Easy Home Fixes Renters Can Do
Making a rental property feel like a home can be hard! You want to personalize it and have it match your unique style, but unfortunately rental units typically limit the amount of changes and fixes you can make to the structure of the home. Thankfully, there are still quite a few things renters can do to customize their space without causing any lease violations or risk of losing the security deposit! Here are some of our favorite easy hacks to fix up any rental and make the space fit your style.
Get Better Lighting
Nothing brings a place down like poor lighting. Thankfully good lighting is a relatively cost effective solution to brighten up any space! If your rental has permanent fixtures, like sconces or overhead lights, try switching out the lightbulbs to newer and brighter ones. In doing so, you will also save some money on your energy bill if you choose a more efficient option. If a room seems to lack lighting entirely, try adding in a standing light for a sleek, modern look or add a funky table lamp for a more eclectic vibe.
Add Removable Wallpaper
These peel and stick solutions are one of the best inventions ever made for renters! They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes so you can create limitless designs with removable wallpaper. It looks great covering an accent wall or as a backsplash in the kitchen. You can even go all out and cover an entire bedroom wall or the powder room to really make a statement. There are some great options that mimic the look of subway tile, Mediterranean tile, or truly any other style, which is a great way to add some appeal throughout various rooms.
Soften the Space with an Area Rug
Previous renters, pets, and years of wear and tear can become very visible on rental floors. This is especially true for laminate flooring and older carpets. While it’s unlikely that your landlord will provide you with brand new floors, you can easily hide wood scratches and carpet stains by adding an area rug! Area rugs make things feel more cozy and are also a great way to showcase your style, either muting certain undesired features in the room or by making a bold statement all on its own.
Get to Cleaning
While most property owners have their rentals professionally cleaned in between tenants, there are many surfaces that cleaners don’t touch. Putting in the extra work to deep clean previously untouched areas of your home can make a big difference. Try power washing the outside of windows as well as dusting and spraying the inside to really let the light shine through. In the bathroom, clean all grout surfaces and seek out those little easy-to-miss areas. You can also take a damp Magic Eraser to all of your walls and cabinets to get rid of marks, scuffs, and grime. While deep cleaning can be a laborious task, the noticeable results will be well worth it.
Just Ask
If there is something you absolutely must do to upgrade your rental, just ask your landlord or property manager! Most try their best to keep their properties neutral for future renters and upgrade things as they can. But if you have an idea, like painting the cabinets a new color or switching out the bathroom vanity, simply ask them for their thoughts and see if they are open to the idea. They could say no, but there is also a chance they will love the idea and say yes, possibly even providing the means to make the upgrade happen.
Just because you are renting does not mean that you can’t have the space you’ve always dreamed of living in. There are so many ways you can upgrade your rental and make it reflect your style. It may take a little creativity and a few DIY fixes, but in the end you will have a place that meets your needs and feels like home!
