Renting or short-term lets: smart plugs, battery sensors, TRVs, wireless switches and no-drill cameras. What is allowed, when to ask the landlord, and how to take everything with you when you move.
Also available in French.
Renting does not stop you having a connected home. The rule is simple: anything that plugs in, sticks on or screws into an existing fitting can go in and come out with you. Anything that touches the consumer unit, built-in switches or the boiler usually needs the landlord’s written OK—and often a qualified electrician.
| Kit | Install | Landlord OK | Take away when you leave | Typical protocol |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart plug | Plug in | No | Yes | Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Matter |
| Temp / humidity sensor | Shelf or adhesive | No | Yes | Zigbee, Bluetooth |
| Door / window sensor | Adhesive | No | Yes (peel adhesive) | Zigbee |
| Smart bulb | Screw in | No | Yes (swap old bulb back) | Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Matter |
| Wireless button / switch | Adhesive | No | Yes | Zigbee |
| Smart TRV head | Replaces radiator TRV head | Check lease (TRV body must exist) | Yes (keep old head) | Zigbee, Thread |
| Indoor camera | Stand / shelf | No (respect visitors’ privacy) | Yes | Wi-Fi |
| In-wall switch, relay behind plate | Electrical work | Yes | Not advised | — |
| Boiler thermostat | Wiring | Yes | — | — |
Our starter pick for renters: a Zigbee USB stick on Home Assistant, plus Zigbee plugs and sensors. Nothing is fixed to the wall; on moving day the whole system fits in a box. Dongle details: best Zigbee dongle for Home Assistant.
Smart plugs. Ideal first step: schedule a space heater, measure load, remote off. Respect the maker’s max rating (often 13 A in the UK, 15 A circuits in the US) and avoid daisy-chained extension leads. See smart plugs for the UK and US.
Battery sensors. Temperature, humidity, door, water leak: stick or place them. Choosing models: Zigbee temperature sensors. Use removable adhesive to protect paint.
Wireless buttons. A Zigbee button by the door can turn off all lamps on the way out—no wiring.
Smart TRV heads. On a wet radiator with a thermostatic valve body, you unscrew the head and swap in a smart one—no draining. Keep the old head for hand-back. Check thread compatibility with the supplied adapters.
Cameras. Indoor cameras are fine technically. In the UK, filming shared stairwells or the public pavement is restricted; point the lens at your own rooms only (ICO guidance on home CCTV. In the US, state and HOA rules vary—avoid pointing at neighbours’ property or public sidewalks where local law restricts recording.
In-wall modules, motorised blinds wired into the house, consumer unit work, hard-wired boiler stats: these alter the property. Get written permission and use a registered electrician (Part P in England and Wales; licensed electrician and local code in the US).
A Home Assistant Green or Raspberry Pi 5 plugs into your router with Ethernet. When you move, plug it in at the new address—automations and history come with you. Hub comparison: Home Assistant, Jeedom, Homey. Full path: getting started.
Torn between two models or stuck on a build? Drop us a line and we will get back to you by email.