The Best Smart Home Tech for Renters (That Won’t Cost Your Bond)
The classic renter’s dilemma: you want your house to feel like home — but you also want your bond back.
Wiring, drilling, and permanent installations are probably off the table. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a smart, seamless setup that packs up with you at the end of your lease.
Let’s get into it.
1. Smart Lighting – Bulbs & Lamps
Lamps are a renter’s best friend. They’re stylish, portable — and even better when they’re smart.
You’ve got two main options:
- Smart Lamps: all-in-one devices that include the lamp, bulb, and smart tech
- ✅ Easy setup
- ❌ Often modern-looking only, with limited design options
- ❌ Pricier
- Smart Bulbs: swap out regular bulbs in your existing lamps
- ✅ Keep your design aesthetic
- ✅ Budget-friendly
- ❌ Can get pricey for multi-bulb lamps
Need help deciding? I’ve written a full guide to smart lighting to help you choose the right setup.
2. Smart Plugs
Wiring changes are a no-go in rentals. But smart plugs give you control over nearly anything you can plug into a wall.
Fans, kettles, fairy lights, heaters — all controllable from your phone or smart speaker.
Imagine saying:
“Alexa, turn on the fan”
...while still in traffic on a 35°C day.
Boom — cool apartment, no sweat.
More on smart heating and cooling here.
3. Video Doorbells
Tired of answering the door to a lost UberEats driver?
Smart video doorbells let you see and speak to whoever’s at your door — even when you’re not home.
✅ Battery-powered and peephole-mounted options exist
✅ No drilling required
✅ Peace of mind
👉 Renter-friendly pick: Ring Door View Cam
4. Smart Security Cameras
Need to keep an eye on your front step or living room?
Smart security cameras record motion and let you check in remotely — day or night.
- Great for peace of mind
- No wiring changes required
- Battery and solar-powered options available
Check out my full smart home security guide for tips.
Renter-friendly picks:
5. Smart Motors for Blinds & Shutters
Smart blinds might seem out of reach for renters, but there are clip-on motors that attach to your existing chain system.
You get all the benefits — voice control, routines, automation — with none of the damage.
“Alexa, close the blinds.”
✨ Done.
✅ No drilling
✅ Compatible with chain blinds
✅ Totally removable
Check out this motor option from Oz Smart Things.
6. Smart Audio for Renters
Music changes a space — and a smart speaker turns it into an experience.
Whether you stream through smart speakers or pair with a dedicated soundbar, smart audio is renter-friendly by nature:
- Portable
- No installation
- Works with voice and routines
Explore your smart audio options here.
7. Smart Assistants: The Brain of It All
You’ve added smart bulbs, plugs, and a doorbell — but now it’s time to bring it all together.
Enter your smart assistant.
These little legends power:
- Voice control
- Automation (“Alexa, evening mode”)
- Integration between devices
They also double as your smart speaker, so they’re doing double duty.
Want to learn more?
Read my full guide to smart assistants.
Smart Home, Renter Style
With more renter-friendly smart devices available in Australia than ever before, it's totally possible to build a home setup that:
✅ Feels high-tech
✅ Adds real convenience
✅ Moves with you
No holes in the wall. No wiring changes. No headaches.
👉 Read the Ultimate Smart Home Guide (Australia)
Or browse more Smart Home Blog Posts