The Complete No-Drill Smart Home Setup for Renters
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Renting doesn’t mean choosing between a smart home and keeping your security deposit. Every device in this guide installs with adhesive, a plug, or a simple screw-in bulb socket — nothing that touches the structure of your apartment, and nothing your landlord needs to sign off on. This is the full roadmap: what to buy, in what order, and where to go for the detailed picks in each category.
Start here: smart plugs
If you’re buying just one thing, make it a smart plug. It controls anything plugged into it — a lamp, a fan, a coffee maker — and costs as little as $7. It’s the single most flexible entry point into a renter-friendly smart home.
👉 See our full guide to the best smart plugs for renters
Lighting: when a plug isn’t enough
If a fixed ceiling fixture or harsh overhead lighting is what’s actually bothering you, a smart bulb solves that in a way a plug can’t. Not sure which one to buy first? We broke down exactly when each makes more sense.
👉 Smart bulbs vs. smart plugs: which to buy first
Security: cameras that don’t touch the walls
Battery-powered indoor cameras stick on with adhesive and come down clean, and several models skip the monthly subscription that other security brands try to lock you into.
👉 See our picks for battery-powered security cameras for apartments
The front door: no-drill video doorbells
A battery-powered doorbell with an adhesive or clamp-style mount lets you see who’s at the door without wiring into anything or modifying a shared hallway.
👉 Best no-drill video doorbells for apartments
Tying it together: a smart speaker or hub
Once you have two or three of the devices above, a compact smart speaker lets you control all of them with one voice command, or group them into routines like “good night” that turn off lights, lock smart locks, and arm cameras at once.
👉 Best portable smart speakers and hubs for small apartments
A realistic starter kit
If you want to build this out in one go instead of piece by piece, here’s a sensible starting point covering all five categories without overspending:
| Category | Starter pick | Approx. price |
|---|---|---|
| Smart plug | TP-Link Kasa Mini (EP25) | $13–15 |
| Smart bulb | WiZ Connected Color Bulb | $12 |
| Security camera | Eufy Solo IndoorCam C120 | $30–40 |
| Video doorbell | Blink Video Doorbell | $40–50 |
| Smart speaker | Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) | $25–35 |
That’s a full starter smart home for roughly $120–150 total, with nothing that requires a drill, a hub purchase, or landlord approval.
Before you buy anything: a quick reality check
A few habits will save you headaches later. Check your lease for any clause specifically about security devices or recording in shared spaces before installing a camera or doorbell facing a hallway. Test adhesive mounts on a small, hidden spot first if you’re unsure about your wall or door finish. And keep a small folder (digital or physical) with your original screws, bulbs, and packaging — most of this gear is designed to come with you, so don’t toss the parts you’ll want at your next place.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy everything in this guide at once?
No. Most renters start with one or two smart plugs, then add lighting or security over time as it makes sense for their space and budget.
Will any of this require my landlord’s approval?
Generally no, since none of these devices modify the property. It’s still worth a quick lease check, especially for anything facing a shared hallway, like a doorbell or camera.
What’s the single best first purchase for someone brand new to this?
A smart plug. It’s the cheapest, most flexible device on this list, and a good way to get comfortable with an app and a voice assistant before expanding further.
