The restrictions that come with renting an apartment, condo, town home, or even a house can be quite lengthy. There are usually several guidelines in place when a tenant first moves in: no drilling, nails, or painting - to name just a few. And who hasn't fallen victim to the infamous “landlord beige” paint job that seems to coat everything in the space - light switches and baseboards included!
However, just because some of these guidelines might be immutable doesn't mean customizing your space is completely off the table. Smart home automation gained significant traction in the early 2010s and has been making great strides ever since. With a “smart” option for just about everything now on the market, it's easier than ever to turn your home into the pinnacle of comfort and convenience without the added worry of losing your deposit.
Avoiding Tenant Property Damage In Rental Spaces
What may seem like a small project to boost your favorite room's aesthetic can quickly turn into property damage, depending on where you live and what your landlord's restrictions are. Drilling and nailing - both necessary practices when trying to hang certain smart devices - are usually off the table unless you get permission beforehand and/or fill the holes before moving out.
To avoid the hassle and costs that come with installing new tech around the house, we recommend grabbing a Starling Home Hub and a few pieces of smart home technology that are renter-friendly.
An Overview of the Starling Home Hub
Starling Home Hub is a smart home automation system that connects Google Nest and Apple Homekit devices so they can be controlled from a singular system. Simply connect your Starling Home Hub to your router, plug in the power cable, and use the Starling iOS app to pair with Apple Home to control all your smart home devices. Setup only takes a few minutes, and there's no drilling or complicated cords involved, making Starling as renter-friendly as the next smart home device in this blog!
A Renter-Friendly Smart Home System For Winning The Smart Home Revolution
One of the biggest perks to home ownership is the ability to customize your space, but there's no need to give up hope, renters! Here are a few essential smart devices that are highly functional and easy to install even in rental properties.
· Smart Plugs: Smart plugs allow you to control connected devices remotely, set schedules, and monitor energy usage using voice commands or a smartphone app. Simply plug one into a wall outlet or power strip and connect it to your Wi-Fi network, then plug in whatever device you'd like to use.
o Example: TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug
· Smart Lights: Smart lights and smart bulbs offer customizable lighting, adjustable brightness, and remote control, all without complex installations. By replacing the old light bulb with a smart one, you can set room ambiance to your exact preferences and lower your electricity bill at the same time.
o Example: Philips Hue Smart Bulbs
· Smart Thermostats: Smart thermostats optimize your home’s heating and cooling by learning your schedule and preferences in order to create energy-efficient routines. These can be stuck on walls or set on various surfaces depending on which one you purchase.
o Example: Nest Thermostat
· Smart Speakers: Smart speakers bring voice control to your home, enabling you to manage devices, play music, set reminders, and access information with simple voice commands. No wiring or drilling is needed!
o Example: Google Nest Mini
· Smart Locks: Smart door locks provide keyless entry, remote access, and easy installation without needing to change your existing door locks. They are also landlord-friendly since most smart locks can be set on top of existing ones with ease.
o Example: Nest × Yale Lock
· Smart Security Cameras: Smart security cameras offer high-definition video, two-way communication, and real-time alerts, all manageable through your phone. Indoor smart cameras can be set up on countertops or other crucial points in the home – to keep an eye on your pets if nothing else!
o Example: Nest Cam
· Smart Doorbells: Smart doorbells feature real-time video, two-way communication, and motion detection, ensuring you can monitor your front door easily. These can often be affixed on to the outside of your door or next to your door in under a minute.
o Example: Nest Doorbell (can be wired, or battery-powered so no drilling is needed)
· Smart Blinds: Smart blinds allow you to automate window treatments, controlling light and privacy settings through your smartphone or voice commands instantly. Many smart shades and blinds can be installed using tension rods or adhesive mounting strips to avoid drilling.
o Example: Lutron Serena Shades
· Smart Leak Detectors: Smart leak detectors alert you to water leaks and humidity changes, offering peace of mind with straightforward, non-invasive setups. Your landlord will probably appreciate your efforts here to monitor for leaks – especially if you live above another tenant!
o Example: Flo by Moen Smart Water Detector
For a full guide on which smart devices are compatible with Starling Home Hub, please visit our ever-expanding, Verified Smart Home Devices directory.
The Latest Smart Technology is Just a Click Away with Starling
Transforming your rental apartment or home into a smart home is not only possible but also incredibly straightforward with the right tools and devices. By embracing renter-friendly smart home technology, you can enjoy enhanced comfort, convenience, and security without violating your lease agreement - or risking your deposit. From smart plugs and lights to home security cameras and sensors, the burgeoning smart home automation market offers a plethora of options that require no drilling or permanent alterations.
Starling Home Hub simplifies the process by seamlessly integrating your devices into a cohesive system, making it easy to control your smart home with minimal setup. So, go ahead and turn your rental space into a high-tech haven with the Starling Home Hub, proving that even without ownership, you can live in a home that feels truly yours.
Contact Starling for more information on our smart home automation system, or if you’re already sold on the notion of modern convenience that smart home tech offers renters and home owners, purchase your very own, very affordable Starling Home Hub today!
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