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Smart Home for Renters: How to Make a Rented Place Feel Smart Without Drilling a Single Hole

Smart home setup in a rented apartment without drilling

A smart home for renters: no holes, no wiring, no deposit risk

By WattDweller Editorial Team · Updated October 4, 2026

Renting comes with a long list of things you cannot do. You cannot repaint the walls without asking. You cannot rip out the old light switches. You definitely cannot drill into the ceiling just to hang a camera. And yet, somehow, you still want your place to feel like it belongs to you.

Best Smart Plugs for Apartments: Energy Monitoring, Scheduling & No Wiring (2026)

Best smart plugs for apartments and renters

Best smart plugs for renters: energy monitoring without wiring

By WattDweller Editorial Team · Updated September 24, 2026

Here’s the problem with most smart plug recommendations: they’re written for homeowners.

Homeowners can install smart plugs anywhere, don’t care about portability, and can afford premium features. But renters face unique challenges: