7 Smart Home Devices Under $100 That Make Green Living Easy for Renters

Living in a rental doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the benefits of smart home technology—or sustainable living. Today’s compact, affordable smart gadgets make it easy for renters to boost energy efficiency, conserve water, and reduce waste without making permanent changes to the property. All you need are the right devices tailored to your unique rental setup.

In this guide, discover seven game-changing smart home devices under $100 that help you live greener, lower your utility bills, and minimize your ecological footprint—all without upsetting your landlord’s rules.

Why Smart Home Devices Matter for Eco-Conscious Renters

Most rental properties lack built-in eco-friendly upgrades, and making big modifications is rarely allowed. That’s where plug-and-play smart home gadgets shine. They empower you to:

• Save energy by automating lights, electronics, and temperature controls.
• Conserve water by tracking use and detecting leaks.
• Improve air quality without getting permission to install new hardware.
• Monitor consumption for better, greener habits—all from your phone.

Let’s get into the smart, renter-friendly devices that make sustainable living a breeze.

1. Smart Plugs: Cut Standby Power and Save Instantly

Did you know that the electronics you leave plugged in (like TVs, game consoles, and chargers) use electricity even when turned off? This is called “phantom load,” and it adds up fast.

How Smart Plugs Help

• Remote control: Turn any outlet on or off from your smartphone or with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.
• Set schedules: Automatically power down devices overnight or while you’re at work.
• Monitor usage: Some models show how much energy each device consumes, helping you spot energy hogs.

Actionable Tips for Renters

• Swap out power strips for smart plugs in your entertainment center.
• Automate lamps and fans to save on electricity and boost convenience.
• Renting with roommates? Use voice or app controls so anybody can access plugged devices.

Top brands: Kasa, TP-Link, Wyze, Amazon Smart Plug

2. Smart LED Bulbs: Lower Energy Use, Customize Your Lighting

Lighting is one of the simplest places to slash your energy use. Smart LED bulbs, for under $100 per multi-pack, let renters add efficient, customizable lighting in minutes—no tools required.

How Smart Bulbs Make a Difference

• Use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
• Set schedules and timers to avoid accidental all-night lighting.
• Tailor brightness and color to your mood or the time of day for bonus comfort.
• Control with your voice or phone for hands-free convenience.

Actionable Tips for Renters

• Swap LEDs with standard bulbs in bedside, living room, or kitchen lamps—no electrician necessary.
• Use “away” mode to make it appear like your apartment is occupied (boosting security and savings simultaneously).
• Pack smart bulbs when you move—they go where you do.

Top brands: Philips Hue, Wyze, LIFX, Sengled

3. Smart Thermostats for Renters: Portable, Plug-In Solutions

Traditional smart thermostats require hardwired installation, but renters can still enjoy smarter heating and cooling with plug-in or portable smart thermostats designed for window ACs and portable heaters.

How These Devices Help

• Remote control: Adjust the temperature on your window AC or space heater from anywhere via your phone.
• Set schedules: Avoid running the AC or heater while you’re out.
• Eco modes: Some models use sensors or geolocation to automatically reduce energy use when the apartment is unoccupied.

Actionable Tips for Renters

• Look for plug-in thermostat controllers compatible with your specific AC or heater type.
• Pack up and take with you when you move to your next place.
• Combine with smart plugs for ultimate control over window units and fans.

Recommended devices: Sensibo Sky (window AC), Cielo Breez, or Govee WiFi Thermostats

4. Smart Water Leak Detectors: Prevent Waste and Costly Damage

Leaks not only waste water—they can damage floors and walls, which is bad news for both you and your security deposit. Smart water leak detectors are small, affordable, and require no installation—making them perfect for renters.

How Leak Detectors Work

• Place near potential trouble spots like under sinks, next to your washing machine, or in bathrooms.
• Get instant alerts on your phone if water is detected—so you can act quickly.
• Avoid property damage (and headaches with your landlord) by stopping leaks early.

Actionable Tips for Renters

• Always check with your landlord if you find a leak so it can be fixed right away (good for both the environment and your reputation as a tenant).
• Bring your leak detectors when you move—reusable and long-lasting.
• Pair with smart home apps for hands-off monitoring and peace of mind.

Top brands: Govee, Moen, Eve Water Guard

5. Smart Showerheads: Reduce Water (and Energy) Use Effortlessly

Heating water for showers is one of the largest energy drains in any household. Smart showerheads and adapters make it easy for renters to use less water without sacrificing comfort—or changing any plumbing.

Eco Benefits of Smart Showerheads

• Track water use per shower on a companion app.
• Adjust flow rates with a click or via smartphone.
• Set timers or get notifications to help you shorten showers (and cut utility bills).

Actionable Tips for Renters

• Choose tool-free or suction-cup showerheads to avoid damaging your bathroom fixtures.
• Switch back to old showerhead before moving out—no trace left behind.
• Combine with smart speakers to play favorite songs as time cues to keep showers short.

Recommended devices: Hydrao Smart Showerhead, WaterHawk, or EvaDrop Smart

6. Smart Air Quality Monitors: Breathe Healthier, Live Greener

Indoor air pollution can have a serious impact on your health—and your carbon footprint. Many air quality monitors under $100 offer smart features and portable designs ideal for renters.

Eco-Friendly Perks

• Track air quality metrics like PM2.5, VOCs, temperature, and humidity.
• Receive app alerts when air quality drops, so you can ventilate or run an air purifier only when needed.
• Encourage greener cleaning by showing when sprays and candles spike VOCs.

Actionable Tips for Renters

• Choose a portable monitor that works in rentals of any size.
• Use data trends to advocate for property improvements with your landlord, such as better ventilation or safer paints.
• Sync with your smartphone for daily air quality insights, even when you’re away