Spruce Up Your Rental Without Violating Your Lease

If you’re renting a property, you may feel limited in terms of what you can do to improve it, since you need to abide by the terms of your lease. However, there are still plenty of things you can do to spruce up your rental and make it feel like home without violating your lease agreement.

Here are some tips for improving your rental without breaking the terms of your lease:

Add Temporary Decor

Temporary decor such as removable wallpaper, wall decals, and peel-and-stick tiles can help you personalize your rental without causing any permanent damage. When it’s time to move out, you can simply remove them and leave the walls as they were when you moved in.

Hang curtains Hanging curtains can add color and texture to a room, as well as provide some privacy. However, be sure to use tension rods or command hooks instead of drilling holes in the walls, as this may be prohibited by your lease.

Change Light Fixtures

Swapping out light fixtures can instantly update the look of a room. Just be sure to keep the original fixtures and reinstall them when you move out.

Add Area Rugs

Area rugs are a great way to cover up unsightly flooring or add a pop of color to a room. Plus, they’re easy to remove when it’s time to move.

Invest in Furniture

While you may not be able to make major structural changes to your rental, investing in furniture that fits your style can go a long way in making the space feel like your own. Just be sure to measure your space before making any purchases, so you know the furniture will fit.

Use Storage Solutions

Clutter can make a space feel cramped and chaotic. By investing in some storage solutions such as baskets, bins, and shelving units, you can keep your belongings organized and make the most of your space.

Keep it Together!

Finally, one of the easiest ways to improve your rental is to keep it together aka clean. Regularly cleaning and tidying up can make the space feel more inviting and comfortable, and it’s a great way to show your landlord that you respect the property.

If you know your landlord pretty well, you can also talk to them about some more lasting changes. Many of these changes are within the policies of most leases as long as you get approval first. Always double check with them first!

Painting the Walls

Adding a fresh coat of paint can instantly update the look of a room. All you need is some paint, a roller, a paintbrush, and a paint tray.

New Shelves

Installing shelves can help you get organized and create more storage space. You can use adhesive mounting strips or brackets and screws to install them.

Hang Curtains

Hanging curtains can add privacy and style to a room. This can even create the “feel” of a room when you have a studio apartment. All you need is a curtain rod, brackets, and some curtains.

Update Light Fixtures

Updating light fixtures can give a room a new look. If you are competent at installing and willing to pay for them (and leave them when your lease is over), your landlord may even be willing to cut you a break in rent. You can switch out a ceiling light or lamp with a new fixture that fits your style.

New Toilet Seats

Installing a new toilet seat is an easy way to update a bathroom. All you need is a new toilet seat and a screwdriver.

Add a Backsplash

This is one that can jazz up a place instantly, but also one that you DEFINITELY need to check in with your owner or landlord first! Adding a backsplash to your kitchen or bathroom can give the room a fresh look. These days, you can use peel-and-stick tiles or adhesive mounting strips to install them.

Hang Artwork or Photos

Adding artwork or photos to your walls can make a space feel more personal. All you need is some picture hangers or adhesive mounting strips.

Upgrade Cabinet Hardware

Updating the hardware on your cabinets can give your kitchen or bathroom a new look. All you need is a screwdriver to remove the old hardware and install the new hardware.

The possibilities are endless! These kinds of improvements will not only make you feel more at home but may even add value for your landlord. In some cases, you can work together to find discounts in your rent if you cover labor and cost of materials and agree on paint colors, shelving locations, etc. Read up on your lease and have fun!