Smart home technology is changing fast. In the past, smart homes have allowed homeowners to enjoy the seamless integration of their homes with innovative technology. With a few simple systems, you could turn off lights with your voice or easily enable communication between every device in your house.
While these things were convenient, none of these services were completely transformative. However, recent advancements in tech are transforming the notion of what a smart home solution can offer.
Today’s smart homes automate some of the most difficult tasks, such as:
• Advanced home security
• Repair scheduling
• Top-notch cybersecurity
The smart home of the future fixes and protects itself. AC goes out in the middle of summer? A smart home will not only detect it, but it can also schedule maintenance for you. Suspicious movement in your house when you aren’t home? A smart home will recognize it and alert you immediately on your mobile device.
So what does this mean for people who rent their homes? After all, the number of renters has never been higher. Historically, this meant up to 37 percent of people were out of luck when it came to smart devices. Unless the landlords had implemented the tech themselves, renters couldn’t reap the benefits of having a smart home.
Luckily, thanks to emerging smart home technology, renters are no longer left behind.
Let’s take a look at some of the new options that renters can utilize to create a truly modern smart home without the structural overhaul it once required.
1. Wireless Home Security System
When you’re renting a home, having a reliable home security system is essential. Homes without a security system are more than 300 times more likely to be broken into, but renters are even more susceptible to break-ins than those who own their homes.
This is likely because, until recently, renters have not been able to install their own security devices. The process used to be complicated and involved too many wires, which often meant that it wouldn’t be approved by the property owner.
However, today’s smart home technology allows for simple, non-invasive, and wireless installation of home security systems.
Users simply place sensors in all of the vulnerable points in the home (like doors and windows). No major alterations have to be made to the house. These sensors communicate directly with all devices in the home, so everyone can stay in the loop, no matter where they are.
These systems automatically turn on and off when residents leave and enter and will recognize and ignore non-threatening movements, such as a pet walking around. That means you’ll only be alerted about genuine potential break-ins.
And the best part for renters? The system can be packed up and brought with you if you move away!
2. Customizable Control Over All Devices
Imagine a friend comes over for an afternoon and asks for the Wi-Fi password. Not wanting to be rude, you give your friend the password. Immediately, they have complete access to your Wi-Fi and its features — forever.
Modern smart home solutions offer a fix: temporary passwords and the ability to limit features for any device. This means that you can give out a guest password that gives them 24-hour access to the Wi-Fi. You can limit their permissions so they can use the internet without having access to your TV, printer, or smart speakers.
This feature is also helpful for families with children. Parents can place limits on devices, like preventing access to video games except on the weekends. They can even shut off Wi-FI access to certain devices when they need to.
Because this smart home feature is fully integrated with the Wi-Fi, it does not require any home alterations. Wherever your Wi-Fi goes, premium device control goes with you, which makes it accessible for renters and homeowners alike.
3. Smart Bulbs
One of the hallmark features of smart homes are smart lights. These high-tech systems offer a number of perks. They save money, lower a home’s environmental impact, and offer an exceptionally high level of convenience.
Owners can control their lights with their voice, through preset programming, and even from their phones while on the other side of the world.
Traditionally, there was no easy way for anyone but the owner to implement this luxury into their homes. Most smart light setups involved a complete overhaul of the wiring in the home — which is simply not an option for most renters.
Enter the smart bulb.
Smart bulbs are just what they sound like: light bulbs that offer all of the same features as smart lighting systems, but with installation as simple and non-invasive as screwing them in.
You can dim and change the hues of these smart bulbs directly from an app. Many bulbs can be put on schedules, which means you won’t have to waste money and power when you forget to turn off the bathroom light on your way to work!
Smart bulbs are also a great companion to your wireless home security system, as they can be programmed to turn on when unusual motion is detected. They are not only convenient and eco-friendly — they can also protect your home from theft.
4. Everything Is on the App
In the past, smart home features had to be anchored to the home itself. Lights, Wi-FI, and security were all attached to hardware that couldn’t be moved.
Today, smart home providers allow all of these features to be accessible directly from an app on your phone. This means that everything you need to operate a smart home is all in one place — and always at your fingertips.
Not only does this offer premium convenience, but it makes these services more accessible to renters than ever before.
Ready to Enjoy All of the Features of a Smart Home?
You no longer have to be a homeowner to take advantage of the many benefits of a smart home. New tools and technologies are easy to install, removable, and more affordable than ever.
With smart home devices, your residence can be secure, comfortable, and controlled with the touch of a button. Whether you own or rent your home, you can truly feel like the king of your castle.
