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Splitting Your Smart Home After a Breakup Is a Nightmare
Smart lights need to be smarter
As smart home devices like speakers, switches, and thermostats become more common, the people who use them must reconcile with complex questions about how to live with them. For example: How do you divide up a smart home after a breakup? It’s not just a question of deciding who owns every lightbulb, but how, practically, to untangle a mess of accounts and services that weren’t designed to easily untangle.
Dividing up assets after a breakup — or even when a roommate moves out — is already a complicated affair. Most people who share a home don’t put their name on every fork, towel, or shower curtain, so the process of deciding who gets what can be emotional and stressful. Smart home devices add a layer of complexity because they do have someone’s name on them. Or, more specifically, an account in someone’s name that’s tied to every bulb, thermostat, and plug.
In some cases, this can leave open the door to abuse. If a couple disagrees over who owns the toaster oven, the worst-case scenario is someone goes without their favorite toaster oven. However, a partner who retains control over a smart light or lock can use it to intimidate or harass their ex.
