The $100 Renter Starter Kit: Smart Home Without Drilling a Single Hole
Most smart home advice assumes you own the place. New wiring for smart switches. Hardwired video doorbells. In-wall outlets. None of that is an option when you rent.
This kit is designed specifically for renters: everything plugs in, everything is removable, nothing requires a landlord's permission. Total cost is around $100 when you catch items on sale. Here's exactly what to buy and in what order to set it up.
At a glance
| Product | Best for | Price | Works with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echo Dot 5th Gen | Voice control hub | $30–50 | Controls everything else |
| Kasa EP10 Smart Plug | Smart outlets | $15 each | Alexa, Google |
| Govee Smart Bulb (2-pack) | Smart lighting | ~$15 | Alexa, Google |
| Wyze Cam v4 | Security camera | $35 | Alexa, Wyze app |
Prices fluctuate — Amazon runs sales regularly on all of these. Verify the live price before clicking buy.
Why this kit
We built this kit to meet four requirements: (1) nothing requires wall mounting with screws, (2) no alterations to existing wiring or switches, (3) everything can be packed and moved to a new apartment, (4) total cost stays at or under $100 when items are on sale.
The Echo Dot is the hub. The Kasa plug automates existing outlets. The Govee bulb goes into any existing lamp socket. The Wyze Cam sits on a shelf without mounting.
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) — The Hub
The Echo Dot is what makes everything else smart. Every other product in this kit talks to Alexa, which talks to the Echo Dot. One device to control them all, by voice or app. Plugs into any standard outlet, sits on any shelf or nightstand. No mounting, no drilling. Frequently on sale for $29.99 — buy it at that price.
Pros
- +Controls every other item in this kit by voice
- +No installation — plug in, connect to Wi-Fi, done
- +Built-in Zigbee hub for future smart sensor expansion
- +Built-in temperature and motion sensor
- +Decent sound quality for the price
Cons
- −Alexa ecosystem — committing to Amazon's platform
- −Requires Wi-Fi and an Amazon account
- −Always-listening microphone (hardware mute button included)
Everyone starting a smart home. This is always the first purchase.
Kasa EP10 Smart Plug (buy 1 or 2)
Smart plugs are the renter's best tool. Any appliance plugged into one becomes voice-controllable and schedulable. Lamp on a timer. Coffee maker that starts before your alarm. Fan that turns off at midnight. The EP10's compact design means it won't block the second outlet — important in apartments where outlets are scarce.
Pros
- +Makes any lamp, fan, or small appliance voice-controllable
- +Compact — doesn't block adjacent outlet
- +No installation — just plug in
- +Kasa app is reliable and well-designed
- +Moves to your next apartment with you
Cons
- −$15 each vs. ~$5/plug in a 4-pack (cheaper to buy 4 if you plan to expand)
- −Alexa and Google only — no HomeKit
Renters who want to control lamps and appliances by voice or schedule without touching any wiring.
Govee Smart Bulbs A19 (2-pack)
Smart bulbs let you add voice-controlled, color-adjustable lighting to any lamp — just screw one in. No wiring changes, no landlord interaction. The Govee RGBW bulbs give you real warm white plus color options. Main caveat: the wall switch for that lamp must stay ON for smart control to work.
Pros
- +Screw in and set up — no landlord interaction required
- +RGBW — warm white plus full color control
- +'Alexa, dim the bedroom light to 30%' works out of the box
- +Moves to your next apartment as easily as any other light bulb
Cons
- −Wall switch must stay ON at all times for voice control to work
- −If someone flips the switch off, you lose smart control until they turn it back on
Any lamp or accessible ceiling fixture where you want voice-controlled dimming or color.
Wyze Cam v4
The Wyze Cam v4 sits on any flat surface — a bookcase, windowsill, or counter — without any wall mounting. When you move out, it moves with you. 2K video, free 14-day cloud clips, and Alexa integration so you can say 'Alexa, show me the living room' on an Echo Show. The most valuable $35 security product for renters.
Pros
- +No mounting required — sits on any surface
- +Moves to your next apartment with no trace left behind
- +2K video with free 14-day cloud event storage
- +Two-way audio
- +Works with Alexa (show camera feed on Echo Show)
Cons
- −Wyze's 2024 cloud security incident — relevant for cloud-connected cameras
- −Magnetic base can be knocked over — placement matters
Renters who want to know what's happening at home when they're out, without any permanent installation.
Setup order
Set up in this order so each device links to Alexa as you go:
- Step 1: Echo Dot — plug in, connect to Wi-Fi, set up Amazon account
- Step 2: Kasa app — add smart plug(s), enable the Kasa skill in Alexa
- Step 3: Govee Home app — add smart bulb(s), enable the Govee skill in Alexa
- Step 4: Wyze app — add camera, enable the Wyze skill in Alexa
- Step 5: In Alexa, create a group called 'Home' with all devices — say 'Alexa, turn off everything' before you leave
FAQ
Will my landlord be able to tell I have smart home devices?
No. Everything in this kit is completely non-invasive — no drilling, no wiring changes, no alterations to the property. You could set all of this up on day one and remove it all before move-out without leaving a trace.
What happens to my smart home when I move?
It moves with you. Unplug everything, pack it, plug it in at the new place. Connect the Echo Dot to the new Wi-Fi network and all devices reconnect. You'll need to re-enter your new Wi-Fi password in each device's app.
Can I add more devices later?
Yes. The Echo Dot works with thousands of compatible devices. Natural next additions: more smart plugs, a Zigbee motion sensor (pairs directly with the Echo Dot's built-in hub), LED strip lights behind your TV, or a smart power strip for your desk.
The bottom line
This is the right starting kit for renters. Everything under $100 total, nothing permanent, and you take it all when you move.
Buy the Echo Dot first — on sale when possible. Then add the Kasa plug and Govee bulb. Add the Wyze cam last, or first if security is your top priority.
Once these four things are talking to each other, you'll understand why people get addicted to smart home gear.