Well I don't see why you couldn't relace some switches...

I am a renter of an apartment and have replaced almost every light switch in the apartment. It is not a big deal at all..

I don't know of any DIRECT IR device(I DO believe they are out there) to control lights, but as far as X10 goes, this is what you are looking for.

Plug-in Lamp or Appliance module
(use the lamp module(dimming capabilities) for incandescent and appliance(on/off only) for flourescent lighting)
IR543 AKA 4040 which is you IR->X10 converter.

Of course with this you will need a pronto with the X10 IR codes or some other learning remote which has them