Building a smart home might be the furthest thing on your mind if you live in a rental due to limitations on what you can build and install in your space. But having a connected home is even more crucial when you’re renting, especially in terms of security and convenience.
Luckily, there are many devices you can invest in that don’t require renovating, rewiring, or doing anything that will affect your security deposit. Here are some tips to make your smart home automation dreams come true, even if you’re living in a rented apartment, house, or condo.
Ensure your rental has provisions for a fiber line or Internet connection.
While most rentals may already have water and electricity set up, applying for an internet connection might be up to you. Before you sign your lease, ask your landlord about your WiFi connectivity options and whether it’s possible to have a fiber line installed. A new cable line or fiber connection might require drilling or mounting new boxes on the apartment, house, or building exterior, which your lease might not cover.
Once that’s approved, you can ask neighbors about the best fiber connection in your area. Try PLDT Home’s high-speed Fiber Plus Plans for fast and whole-home coverage, starting at 400 Mbps!
Automate your existing gadgets
From CrabTek Official Store
With smart plugs and power strips, you can turn gadgets, appliances, and everything you can plug into a wall as a part of your connected home. Set timers or turn gadgets on and off conveniently through an app or via your voice assistant. This is also a great way to save on electricity!
Invest in smart lighting
Whether you live in a rental or not, smart bulbs are another great way to secure your home. You can set up the lights to turn on automatically at night and off in the mornings, even when you’re not around. It’s also a great way to spruce up your space–most smart lights are made with LED and can be controlled to change colors. They also use less energy and last longer!
Get a voice assistant
Smart speakers aren’t just for entertainment. Their voice assistant feature is also useful for controlling other compatible devices inside your home. They’re great for triggering hard-to-reach gadgets like smart plugs and lights and useful so you don’t have to get up from bed when you’re already prepared to sleep.
Monitor and secure your home
From Eufy Official Website
Securing your home is important, especially if you are renting. Luckily, there are many wireless security devices that only require a WIFI connection to run and that you can easily set up yourself.
Try the eufy Outdoor Cam 2 Pro, a subscription-free home security camera that’s simple to use and can record clear, detailed footage at 2K resolution day and night. The kit comes with two weather-proof, rechargeable cameras, batteries that can last 365 days on a single charge, and a built-in microphone and speaker.
It also comes with a base station that acts as file storage and a WIFI repeater, ensuring the cameras have a strong and stable Internet connection. You can get it for just P899 for 24 months on top of your PLDT Home subscription!
From Eufy Official Website
Apart from an outdoor camera, you can also install a smart door lock like the eufy Smart Door Lock, which comes with automatic locking and multiple ways to unlock your door, so you eliminate the risk of individuals picking on your knob or swiping your keys to make copies. You can control this and your other eufy devices using the eufy security app for seamless integration and easy access anywhere! Get one for only P649 a month for 24 months with your PLDT Home subscription.