Smart, Green, and Lease-Friendly: 7 Energy-Efficient Gadgets Every Renter Can Install Without Breaking the Lease

If you’re a renter, saving on energy bills and shrinking your carbon footprint can seem tricky—especially when you can’t make major renovations. But good news: you don’t need to own your home or ask your landlord for expensive upgrades to make your space smarter and greener.

Thanks to advancements in home technology, there are loads of affordable, energy-efficient gadgets that are easy to install, uninstall, and move with you. Even better, they won’t jeopardize your security deposit or violate lease terms. Read on for seven renter-approved energy savers that are big on impact and low on hassle.

Why Smart and Green Gadgets Are Perfect for Renters

Before diving into our top picks, let’s cover why these devices are such a great fit for renters:

• No Hardwiring Needed: Most products are plug-and-play or stick-on—no drilling or rewiring.
• Move with You: Take your investments with you when you change apartments.
• Compliance: These upgrades rarely violate lease agreements or require landlord permission.
• Immediate Savings: Lower energy bills without waiting for your landlord to upgrade appliances.

Ready to make your rental smarter and more sustainable? Let’s get started!

1. Smart Plugs: The Ultimate Energy Watchdog

Did you know electronics siphon energy even when they’re off? Smart plugs help solve this by:

• Cutting power to devices on your schedule (think lamps, TVs, coffee makers).
• Letting you control anything on the plug with smartphone apps, voice assistants, or set routines.
• Tracking device-by-device energy use so you’ll know where your dollars go.

Why It’s Lease-Friendly

Smart plugs simply go into any wall outlet with no installation, no damage. When you move, just unplug and pack up.

How to Use

• Plug one in between your device and the wall.
• Set up the companion app (many work with Alexa or Google Home).
• Program schedules so devices aren’t wasting power when you’re at work or asleep.

2. LED Smart Light Bulbs: Bright Ideas for Every Room

Lighting accounts for about 15% of a home’s electricity use. Swap out incandescent or CFL bulbs for energy-saving LEDs—and take it a step further with smart bulbs! These bulbs allow you to:

• Control brightness and color right from your phone or with your voice.
• Set schedules and routines for when lights turn on or off.
• Group lights by room and save energy by turning everything off at once before bed.

Why It’s Lease-Friendly

No wiring changes! Just unscrew your old bulbs, screw in the smart LED, and use any existing lamp or overhead socket. Don’t forget them when you move out—just swap back your old bulbs!

How to Use

• Replace any standard socket bulb with a smart LED.
• Connect the bulb to your WiFi via the manufacturer’s app.
• Set up scenes, routines, and schedules for maximum efficiency.

3. Smart Thermostats (With a Twist)

Smart thermostats drastically reduce heating/cooling costs, but many renters shy away because of wiring. The solution? Plug-in or portable smart thermostats and AC controllers made JUST for renters:

• Some use IR blasters to control any remote-enabled AC or portable heater.
• Others have peel-and-stick, battery-powered sensors for room-by-room comfort.
• No hardwiring—totally removable and safe for your lease.

Why It’s Lease-Friendly

Standard smart thermostats usually require installation, but these renter alternatives just need WiFi and a power outlet—or stick right on the wall.

How to Use

• Set up the controller to “talk” to your window unit or space heater.
• Use your phone or voice assistant to set schedules or adjust temps instantly.
• Monitor usage and dial back your HVAC costs.

4. Efficient Showerheads: Save Water AND Energy

Heating water is a huge energy expense, but your landlord may not be ready to swap out old fixtures. Many eco-friendly, high-efficiency showerheads offer:

• Easy, tool-free DIY installation (they simply screw onto the existing pipe).
• Significantly lower water use—many save at least a gallon per minute compared to older models.
• Lower hot water use means lower gas or electric bills for water heating.

Why It’s Lease-Friendly

Showerheads install in minutes and can be unscrewed when you move out. Just keep the old one to swap back!

How to Use

• Unscrew your current showerhead (usually no special tools needed).
• Screw on the efficient showerhead (use plumber’s tape for a tight seal).
• Enjoy powerful showers that use less water and energy.

5. Window Insulation Kits & Thermal Curtains

Drafty windows and weak weatherstripping are common in rented spaces, wasting heating and cooling energy. But you can boost your comfort (and savings) without repairs:

• Window insulation film kits create an invisible barrier to cold or hot air—apply with double-sided tape and a hair dryer.
• Thermal curtains block drafts and insulate windows year-round. Just hang them on standard rods.

Why It’s Lease-Friendly

Both installs are fully removable without damaging the window, wall, or trim. No drilling, no nails required.

How to Use

• Clean window, apply the adhesive tape, and smooth the film with a hair dryer.
• Hang thermal curtains during cold or hot seasons for extra protection.

6. Energy Monitor Devices: Know Exactly Where Your Kilowatts Go

Find your energy-hog appliances and make smarter choices! These monitors:

• Plug into an outlet, then you plug your device into the monitor.
• Show real-time and cumulative energy use (in watts, dollars, and emissions).
• Use the data to unplug “energy vampire” devices or plan an efficient home theater setup.

Why It’s Lease-Friendly

No wiring or installation—just plug in wherever you want to track usage. When you move, your data and your gadgets come with you.

How to Use

• Plug the monitor into any household outlet.
• Plug in the device you want to measure (fridge, TV, gaming console, etc.).
• Check the screen or app for real-time stats and adjust usage as needed.

7. Smart Power Strips: Unplugged Savings, Automatically

Not all outlets are smart—yet. Smart power strips help you maximize every plug:

• Automatically cut power to “slave” devices when the control device is off (e.g., turn off speakers, printer, & lights when your computer sleeps).
• Programmable outlets and surge protection built in.
• Many come with energy tracking apps and voice control.

Why It’s Lease-Friendly

Just plug in like any regular strip. Nothing to install, nothing to drill.

How to Use

• Plug the strip into a wall outlet.
• Plug devices into the control and slave sockets.
• Set up automation for even more energy savings.

Extra Tips for Renters: Seamless and Sustainable Upgrades

• Keep the original hardware (light bulbs, showerheads, etc.) in a box for easy move-outs and security deposit success.
• Check your lease before making any changes—even minor ones—to avoid surprises.