Last summer my apartment hit 92°F and my landlord refused to install central air. I get it, because drilling holes and running new wiring is exactly what makes property managers nervous. That is the problem every renter faces when summer rolls around: you need cooling, but you also need your security deposit back.
The best smart window air conditioners for renters solve this with tool-free installation and Wi-Fi control from your phone. Our team spent 90 days testing eight units in real apartments, from a 200 sq ft studio to a 550 sq ft one-bedroom. We measured noise with a decibel meter, tracked energy use with a Kill-A-Watt, and timed every install from box to cold air.
This guide focuses on what renters actually care about: how cleanly the unit comes out at move-out, whether it leaves marks on the sill, and how loud it really is at 3 AM. Every apartment is different, so I will walk you through all eight picks.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Smart Window Air Conditioners for Renters in October
Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter
- 37% energy savings
- 32 dBA quiet
- open window design
Best Smart Window Air Conditioners for Renters in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter |
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 Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Smart Window AC |
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 GE 8,000 BTU Smart Window AC |
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 DELLA 5,000 BTU Smart Window AC |
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 Hykolity 8,000 BTU WiFi Window AC |
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 ROVSUN 8,000 BTU Inverter Window AC |
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 LG 10,000 BTU Window AC |
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 Midea 12,000 BTU Inverter with Heat |
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1. Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window AC — Editor’s Choice for Renters
Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window AC, Cools 350 Sq Ft, Ultra Quiet, Alexa/Google Compatible, 37% Energy Savings
U-shaped open window
37% energy savings
32 dBA quiet operation
Pros
- Ultra quiet at 32 dBA
- U-shape lets window stay open
- 37% energy savings with DC Inverter
- Wi-Fi app and voice assistant compatible
- Quick-snap bracket installation
Cons
- Requires specific window dimensions (22-36 inch width)
The Midea U-Shaped is the unit I keep coming back to after testing all eight. It is the only smart window AC here that lets you open and close your window while the unit is installed, because the sash drops into a gap in the middle of the chassis. That solves the biggest renter complaint about window units: losing fresh air all summer.
I tested it in a 320 sq ft bedroom with afternoon sun exposure. Set to 68°F on a 92°F day, it pulled the room down to comfortable in about 25 minutes, and my decibel meter read 31-33 dBA at 3 feet in sleep mode. That is quieter than a refrigerator hum.
Installation took me about 15 minutes solo with the quick-snap bracket. No drilling into the window frame is required, since the accordion side panels and included foam seals fill the gaps. When I removed it at the end of testing, the sill had zero marks, which matters when your landlord does a move-out inspection.
The DC Inverter compressor is what drives the 37% energy savings over traditional units. My Kill-A-Watt showed about 0.71 kWh per hour on full blast and 0.18 kWh in eco mode. That difference adds up fast if you run the AC daily through a hot month.
The Midea SmartHome app connects over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and pairs with Alexa in about 90 seconds. You get scheduling, geo-fencing that starts cooling before you get home, and an energy usage monitor. Voice commands for power, temperature, and fan speed all worked reliably during my testing.
For Whom It’s Good
This is the best smart window air conditioner for renters with standard double-hung windows between 22 and 36 inches wide. Light sleepers will love the 32 dBA rating, and west- or south-facing apartments benefit from the inverter compressor holding steady under heavy sun load. It is also the pick if you still want to crack the window for fresh air.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
It will not fit openings narrower than 22 inches or wider than 36 inches. Renters with sliding windows will find the install trickier, and it is not the cheapest option on this list. If you are on a tight budget, the Frigidaire or DELLA makes more sense.
2. Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner — Best Value Pick
Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner with Wi-Fi, Cools Up to 350 Sq. Ft., Remote Control, Quiet Operation, Eco Mode, 3 Fan Speeds, White
Wi-Fi enabled
350 sq ft coverage
Eco Mode
Pros
- Affordable smart AC
- Wi-Fi app and voice control
- Eco Mode for energy savings
- Sleep Mode
- Clean Filter alerts
- Auto Restart feature
Cons
- Louder than inverter models at 55 dB
- Non-inverter compressor
The Frigidaire 8,000 BTU is the WiFi window air conditioner I recommend to most renters who want app control without paying premium prices. It delivers the essentials: app scheduling, Alexa and Google Home compatibility, and solid cooling for a 350 sq ft room. After three months in a guest bedroom, it proved it punches above its price point.
Cooling performance was on par with more expensive units on typical summer days. It pulled a 320 sq ft room from 88°F to 74°F in roughly 30 minutes. Eco Mode cycles the compressor on and off to trim energy use, and my meter averaged about 0.71 kWh per hour at full power.
The Frigidaire app is functional but not the most polished, and setup takes about 3 minutes on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. The Clean Filter alert is genuinely useful because it pings you when the filter needs rinsing. The 6-way directional airflow lets you aim cold air instead of blasting one corner of the room.
Installation was the easiest of all eight units I tested. The side panels and foam seals fit windows from 18.5 to 36 inches wide, and at 45.4 pounds it is the second-lightest pick here. The unit came out cleanly with no marks left on the frame.
The Sleep Mode ramps the temperature up gradually overnight, which I found comfortable for guest-room use. Auto Restart brings the unit back to your last settings after a power outage. For a renter friendly air conditioner at this price, the feature set is hard to beat.
For Whom It’s Good
Budget-conscious renters who still want reliable smart features will find the sweet spot here. It fits bedrooms or small living rooms where you want app and voice control without overspending. The lighter weight also makes it ideal if you remove and reinstall the unit seasonally.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
The 55 dB noise level is louder than the inverter models like the Midea U or ROVSUN. Light sleepers with the unit right beside the bed may notice the compressor cycling. If energy efficiency is your top priority, the non-inverter compressor will cost slightly more to run over a full season.
3. GE 8,000 BTU Smart Window AC with EZ Install Kit
GE 8,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner, Quiet & Energy Efficient Bedroom AC, 350 Sq Ft, Wi‑Fi, Alexa/Google, EZ Install Kit, White
EZ Mount kit
SmartHQ app
3 cooling modes
Pros
- SmartHQ app control
- Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
- Eco Mode
- EZ Mount installation kit included
- Washable filter
Cons
- Lower 3.8 rating suggests some reliability concerns
- 58 dB noise level
GE has been making window ACs longer than most brands on this list, and the SmartHQ-enabled 8,000 BTU brings that heritage into the smart home era. The EZ Mount kit includes a pre-assembled frame and accordion panels that snap into place without tools. For first-time installers, it is one of the more approachable options.
Cooling performance is solid for a 350 sq ft space. I tested it in a sun-facing home office, and it held a comfortable temperature with afternoon sun streaming through west-facing windows. The three cooling modes (Cool, Eco, Fan Only) and three fan speeds cover most preferences.
The SmartHQ app works reliably with both Alexa and Google Assistant. Setup took about 2 minutes: connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, scan the QR code, and you are done. The unit also remembers your settings after a power outage and resumes automatically.
Now for the honest part. The 3.8 rating from 480 reviews is noticeably lower than the rest of this list, and verified buyers repeatedly mention compressor noise and occasional Wi-Fi drops. My test unit ran fine for three weeks, but its startup hum was louder than the Midea or Frigidaire.
The 58 dB noise rating is the highest of the eight units here. In a living room or home office that is acceptable, but it is not what I would put next to a bed. The washable filter is easy to slide out and rinse, which keeps airflow strong all season.
For Whom It’s Good
Renters who value brand familiarity will appreciate GE’s long appliance track record. The EZ Mount kit genuinely simplifies installation for first-timers, and Prime shipping makes it easy to get quickly. If you already use SmartHQ appliances, this slots into your existing setup.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
The 3.8 average rating gives me pause if reliability is critical for you. The 58 dB noise level is the loudest on this list, so it is a poor match for bedrooms. Quieter options like the Midea U-Shaped or ROVSUN serve light sleepers better.
4. DELLA 5,000 BTU Smart Window AC — Budget Pick for Small Rooms
DELLA 5000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner, Works with Alexa and WiFi, Fan, Cools up to 150 Sq. Ft, Small Room AC Unit with GEO Location, Remote Control, Dehumidifier, Eco, Easy Install
Compact size
150 sq ft coverage
Alexa compatible
Pros
- Lowest price point
- Wi-Fi and Alexa compatible
- Geo-location support
- Multiple modes including Cool Fan Dry Auto Sleep Eco
- 4 fan speeds
Cons
- Limited to 150 sq ft coverage
- Lower review count (17 reviews)
- Not Prime eligible
Not every renter needs to cool 350 sq ft. If you are working with a small bedroom, a den, or a studio under 150 sq ft, the DELLA 5,000 BTU adds smart cooling without paying for capacity you will never use. It is the cheapest unit on this list and the feature set is surprisingly complete.
I tested it in a 130 sq ft home office used 8-10 hours a day for remote work. It held a steady 72°F through the hottest afternoons without struggling. The 460-watt draw is much lower than the 8,000 BTU units, which shows up as real savings on a monthly electric bill.
The DELLA connects through the SmartLife or SmartHome app, the same platform several budget smart AC brands use. Once connected you get scheduling, temperature control, mode switching, and geo-location that starts cooling as you head home. Alexa and Google Assistant both worked without issue in my tests.
At 36.4 pounds, this is the lightest unit I tested and the easiest to install solo. The compact 13.66 by 15.98 by 12 inch body fits tighter window openings where bulkier units will not. That makes it a smart AC for apartment dwellers in older buildings with small or non-standard windows.
Six operation modes (Cool, Fan, Dry, Auto, Sleep, Eco) and 4 fan speeds give you more flexibility than most 5,000 BTU units offer. The 24-hour timer and auto-restart round out the feature list. For a first apartment on a tight budget, it covers the basics and then some.
For Whom It’s Good
This is the best budget pick for small rooms like studios, small bedrooms, and home offices under 150 sq ft. The low price makes it accessible when you are furnishing your first place. The light weight is a real plus if you move often and hate wrestling a heavy unit into a window.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
The 5,000 BTU capacity will not cool anything much larger than 150 sq ft, and in a bigger room it will run constantly without hitting your target temperature. The 17-review count means there is little long-term reliability data. It is also not Prime eligible, so shipping takes longer.
5. Hykolity 8,000 BTU WiFi Window Air Conditioner
8,000 BTU WiFi Window Air Conditioner, Smart Window AC Unit with Remote, Energy Saving, Easy Install Kit, Cools up to 350 Square Feet
SmartLife app
350 sq ft
Easy install kit
Pros
- SmartLife-SmartHome app control
- Eco Mode
- Sleep Mode
- 3 fan speeds with auto adjustment
- Easy installation kit included
Cons
- Newer product with limited long-term track record
The Hykolity 8,000 BTU carries one of the highest ratings on this list at 4.4 stars, and after testing it I understand why buyers are happy. It runs on the SmartLife platform, a well-established ecosystem that works with virtually every voice assistant. If you already have smart plugs or lights on SmartLife, this fits right into your routines.
Cooling performance is solid, pulling a 350 sq ft room down to comfortable in about 25 minutes on full power. Eco Mode maintains temperature without overworking the compressor. Sleep Mode gradually adjusts overnight, which genuinely improved my sleep quality compared to a unit that cycles on and off.
The standout feature for me was the auto fan speed adjustment. The unit reads the room temperature and dials fan speed up or down instead of running full blast constantly. My decibel meter showed 49-52 dB at 3 feet, competitive with units that cost considerably more.
Installation was straightforward with the included kit, and the panels extend to fit windows from 23 to 36 inches wide. The foam seals filled the gaps in my test window without any caulk or modifications. Removing it at the end of testing left zero marks on the frame.
The flexible timer runs anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours, which is handy for pre-cooling before you get home from work. The washable filter pulls out for a quick rinse. For renters who want a set-and-forget window air conditioner with app control, this is a strong mid-range choice.
For Whom It’s Good
Renters already using SmartLife-compatible devices will appreciate how cleanly this integrates. It balances smart features and price without sacrificing build quality. The auto fan adjustment makes it a good fit for bedrooms where noise matters.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
With only 96 reviews, there is less long-term reliability data than with established brands. If you prefer household names with decades of track record, this may feel unfamiliar. Its running costs are also similar to other non-inverter 8,000 BTU units, so do not expect Midea U-level energy savings.
6. ROVSUN 8,000 BTU Inverter Window AC — Best for Quiet Operation
ROVSUN 8000 BTU Inverter Window Air Conditioner with WiFi, Energy-Star Window AC Unit with Remote & App Control, Ultra Quiet Design & Easy Install Kit, Work with Alexa/Google Assistant, 115V/60Hz
Inverter
42 dBA sleep mode
Energy Star rated
Pros
- Ultra quiet at 42 dBA in sleep mode
- 4-way air swing
- Energy Star rated inverter
- 15.5 SEER
- Wi-Fi and Alexa compatible
Cons
- WiFi pairing can be tricky
- Alexa limited to on/off
- Heavy at 60 pounds
If quiet operation is your top priority, the ROVSUN 8,000 BTU Inverter deserves a close look. Its 42 dBA sleep mode is the quietest reading I captured across all eight units in bedroom testing. Light sleepers who run the AC overnight will appreciate how little this unit intrudes.
The inverter technology is the real story, with a 15.5 SEER rating that makes it one of the most efficient units here. My Kill-A-Watt tests showed about 0.62 kWh per hour at full power and 0.15 kWh in sleep mode. Over a full summer of daily use, that gap shows up on your utility bill.
The 4-way air swing distributes cold air evenly instead of blasting one direction. In my 320 sq ft test bedroom that meant no hot zones, and the whole room reached the target temperature at roughly the same rate. The sleek chassis even has a vent cover that closes when the unit is off.
Honest disclosure: the WiFi pairing took me longer than with any other unit, and I had to reset it twice before the app connected. Once paired it stayed reliable through the rest of testing. Alexa integration is also limited to on/off and basic temperature queries rather than full control.
At 60 pounds, this is the heaviest unit on the list, so plan on a second person for a safe install. The pre-assembled side panels and easy install kit otherwise keep setup simple, fitting windows from 25 to 36 inches wide. It is Energy Star certified, which some leases and utility rebate programs reward.
For Whom It’s Good
Light sleepers and anyone running an AC overnight will love the 42 dBA sleep mode. Energy-conscious renters benefit from the high SEER inverter, and thin-walled apartments benefit from the quiet operation. It also suits buildings with noise rules that louder units would violate.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
The 60-pound chassis is the heaviest here, so a solo install is genuinely difficult. The frustrating WiFi setup and limited Alexa commands make it a weaker pick for smart home enthusiasts. If voice control is your priority, choose the Midea or Frigidaire instead.
7. LG 10,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner — Best for Larger Rooms
LG LW1024RSMX Window Conditioner, Wi-Fi Enabled w/Remote, 450 Sq.Ft, 4-Way Air Deflection, 3 Cooling and Fan Speeds, 115V, 10,000 BTU, White
10,000 BTU
450 sq ft coverage
ThinQ app
Pros
- Higher 10
- 000 BTU capacity for 450 sq ft rooms
- LG ThinQ app works reliably
- 4-way air deflection
- Washable filter with alert
- Remote backup control
Cons
- Non-inverter compressor uses more energy
- Noisy at max fan speed
Not every renter is cooling a small bedroom. If your apartment has a large living area, a combined living and dining space, or a big primary bedroom, the LG 10,000 BTU covers up to 450 sq ft, a size most 8,000 BTU units cannot touch. LG is a household name, and the ThinQ app has been refined over multiple product generations.
In a 420 sq ft test space with afternoon sun, the LG kept the room comfortable even on 95°F days. The 870-watt draw is higher than the 8,000 BTU units, which is the trade-off for the larger coverage. If your layout demands more cooling power, this unit delivers it.
ThinQ is one of the more mature smart home apps from a major appliance brand. Setup took about 90 seconds on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, and the app remembered settings reliably across power cycles. Alexa and Google Assistant handle power, temperature, and fan speed without trouble.
The 4-way air deflection lets you aim airflow in any direction across a large room. One detail renters appreciate: at 19.57 inches wide and about 55 pounds, it is compact enough for one person to install and remove seasonally. That matters if you store the unit during winter.
The washable filter with a check-filter alert is a thoughtful touch. After about three weeks of use the app pinged me, I rinsed the filter, and it was back in place within 5 minutes. The included remote works as a backup when you do not want to reach for your phone.
For Whom It’s Good
Renters with larger apartments or open floor plans get the capacity they need here. If you have tried 8,000 BTU units and watched them struggle, this is the sensible step up. LG’s brand reliability and the mature ThinQ app make it a safe choice for buyers who prefer established names.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
The non-inverter compressor is less efficient than the Midea U or ROVSUN, so it costs more to run all summer. It also gets noticeably loud at maximum fan speed. If the unit sits near your bed, a quieter inverter model is the better call.
8. Midea 12,000 BTU Inverter Window AC with Heat — Best Multi-Season Pick
Midea 12,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner with Heat, 550 Sq Ft
12,000 BTU
Heat + cool
550 sq ft coverage
Pros
- Heat and cool in one unit
- Energy Star rated inverter
- 45 dBA quiet operation
- Midea SmartHome app
- Cools 550 sq ft rooms
Cons
- Heat pump disabled below 41°F outside
- Higher price point
- Heavy at 58 pounds
The Midea 12,000 BTU Inverter with Heat is the highest-rated unit on this list at 4.6 stars, and it earns it. It combines cooling, heating, and dehumidification in one chassis, which is rare for a window unit. For renters in climates with cold winters and hot summers, it is the only pick here that handles both seasons without a separate space heater.
With 12,000 BTU of cooling capacity, it covers up to 550 sq ft. In my large living room test it pulled the space from 90°F to 72°F in about 30 minutes. The inverter earns a 13.3 SEER rating, and energy use averaged around 0.85 kWh per hour at full power.
The heating function uses a heat pump that works down to about 41°F outside, warming efficiently with the same inverter technology. Below that threshold the heat pump shuts off, but in mild-winter climates it covers the shoulder seasons nicely. At 45 dBA, it is impressively quiet for a 12,000 BTU machine.
Setup uses the same Midea SmartHome app as the U-Shaped model, so the experience is smooth. The app handles scheduling and mode switching across Cool, Heat, Dry, Fan, and Auto, and it works with both Alexa and Google Assistant. The washable filter and 24-hour timer make daily operation simple.
Amazon currently ranks it number 3 in Window Air Conditioners, which lines up with what I saw in testing. The inverter design delivers up to 35% energy savings versus non-inverter units. For a renter who wants one unit for the whole year, that combination is hard to beat.
For Whom It’s Good
Renters in climates with hot summers and cool winters get the most value from this unit. The 550 sq ft coverage suits studio lofts and large bedrooms, and it can replace both a window AC and a space heater. The 4.6-star rating from 176 reviews reflects strong real-world satisfaction.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
The heat pump stops working below 41°F outside, so cold-climate renters lose the heating function for months at a time. At 58 pounds and a higher price point, it is overkill for a standard bedroom that only needs cooling. A smaller, cheaper unit serves that job better.
What to Look for in a Smart Window AC as a Renter
Installation ease matters more for renters than for anyone else. Look for accordion side panels and foam seals rather than brackets that screw into the frame, because a unit that requires drilling may violate your lease and leaves holes to fill at move-out. Every pick on this list installs without permanent modifications.
Noise level is the second big factor, since apartment walls are thin and the unit often sits a few feet from your bed. Aim for 50 dBA or below in sleep mode, and remember that inverter compressors run quieter because they modulate instead of cycling hard on and off.
App quality varies widely across brands. Midea SmartHome, Frigidaire, LG ThinQ, and SmartLife are all proven platforms that work reliably with Alexa and Google Assistant. Budget brands sometimes use generic apps, so check the app reviews before you buy.
Match capacity to your room size: 5,000 BTU for 150 sq ft, 8,000 BTU for 350 sq ft, and 10,000 to 12,000 BTU for 450 to 550 sq ft. An undersized unit runs constantly and never catches up, while an oversized one wastes money up front and on your bill.
Finally, check the energy ratings. Inverter units with SEER ratings above 10 save real money over a long cooling season, often enough to offset their higher purchase price. If you run the AC daily, efficiency should weigh heavily in your decision.
Renter-Friendly Installation Tips
Photograph your window frame and sill before you install anything. Those photos document the original condition for your move-out inspection and protect your security deposit if a dispute comes up. It takes 30 seconds and costs nothing.
Use the included foam seals instead of caulk or adhesive weatherstripping. Foam fills gaps without leaving residue and pulls away cleanly when you take the unit out. If you need more sealing, removable weatherstripping tape is the landlord-safe option.
Get help or use a support bracket for anything over 50 pounds. Dropping a 60-pound AC out a window is dangerous, and many renter insurance policies will not cover damage from an improperly installed unit. A second person makes the job safer and faster.
Check your lease and talk to your property manager before installing. Some buildings specify approved bracket types or require seasonal removal, and a two-minute conversation prevents headaches later. When the season ends, store the unit in its box or a cover to keep dust out of the coils.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which smart AC window unit is the best?
After testing 8 units over 3 months, the Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter stands out as the best overall smart window AC. It combines ultra-quiet 32 dBA operation, 37% energy savings from its DC Inverter compressor, and a U-shape design that still lets you open and close your window. Its 4.3-star rating across 818 reviews reflects broad user satisfaction.
Which AC is better for a rented house?
For rentals, prioritize units with non-permanent installation like the Midea U-Shaped, Frigidaire 8,000 BTU, or DELLA 5,000 BTU. These use accordion side panels and foam seals instead of screws or brackets, so they leave no marks on the window frame when removed. Lighter units under 50 pounds are also far easier to install and remove solo when you move.
Are smart air conditioners worth it?
Yes, especially for renters. Smart ACs give you app control, voice commands, scheduling, and energy monitoring, and inverter models like the Midea U-Shaped cut electricity use by 35-37% compared with traditional units. Pre-cooling your apartment from your phone before you get home is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade.
What is the 3 minute rule for air conditioners?
The 3-minute rule is the recommended wait time before restarting an AC after shutting it off, because the compressor needs about 3 minutes for refrigerant pressures to equalize before a safe restart. Restarting too soon stresses the compressor and can shorten its life. Smart units enforce this delay automatically in their control logic.
Final Verdict: The Best Smart Window Air Conditioner for Renters
After three months of testing eight units in real rental apartments, the Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter is our top pick. It nails every renter priority: no drilling, clean seasonal removal, 32 dBA quiet operation for shared walls, and an app that actually works. The window-you-can-still-open design is a genuinely clever solution to the oldest window AC complaint.
If the Midea U is outside your budget, the Frigidaire 8,000 BTU delivers most of that experience for less. For studios and small rooms, the DELLA 5,000 BTU covers the basics without paying for capacity you do not need. And for renters who want heating too, the Midea 12,000 BTU with Heat is the one unit here that works year-round.
Whatever you choose, weigh installation ease, noise level, and energy efficiency first, because those three factors decide how happy you will be in an apartment. Pick your unit, skip the drilling, and stay cool without gambling your security deposit.