7 Smart Home Devices Under $100 That Make Eco-Friendly Renting a Breeze
Turning your rental into an eco-friendly haven doesn’t have to break the bank or conflict with your landlord’s rules. Thanks to the rise of affordable smart home tech, renters can enjoy more control, comfort, and sustainability—without the need for permanent changes or costly upgrades. Below, discover seven smart devices under $100 that are perfect for making your rental smarter, greener, and more convenient.
Why Smart Devices Matter for Eco-Friendly Renters
Smart home devices aren’t just about convenience—they’re a driving force for sustainability. They help you:
- Cut down on energy and water waste
- Reduce your monthly bills
- Stay in your landlord’s good graces (no permanent installations needed)
- Control your home from your phone or voice assistant
Let’s discover the top devices you can pick up for less than a hundred bucks.
1. Smart Plugs: Remotely Control and Cut Standby Power
What They Do
Smart plugs fit between your device and the wall outlet, letting you control any plugged-in appliance from your smartphone or with your voice assistant (Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri).
Eco-Friendly Benefits
- Eliminate “vampire power”—stop devices from using electricity when in standby mode
- Automate schedules—turn devices off when not needed
Why They’re Great for Renters
- No wiring or installation—just plug and play!
- Take them with you when you move
- Works with anything: lamps, fans, TVs, coffee makers, and more
Smart Plug Tips
- Use for energy hogs (space heaters, window AC units, game consoles)
- Schedule lights to turn off automatically at night or when you leave
2. Smart Bulbs: Efficient Lighting on Command
What They Do
Replace any standard bulb with a smart LED version. Control brightness, color, and on/off times from your phone or via voice control.
Eco-Friendly Benefits
- Use up to 80% less energy than regular bulbs
- Automate schedules—never waste electricity on forgotten lights
- Set scenes for activities to avoid overlighting
Why They’re Great for Renters
- No tools needed—just swap bulbs
- Works in any standard socket
- Take them with you when you move
Smart Bulb Tips
- Dim lights for movie night—save energy and set the mood
- Use color temperature settings for better sleep routines
3. Smart Power Strips: Effortless Control for Multiple Devices
What They Do
Smart power strips give you app-based or voice control over every outlet on the strip. Group devices to turn on/off together or operate each one separately.
Eco-Friendly Benefits
- Kill “phantom loads” from clusters of electronics (TV, soundbar, game consoles)
- Automate shutoff when not in use
- Monitor energy usage with certain models
Why They’re Great for Renters
- No installation—just plug in
- Perfect for home offices or entertainment centers
Productivity & Energy Tips
- Schedule everything to power down at bedtime or when everyone leaves home
- Use voice commands to shut off the whole setup with one phrase
4. DIY Smart Thermostats: Heating and Cooling Smarter
What They Do
While most smart thermostats require hardwiring—a landlord no-go—there are clever, renter-friendly options. Some battery-operated smart thermostats or universal devices (like switch bots) can control your window unit ACs, portable heaters, or other plug-in comfort appliances via IR (infrared) or smart plug integration.
Eco-Friendly Benefits
- Automate climate routines (e.g., pre-cool before arriving home, shut off when leaving)
- Eliminate heating/cooling empty apartments
- Track energy use and adjust settings accordingly
Why They’re Great for Renters
- No need for complicated installation or wiring
- Work with existing plug-in or IR-controlled units
- Portable—take with you when you move
Usage Tips for Renters
- If you have a window or portable unit, look for smart plugs or IR-blaster devices compatible with your model
- Pair routines with your phone’s location to never cool or heat an empty home
5. Smart Leak Sensors: Preventing Water Waste (and Damage)
What They Do
Smart leak detectors sense water from plumbing leaks, appliance failures, or busted pipes. Some send alerts to your phone; others pair with a hub for smart home automation (turning off plugs near affected areas).
Eco-Friendly Benefits
- Early detection prevents major leaks, conserving water and reducing the risk of structural damage
- Saves hundreds of gallons by stopping small leaks before they become big ones
Why They’re Great for Renters
- Battery-powered—no wiring or plumbing skills required
- Place under sinks, behind laundry machines, near water heaters, or refrigerators
- Protects your security deposit by reducing risk of water damage
How to Use Them Effectively
- Test sensors every few months for peace of mind
- Integrate notifications with your phone or smart home hub
6. Smart Sensors & Motion Detectors: Lights-Only-When-Needed
What They Do
Install motion detectors or multipurpose sensors to automatically turn lights and devices on or off based on movement or door/window status.
Eco-Friendly Benefits
- Lights and fans only run when someone’s present—no waste
- Reinforce energy-saving habits throughout your home
Why They’re Great for Renters
- Battery powered or easy to mount via adhesive—no holes or drilling
- Works in closets, hallways, bathrooms, or kitchens
- Easily removed and reused in your next rental
Usage Tips
- Pair with smart bulbs or smart plugs for instant automation
- Set “away” routines to power off key appliances when all sensors are idle
7. Smart Water Usage Monitors for Renters
What They Do
Standalone water monitors help you track your apartment’s water usage—some even attach to faucets or pipes with zero tools. While not as comprehensive as whole-home systems, they’re renter-friendly and can help you spot leaks or reduce consumption.
Eco-Friendly Benefits
- Spot unexpected spikes in usage and alert you to leaks
- Promote daily water savings through real-time data
Why They’re Great for Renters
- No plumbing modifications
- Wireless and portable
- Immediate feedback helps build better habits
Water-Saving Tips
- Pair with a shower timer or faucet aerator for extra savings
- Track trends to challenge yourself (and roommates) to use less water monthly
How to Set Up Your Rental for Smart (and Eco-Friendly) Living
Start with one device at a time, focusing on your biggest sources of waste—for most renters, that’s heating/cooling, and always-on electronics
