Looking for ways to save money on utility bills and make your rented home a smart home? You don’t have to own the building you're living in to start building an automated home system with smart home products.

Taking care of your living space is vital to renters and homeowners alike, and smart home or smart security devices can make that task easier. You may not need to install “permanent” smart home products, but there are plenty of wireless or plug-in options that can make your home safer, smarter, and more easier. Here is a list of some versatile smart devices that can improve your home and even help out your landlord:

Vera Ezlo PlugHub 2 Energy Smart Plug and Z-Wave Automation Controller (EZPLUGHUB)

For most renters, smart home systems seem too expensive to invest in, requiring costly installation or a large number of devices to be effective. The Ezlo PlugHub 2 is a Z-Wave Plus plug-in device that includes an automation system hub controller, smart outlet, and energy monitor all in one device, providing an inexpensive option for a building a small automated system or adding smart features to a single device. It features voice control compatibility with Alexa, Google, and Siri, uses the latest Z-Wave software, and supports up to 30 smart devices, enough to fit into any house or unit.

Forgot to turn off the lights, coffee pot, or TV as you ran out the door to get to work? Looking for a way to test if home automation is something worth trying out? The Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Mini Plug-In Switch connects to your Wi-Fi network to give you remote On/Off control of nearly any device or appliance plugged into it. If a lamp is plugged into it, it can also Dim/Brighten the lights. This device requires no automation hub or controller, just a Wi-Fi connection and mobile app. It's also voice control compatible with all major virtual assistants.

Sensative Strips Family 3-Pack, Z-Wave Plus (SVPAC11002)

Three major concerns every renter (and homeowner) has about their home are security, leaks, and comfort. The Sensative Strips Family 3-Pack, Z-Wave Plus relieves all three of those concerns with thin, inexpensive sensors. The Sensative Guard tells you when a door or window opens or closes. The Sensative Drip tells you when a leak occurs before lasting damage begins. The Sensative Comfort gives you a live report of the temperature and light level of a certain room. These three sensors can easily provide you and your landlord peace of mind and alert you to potential problems as they occur.

evolve Single Function Showerhead + Shower Start TSV3 (SLEV3014CP150SB)

Save hot water, all while save money on your bills with the evolve Single Function Showerhead + Shower Start TSV3. This shower head is a smart device that uses integrated ShowerStart TSV (Thermostatic Shut-off Valve) to slow down water flow automatically when the temperature of the water reaches 95° F (35° C). By having this automated feature, you'll save precious hot water from being wasted before you jump in the shower, and you'll save money on your energy and water bills.

If you need help finding portable smart devices for your rental, we can help. Just call us toll-free at 858-693-8887 (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific, Monday – Friday) for free tech support and product advice. You can also email us at service@homecontrols.com or visit www.homecontrols.com.