Why Renters Struggle to Automate Their Homes
Most home‑automation solutions require installing outlets, sensors or even wiring. For a renter, these modifications are often prohibited by the lease and can incur restoration fees when moving out.
Smart bulbs, wireless switches and smart plugs remain accessible because they leave no trace on walls. But if you want to automate your entire living space, a different approach is required.
The Smartphone Hack: An Invisible Presence Sensor
Instead of buying extra hardware, simply use your phone as a presence detector via the Home Assistant Companion app. The app automatically syncs your location with Home Assistant and updates a device tracker whenever you enter or leave the defined area.
The benefit is twofold: no physical changes are needed, and the presence signal is more reliable than a motion sensor that only detects movement within a room.
How to Set Up Your Phone as a Presence Sensor
1. Install the Home Assistant Companion app on your Android or iOS phone.
2. Connect it to your Home Assistant instance over the same Wi‑Fi network as your other smart devices.
Once connected, enable background location permissions. The app will then use GPS and Wi‑Fi signals to determine your presence in the Home zone.
Integrate the Sensor into Your Existing Automations
In Home Assistant, create an automation that triggers actions when the tracker changes from home to not_home. For example: turn off lights, disable HVAC or put smart plugs to sleep.
You can also add extra conditions such as time of day or weather to fine‑tune your smart home behavior without extra effort.
A Simple Automation Example
- If smartphone tracker = not_home AND time > 22:00, then turn off all lights and set HVAC to standby.
Benefits for Renters: Zero Cost, Zero Damage
This solution requires no additional purchases—your phone is already available. Plus you don’t need to drill holes or run wires that could be reclaimed when you move out.
If you relocate, simply disable the app or delete the tracker in Home Assistant. No physical objects remain to repair.
Limitations and Best Practices
The trick depends heavily on GPS accuracy and Wi‑Fi signal stability. In large buildings, your phone may still be marked as present even when outside if the Wi‑Fi network is reachable.
To mitigate this, enable the “offline detection” option in Home Assistant or combine phone presence with a door sensor for additional verification.
Conclusion – Automate Your Apartment Effortlessly and Cost‑Effectively
“Home automation isn’t reserved for owners. With a simple smartphone and Home Assistant, every renter can transform their space into an intelligent habitat without leaving any marks.”
Adopt this trick today to enjoy a smart home while respecting your lease and budget. Download the app, configure the tracker and let your phone manage presence in your home.
