Smart Thermostats for Renters: 5 Energy-Saving Options That Won’t Violate Your Lease

Smart thermostats are an easy way to increase your apartment’s comfort and cut down on energy bills. But if you’re a renter, there’s a challenge: most landlords don’t want you drilling holes or rewiring anything. Luckily, there’s a new generation of smart thermostats designed for renters—models that are easy to install, remove, and don’t risk your security deposit.

In this guide, we’ll show you five smart thermostats perfect for renters and offer practical advice for making your rental more eco-friendly—while keeping your landlord happy.

Why Smart Thermostats Are a Game-Changer for Renters

Smart thermostats do more than just manage your heating and cooling. They optimize indoor comfort, save money on energy, and help shrink your carbon footprint. For renters, smart thermostats can be a win-win, allowing you to take control of your energy use even without permanent changes to your unit.

• Remote control: Adjust the temperature from your phone, even when you’re not home.
• Learning features: Some models learn your schedule and adjust automatically.
• Energy reports: Track your usage and discover where you can save more.
• Custom schedules: Stop wasting energy when you’re out; heat/cool only when you need to.
• Environmental impact: Every kilowatt-hour saved reduces your carbon footprint.

What Renters Need to Know Before Installing a Smart Thermostat

Before you order a device, keep these key tips in mind to make sure you don’t violate your lease:

• Check your lease: Most leases prohibit permanent alterations. Only choose thermostats made for easy removal and installation.
• Get landlord approval: For any device requiring wiring changes, contact your landlord. Many smart thermostats for renters are designed to be swapped in without altering existing systems.
• Preserve original parts: Save your old thermostat for reinstallation when you move out.
• Look for tool-free installation: Several new models require no drilling or wiring changes and can be self-installed in minutes.
• Battery-powered vs. hardwired: Battery-powered options are especially rental-friendly; no wiring, no hassle.

Let’s dive into five of the best smart thermostats for renters!

1. Google Nest Thermostat (2020) – Simple, Sleek, and Renter-Friendly

Why It’s Great for Renters

The Google Nest Thermostat offers an intuitive interface and tool-free setup if you have a standard thermostat wiring. If your apartment uses a common HVAC system (with a C-wire or 24V connection), you can typically swap in this thermostat in 30 minutes or less. Store your old thermostat to reinstall when you move out.

• User-friendly app: Control temperature from anywhere.
• Voice assistant compatibility: Works with Google Assistant and Alexa.
• Auto-scheduling: Learns your routine and suggests changes.
• Easy to remove: No permanent marks or holes.

Installation Tips

• Shut off power at the breaker before swapping thermostats.
• Take a picture of the existing wiring for reference.
• Use the included labels to mark wires, so reinstalling is simple when you move out.
• Don’t have a C-wire? The Google Nest Power Connector is a non-invasive alternative.

Energy Savings

Google claims you can save 10-12% on heating and 15% on cooling bills. Real-world results depend on your lifestyle, but the app’s usage reports make it easy to see your progress.

2. Sensibo Air – Smarten Up Your Old Window AC (No Tools Needed!)

Perfect for Apartments with Window or Split AC Units

Many apartments (especially older buildings) use window or wall-mounted air conditioners instead of central systems. Sensibo Air is a game-changer: it turns any remote-controlled AC into a smart device—without touching the hardware.

• Zero installation: Stick the Sensibo Air unit near your AC and plug it in. No wiring. No tools. No lease violation.
• Universal compatibility: Works with any AC or heat pump that uses an infrared remote.
• Smartphone control: Set schedules and control multiple units from your phone.
• Sensors: Optionally add room sensors for more accurate temperature readings.

Energy Savings

• Check usage reports to see where your energy is going.
• Create custom schedules to shut off the AC when you’re out.
• Use geofencing so your AC only runs when you’re home.

Perfect for Shared Spaces

• Great for roommates, since anyone can join the app and adjust settings.
• Take it with you when you move!

3. Wyze Thermostat – Budget-Friendly, Smart, and Move-Out-Ready

Why Renters Love It

The Wyze Thermostat is one of the best-value smart thermostats. It’s sleek, highly compatible with various HVAC systems, and installation doesn’t require specialized tools. As with the Nest, if your system is standard, you’ll be able to swap the thermostat and put the original back later.

• Easy swap design: No drilling new holes.
• Works with Alexa and Google Assistant.
• Flexible scheduling: Program routines for workdays, weekends, or travel.
• “Quick events” feature: Temporarily override scheduling (great for unexpected guests or remote work days).

Installation Tips

• Wyze provides a step-by-step app walkthrough for installation.
• Use the included adapters for older systems (if permitted by your lease).
• Keep all parts handy for easy removal at move-out.

Energy Savings

Real-world Wyze Thermostat users consistently report noticeable reductions in energy bills, especially when using custom schedules and occupancy detection.

4. Mysa Smart Thermostat – For Electric Baseboard or In-Wall Heaters

Renters with Electric Heaters, Rejoice!

Older apartments often use electric baseboard or in-wall heaters—systems not compatible with most smart thermostats. Mysa is purpose-built for these scenarios, and it’s designed to be swappable with most existing wall units with minimal fuss.

• No hub needed: Direct WiFi control through the app.
• Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
• Custom schedules: Save energy by reducing heat at night and when you’re not home.
• Detailed energy reports: Fine-tune your usage to keep bills low.

Installation and Lease Compliance

• Installation requires removing your existing wall thermostat, but most models simply unscrew and pop out.
• Don’t make new holes; reuse the original mounting hardware wherever possible.
• Always keep your old thermostat and hardware for reinstallation; document everything with photos.
• Contact your landlord or property manager to confirm approval in advance.

5. Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat – Easy Compatibility & Move-Out Simplicity

Sleek, Accurate, and Versatile

The Emerson Sensi Touch is another excellent option for renters, offering one of the fastest and simplest swaps for wired thermostats. Its color touchscreen, user-friendly app, and wide compatibility make it especially popular in rental units and condos.

• Installs in about 30 minutes without changing wiring (as long as your system