7 Smart Home Devices That Make Eco-Friendly Living Easy for Renters

Eco-friendly living isn’t just for homeowners with the ability to renovate or install solar panels. Renters can significantly cut their environmental footprint—and utility bills—by adopting smart home devices. The best part? Many of these eco-upgrades are portable, affordable, and require no permanent changes to your space.

In this guide, we’ll highlight seven renter-friendly smart devices that make sustainable living straightforward. Each one offers concrete ways to save energy, reduce waste, and increase comfort, all while being easily installed and removed when it’s time to move.

Why Smart Home Devices Are Perfect for Eco-Friendly Renters

Smart home technology has become more accessible in recent years. Today, renters can find a growing selection of plug-and-play devices that:

• Provide immediate feedback on your energy and water usage
• Automate lights, heating, cooling, and more to avoid waste
• Work with your smartphone and voice assistants
• Require no permanent wiring or installation

Let’s explore the smartest, most renter-friendly tech to supercharge your sustainable lifestyle.

1. Smart Thermostats: Optimize Comfort and Energy Use

Heating and cooling represent the bulk of most apartment energy bills. With a smart thermostat, you can reduce consumption without sacrificing comfort. These devices learn your schedule, adjust temperatures automatically, and can be controlled from anywhere via app or voice.

Why It’s Great for Renters:

• Simple installation: Most models swap out easily for existing thermostats.
• No wiring changes needed for many battery-powered options.
• Take it with you when you move.

How to Use as a Renter:

• Get permission from your landlord or choose a model that works as an add-on.
• Look for non-invasive or adhesive models if you can’t swap thermostats.
• Set eco-temperatures when you’re out or asleep for energy savings up to 20%!

2. Smart Plugs: Cut Phantom Energy and Control Devices

Many electronics—TVs, coffee makers, chargers—drain power even when switched off. Smart plugs can cut electricity to appliances entirely (also known as vampire loads), curb unnecessary energy use, and are as portable as it gets.

Why It’s Great for Renters:

• Zero installation required: Just plug in and connect to WiFi.
• Perfect for old or “dumb” appliances you can’t otherwise automate.
• Take them anywhere—they’re the ultimate moving-friendly gadget.

How to Use as a Renter:

• Set schedules for lights, fans, or holiday decor to cut overall usage.
• Monitor real-time power consumption for individual devices.
• Remotely power down electronics if you forgot to turn them off before leaving home.

3. Smart Lighting: Efficient, Automated Illumination

Lighting is an easy win for renters aiming for eco-friendly living. LED smart bulbs and fixtures use a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs, last for years, and offer endless control. You can automate schedules, use voice commands, or set bulbs to dim automatically in response to daylight.

Why It’s Great for Renters:

• No wiring changes—just screw in a bulb or plug in a lamp!
• Easy to move: Simply swap bulbs back on move-out day.
• Works with any lamp socket.

How to Use as a Renter:

• Install bulbs in high-use areas to see the biggest savings.
• Set automated routines for bedtime, wake-up, or away modes.
• Try motion sensors for hallways or closets to avoid lights left on by accident.

4. Smart Water Monitors: Conserve Every Drop

Water waste isn’t just bad for your bill—there’s a big environmental impact too. If you live in a home or apartment with individual water lines or faucets, a smart water monitor can make tracking and reducing your consumption simple.

Why It’s Great for Renters:

• No plumbing tools needed: Most devices simply attach under a sink or onto a pipe.
• Identify leaks before they become big (and costly) issues.
• Portable designs can move from place to place with you.

How to Use as a Renter:

• Monitor real-time water usage in your app.
• Get notifications for abnormal consumption or suspected leaks.
• Use data to adjust routines and talk to landlords about fixing leaks.

Tip: Even using smart shower timers can help you keep water use in check!

5. Smart Leak Detectors: Prevent Water Waste and Damage

Water leaks are a common—and expensive—problem for both landlords and tenants. Smart leak detectors are inexpensive, battery-powered devices that sense moisture and send instant alerts to your phone. This protects your home, minimizes water waste, and wins you points with your landlord.

Why It’s Great for Renters:

• Totally wireless: Place under sinks, behind the toilet, or near the water heater.
• Peel-and-stick or set in place, then take them with you when moving.
• No WiFi needed for some models—Bluetooth-only options available.

How to Use as a Renter:

• Test detectors when installing, and replace batteries annually.
• Use with a water shutoff valve for added peace of mind if allowed by your landlord.
• Share alerts or data with your property manager to address leaks fast.

6. Smart Power Strips: Smarter Energy Management

Traditional power strips do little to control energy use—smart power strips put you in charge. These devices automatically cut power to inactive electronics, provide individual outlet monitoring, and allow full control via your phone or voice assistant.

Why It’s Great for Renters:

• Non-permanent—just plug and play.
• Automates entire entertainment centers or home offices.
• Portable for your next apartment.

How to Use as a Renter:

• Plug TVs, streaming devices, and game consoles into controlled outlets.
• Set “away” routines to shut off clusters of devices when you’re out.
• Schedule chargers or power-hungry appliances to run only when needed.

Eco Tip: Many strips offer surge protection for additional peace of mind.

7. Smart Window Coverings: Manage Light and Temperature

Keeping a rental cool in summer and warm in winter can be a big challenge. Smart shades or blinds automate the process of opening or closing window coverings based on time of day, temperature, or sunlight. This simple shift can lower your heating/cooling bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Why It’s Great for Renters:

• No drilling required for many retrofit options.
• Battery-powered and adhesive models available.
• Move them to your next home without hassle.

How to Use as a Renter:

• Install in living spaces that get the most direct sunlight.
• Program shades to close during the hottest part of the day during summer (or open on sunny winter days).
• Use with voice assistants or smartphone apps for added flexibility.