Best uses: TVs, computer setups, home audio, and entertainment systems.

Actionable Tips

• Label each controlled outlet for quick setup in your app.
• Automate to power down entire areas (e.g., bedroom or office) overnight.

5. Water Leak Sensors: Prevent Waste and Damage

A small leak can waste gallons of water and lead to serious (and expensive) damage in your rental.

• How it works: Place these sensors near sinks, toilets, or your washing machine. If they detect water, you’ll get an instant alert.
• Perfect for renters: Totally non-invasive—just place and go. Great for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
• Best uses: Under sinks, beside toilets, around hot water heaters, and near washing machines.

Actionable Tips

• Test your sensors monthly to ensure they’re working.
• Report leaks immediately to your property manager to avoid worsening damage or flooding.

6. Low-Flow Smart Shower Heads: Save Water Effortlessly

Hot showers are a huge source of water and energy use, but renters can’t always change bathroom plumbing. The solution? A smart, low-flow shower head.

• How it works: These shower heads track water usage and can set time or flow alerts. Many use Bluetooth to give you stats on your phone.
• Perfect for renters: Most models require only a quick unscrew of your old shower head (and can be put back when you move out).
• Best uses: Apartment bathrooms, shared rentals, and student housing.

Actionable Tips

• Set personal goals for shorter showers or reduced water use through the app.
• Turn on shower notifications to remind housemates to conserve water.

7. Smart Window and Door Sensors: Efficient Heating and Cooling

Keeping windows and doors properly closed helps your cooling and heating work efficiently. Smart sensors make it easy to avoid costly errors—especially if you have roommates.

• How it works: Sensors send notifications if a window or door is left open longer than a set period, helping to maintain temperature and reduce wasted energy.
• Perfect for renters: Most use adhesive strips and can be moved without damage.
• Best uses: Patio doors, basement windows, and main entryways.

Actionable Tips

• Pair with smart thermostats to auto-adjust heating/cooling when a window is open.
• Use as a security bonus—get alerts if an entry is opened unexpectedly.

8. Smart Blinds Controllers: Harness Natural Light

Take advantage of sunlight in winter and keep rooms cool in summer—without making holes in the wall. Retrofit smart blind controllers can help optimize your home’s climate naturally.

• How it works: Devices clamp onto your existing curtain or blind rods and raise/lower shades on a schedule, by app, or via voice assistants.
• Perfect for renters: No permanent installation required; most fit universally on rental blinds or curtains.
• Best uses: South-facing windows, bedrooms, living rooms.

Actionable Tips

• Schedule blinds to close during peak heat hours or open to passively warm your space in winter.
• Set up automated routines based on sunrise or sunset for hands-free efficiency.

9. Smart Sprinkler Timers: Water When It Matters

If your apartment or rental home offers garden or yard space, controlling irrigation is key to saving water.

• How it works: Smart timers pause watering when rain is in the forecast or skip schedules based on soil moisture (no digging required for some tap-based versions).
• Perfect for renters: Many models simply screw onto outdoor spigots—move it with you when you leave.
• Best uses: Potted plants, balconies, patios, or ground-level rental gardens.

Actionable Tips

• Connect to watering apps for live weather updates and water-saving recommendations.
• Organize group watering days with neighbors to reduce overall usage.