How to Make Your Rental Smart and Sustainable for Under $100: A Renter’s DIY Guide

Living sustainably and enjoying the convenience of smart home technology doesn’t have to be out of reach—even if you’re renting and on a budget. What if we told you for less than $100, you could upgrade your rental to be both smarter and greener, with zero need for landlord approval or permanent changes?

In this DIY guide, we’ll show you how you can transform your rental into a space that’s energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and convenient—all for less than the cost of a fancy night out. Read on for actionable tips, smart product suggestions, and budget strategies tailored specifically for renters.

Why Renters Should Go Smart and Sustainable

While homeowners often get the spotlight for smart upgrades and eco-friendly renovations, renters can tap into the benefits too:

Save on utilities: Smart devices and sustainability hacks reduce energy and water bills.
Enhance comfort and convenience: Automation adds ease to your daily routine.
Protect your deposit: All upgrades listed here are non-destructive and easy to reverse.
Minimize your carbon footprint: Every small change helps preserve the planet.

Let’s explore how you can make big changes—without breaking the bank or your lease agreement.

The $100 Renter’s DIY Plan—What to Prioritize

To keep within a tight budget, we’ll focus on practical upgrades with the biggest return in:

Lighting
Heating & cooling
Water & resource conservation
Smart convenience

Many of these solutions are “plug-and-play,” meaning there’s no wiring, drilling, or landlord notification required.

Smart, Sustainable Lighting Upgrades

1. LED Bulb Swap-Out

Cost: $10–$25
Skill level: Super easy (no tools needed)

LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than conventional bulbs.
They last for years, so you’ll rarely have to replace them.
Many LEDs now come in “smart” versions that are controllable with an app or voice assistant.

Start by swapping out the bulbs in your most-used fixtures (living room, bedroom, kitchen). Prioritize areas where lights stay on the longest to maximize savings.

2. Smart Plug for Lamps

Cost: $10–$20
Skill level: Plug-in simplicity

A smart plug turns any lamp into a smart lamp.
Set schedules to turn lights off automatically (great for forgetful moments).
Remotely control via app or voice—even when you’re not home.

Combine this with your LED bulbs for a big energy win!

Effortless Heating and Cooling Improvements

3. Removable Window Insulation Kits

Cost: $10–$30
Skill level: Basic DIY—no special tools needed

Add a nearly invisible film to your windows to block drafts in winter and excess heat in summer.
Improves comfort and slashes heating/cooling bills.
Clean removal leaves no damage when you move out.

This is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy loss in older rentals with drafty windows.

4. Portable Smart Thermostat (Room Sensor)

Cost: $20–$40
Skill level: Plug-and-play for portable room sensors

While renters often can’t replace wall thermostats, many smart sensors can monitor individual room comfort and provide you with tips for energy savings.
Some models even control portable heaters or fans via a smart plug setup.

This lets you manage your climate zone-by-zone, targeting only the rooms you’re actually using.

Bathroom and Kitchen: Sustainable Water Habits

5. Low-Flow Faucet Aerators and Showerheads

Cost: $5–$25 total
Skill level: Beginner DIY—just unscrew the old, screw on the new

Cuts water use by up to 50%, saving both water and energy (since less hot water is needed).
Modern aerators and showerheads can increase pressure while using less water, so they feel better too.
Easily removable when moving out.

If you want to make just one eco-upgrade, start here—the impact is huge!

6. Smart Shower Timer

Cost: $10–$20
Skill level: Stick-on install (no tools)

These battery-powered timers attach to your shower wall and alert you (with light or sound) when you’ve hit a preset time limit.
Helps reduce water and heater usage, especially for families or roommates.

Smarten Up Outlets and Devices

7. Smart Power Strip

Cost: $20–$35
Skill level: Plug-in

Identifies and cuts off “vampire” energy use from electronics in standby mode (TVs, chargers, PCs).
Lets you remotely control or set schedules for different devices.
No rewiring needed.

This is a fantastic way to automate eco-habits and save money on your electric bill with zero effort.

Quick Sustainable Swaps for Renters

8. Draft Stoppers for Doors and Windows

Cost: $8–$20 each
Skill level: Zero effort—just place them

Prevents costly heating and cooling loss, especially around older doors and windows.
No installation or DIY skills needed.

9. Reusable Grocery and Produce Bags

Cost: $10–$20 for a set
Skill level: Just use instead of plastic bags

Cuts down on single-use plastics in your home and waste stream.
Easy to stash in your bag or car so you always have them handy.

10. Compost Bins or Countertop Composters

Cost: $15–$35
Skill level: Just set it out—no installation needed

Reduces food waste and landfill contributions.
Compact options available for small kitchens.

If your city offers food waste pickup, these are a perfect way to participate without needing a yard.

How to Pick the Right Smart and Sustainable Upgrades

Your under-$100 plan depends on your specific rental, habits, and what’s already provided. Here’s how to decide:

Audit your apartment: Where does most energy or water seem to go? Are your windows drafty? Are lights often left on?
Prioritize high-impact areas: Tackle heating/cooling and lighting first—these are the biggest energy drains in most units.
Go for easy, non-permanent changes: Always choose upgrades you can uninstall or take with you when you move.
Look for multi-use tech: A single smart plug can control a lamp, fan, heater, or even a coffee machine.

Sample Under-$100 Smart & Sustainable Starter Kits

Kit 1: The “Energy Saver Express”

4-pack LED smart bulbs ($20)
Smart power strip ($25)
Faucet aerator/showerhead combo ($20)
Draft stopper ($10)
Total: $75

Kit 2: The “Green Comfort Kit”

Window insulation kit ($20)
Smart plug ($15)