Why elegrp Is a Smart Lighting Choice for Modernizing Apartments Before Leasing Season

elegrp team

· Jun 16, 2026 · 8 min read

Executive Summary

Upgrading apartments with smart lighting has become less of a luxury and more of a smart investment for property owners and managers, particularly as leasing season nears. elegrp’s hub-free smart switches, dimmers, and outlets are affordable, meet all code requirements, and look sharp—giving properties a leg up for faster leasing, improved online photos, and smoother turnovers. While adding smart lighting alone probably won’t let you charge a premium, it can help your units stand out, improve energy use, and increase tenant satisfaction, which are all important in today’s tech-driven rental market. This guide explains why elegrp is different, what you need to know about installing their gear, key industry details, and the real-world ROI landlords should consider before the busy summer season begins.

Introduction

Picture yourself scrolling through apartment listings just as summer’s peak rental rush is starting. Which headlines grab you? Chances are, it’s the units with bright, updated interiors and appealing amenities—not just new paint or carpet, but visible tech that tells renters, "this place feels current."

For property managers, finding solid tenants quickly is crucial. It’s not just about how a building looks from the curb. High vacancies eat into margins immediately. These days, with most renters checking apartments online before they ever visit, the look and tech upgrades inside a unit can be the deciding factor. Smart lighting stands out because it’s affordable and delivers good returns. Among smart lighting options, elegrp’s mix of style, simplicity, and quick installation is attractive, especially when you’re under pressure to turn units.

So, is smart lighting worth it? How does elegrp hold up in real multifamily renos, and what should you keep in mind before rolling it out? Here’s a closer look with facts, practical advice, and a real-world perspective on what elegrp does well—and where its limits show.

Market Insights

The Leasing Season Stakes

The apartment leasing schedule is relentless. Between May and September, tenant turnover spikes, leaving a narrow opportunity to improve net income and avoid empty units that drag down cash flow (AppFolio, Billings Property Management). For management, high turnover means making quick choices about which upgrades will actually attract renters and keep maintenance efficient.

Modern Renters, Modern Expectations

Smart features have shifted from "extra" to "expected." The 2022 NMHC/Grace Hill Renter Preferences Report and the 2025 Rently Smart Apartment Trends Report found:

65% of renters are more drawn to apartments with smart tech.
58% would skip other amenities (like gyms or pools) in favor of smart upgrades that help save on rent.
Smart tech—especially for convenience, safety, and lowering bills—directly affects which place renters choose.

Virtual Tours & Online Presentation

Over 80% of possible tenants will check a property’s website before visiting. Listings with bright interiors and smart control panels easily pop out in online searches. Smart switches with built-in LEDs and slick wall plate designs can make a big difference in photos, leading to more inquiries and attracting better tenants (Apartments.com).

The Amenity Hierarchy

While smart lighting alone rarely increases the rent by itself (think of it as a bonus, not the main attraction), it’s an important way to make a unit stand out. Renters now often look for:

Smart locks with keyless entry
Smart thermostats
Security tools like cameras and sensors
Smart lighting and outlets for easier control, mood, and remote use

Buildings lacking these may be passed over for others with better tech.

Product Relevance

Why elegrp: The Case for Smart, Hub-Free Systems

elegrp has staked out a spot in the rental upgrade world by making smart switches, dimmers, and outlets that work without a hub or gateway, focusing on deep retrofits that are simple to install. Here’s how they measure up, and why they’re a smart pick for updating apartments before leasing picks up:

Core Product Line & Features

Smart Wi-Fi Switches & Dimmers: Touch sliders, ultra-thin screwless wall plates, low-level micro-dimming (which helps with LED flicker), and adjustable ramp rates for gentle light transitions.
UL/ETL Certified Outlets: Includes USB-A and USB-C charging up to 65W, built to fit standard US boxes.
Outdoor Smart Plugs & Environmental Controls: IP66-rated weather resistance, humidity and motion sensors (UL 60730), plus GFCI/tamper-resist outlets.
No Hub Needed: Everything connects straight to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, managed through the elegrp app or by voice (works with Alexa or Google Assistant).
Compatibility & Integrations: Many devices also tie in with the Tuya IoT platform, so power users can set up advanced automations through Home Assistant.

Operational Advantages

Prices: Basic smart switches start at about $16.96, while the fancier dimmers and outlets are under $70. This keeps bulk upgrades within reach for most owners. Orders over $39 qualify for free shipping—nice for mid-size property projects (Walmart listing).
Feel and Quality: Reviews highlight the switches’ instant touch response and the premium look of screwless wall plates, which help properties look more upscale, both in photos and on tours.
Safety & Compliance: Every device is UL/ETL certified, so they’re covered for OSHA and insurance needs and meet today’s building code and lease standards (SmartThings Community).

Comparison: elegrp vs. Leviton Decora Smart

Attribute	elegrp Smart Series	Leviton Decora Smart
Hub Requirement	None (Wi-Fi Direct)	None (Wi-Fi), required for Z-Wave models
Tactile Wall Control	Touch slider, instant	Standard rocker toggle
App/Ecosystem	Clean, easy, basic automations	Advanced, sometimes confusing scene-builder
Price Range	$16.96–$69.22	$40–$60+ per switch
Finish/Visual Quality	Matte, slim, screwless plates	Classic, but generally bulkier
Warranty	1-year limited	Multi-year on some models

A common landlord comment: “ELEGRP is more affordable than Lutron, will buy more,” notes a Walmart review.

Smart Lighting’s Real Payoff

Smart lighting can help lease units faster and raise curb appeal online and in person.
You get good energy savings (up to 75% if you update lighting control) and even HVAC savings of 15–30% from lower heat output, but don’t expect huge rent bumps just for lighting.
Tenants, especially younger renters and those working from home, appreciate the convenience and customization.

Safety & Jurisdictional Compliance

UL/ETL certification really matters. Many cities, insurance companies, and HOAs require these for hardwired devices (SmartechCables). Landlords who skip this risk insurance problems or being forced to replace gear after inspection.

Actionable Tips

Before You Buy: The Hard Requirements

Neutral Wire Check Almost all smart switches, including elegrp’s, need a neutral wire in the box. This is standard in most places built after the 1980s, but rare in older or historic buildings. Double check before you order.
Wi-Fi Infrastructure Audit elegrp runs only on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi—no 5GHz.
- Make sure every unit has solid 2.4GHz signal.
- Some dual-band routers must split SSIDs temporarily for setup.
- For lots of devices, consider a separate subnet or VLAN for smart gear to keep your main network smooth and secure.
Circuit Type elegrp supports single-pole and 3-way switches, not 4-way or 5-way setups.
Color Matching Only black and white finishes are available. If you need bronze, silver, or other custom looks for high-end or historic spaces, they may not match.
Warranty & Support elegrp’s standard warranty is 1 year and a 30-day return policy—shorter than some older brands. If you’re buying a lot, test a few first and keep extras on hand.

Installation Workflow for Turnover Teams

60 Days Before Lease-End:
- Inspect each unit with maintenance staff.
- Pull off faceplates, check wiring, box size, and any clearance issues.
30 Days Out:
- Place bulk orders so you clear the $39 free shipping threshold.
- Stage the devices in your turnover shop with matching screwless plates.
During Turnover:
- Turn off breakers.
- Use a tester to identify line, load, neutral, and ground wires; label them.
- Remove old switch, install the elegrp device. Some models (like the DPR10) have stiffer wires, so neat folding in multi-gang boxes may take patience.
- Attach the wall plate and restore power.
Smart Setup & Commissioning:
- Use the elegrp app to add devices.
- Connect each one to Wi-Fi (2.4GHz only). Bluetooth can help with pairing.
- Adjust the dimming low point for your bulbs to avoid flicker.
- If you want voice control, simple app steps link to Alexa or Google.
Tenant Onboarding (Optional but Recommended):
- Give new tenants a simple guide for reconnecting to Wi-Fi.
- Keep your reset policy clear between leases (factory reset is safest).
- Introduce tenants to the app if you handle managed support.

Practical Lessons from the Field

Landlord-Friendly Install: Most owners do the work themselves, as long as breakers are off and code is followed.
Possible Noise/Compatibility Issues: Some users get a slight hum if the bulb or load isn’t compatible; always pilot in one unit first.
Connectivity Quirks: Wi-Fi setup isn’t always seamless; solving setup issues early saves headaches when you scale up.
Energy Savings: Scheduling lights in empty units can help with security and utility costs.

Maximizing ROI

Pair With More Impactful Smart Features: While lighting upgrades alone rarely boost rents, combining them with smart locks or thermostats has a much greater effect (RPM Excellence).
Test, Then Roll Out: Start with two to four units, get feedback, then order in bulk.
Look for 2–4 Year Payback: Most landlords aim for a payback in under five years (Crown Lighting Group). Faster leasing combined with lower bills means the math often works out.

Conclusion

Smart lighting has shifted from being a futuristic perk to a must-have amenity for apartments that want to stand out in a crowded rental market. elegrp makes it possible for landlords to add sleek, safe, and budget-friendly lighting upgrades before peak leasing hits. Better lighting means sharper photos, more impressive showings, and tenants who enjoy the extras.

Still, smart lights aren’t a magic fix. You need to check your wiring, sort out your Wi-Fi, accept the color options, and know what warranty you’re getting. Do your homework, and upgrades like elegrp let you modernize without breaking the bank or getting stuck with high-end brands that cost a fortune.

The main benefit isn’t a big rent increase. Instead, the payoff comes with quicker leases, happier tenants, lower energy bills, and keeping your building in step with modern expectations. For most property owners, that makes flipping the upgrade switch an easy decision.