15 Renter Friendly Home Upgrades You Can Do Today

It can be frustrating living in a rental while dreaming big of home improvement ideas. Because a rental is not your own, it can be challenging to make it feel as though it is – to customize your space to express your style and give it those personal touches and  make it feel like home. Most rental property leases contain clauses against making permanent changes or significant alterations, and some include restrictions against even minor “damages,” such as drilling holes in the walls to hang curtains. From being unable to knock down the walls to create that perfect “open” kitchen in your rented home to hanging pictures, if you're a renter, there are always going to be things you just can't do. Because of the fact that you will eventually leave a rental apartment or house, it can be difficult to justify spending a great deal on the decor. But that doesn't mean you can't make it your own and upgrade your rental. We've put together a list of 15 rental friendly upgrades for your home so you can make it yours.

1. Hang Temporary Wallpaper

Photo by Max Vakhtbovych

If you love the look of wallpaper but your landlord doesn't allow it, you can get the same look with removable temporary wallpaper. There are plenty of great temporary wallpapers, and many are reasonably priced and easy to install. Plus, you can utilize it all over your space, not just on walls. Try using it in kitchen drawers or to perk up the inside of bookcases and dining room hutches.

2. Swap out cabinet knobs

Photo by Nicola Bushuven

Unscrew existing pulls on cabinets and drawers and store them in a safe place and get creative upgrading your knobs! Anything that screws off can be screwed back on when you move and won't do permanent damage to your rental.

3. Sticker over a bad kitchen floor

Photo by Max Vakhtbovych

We came across designer Brady Tolbert's rental kitchen—and were blown away he spent under $50 and one afternoon using vinyl stickers lining them up over his ugly tile floors. Keep an eye out for simple, solid colors and pattern them in a simple alternating design.

4. Just add plants

Photo by Min An

Adding a beautiful potted plant can be a statement piece. The pot you choose to keep it in, the plant itself, all can tie together a room. But, before you run out and grab the first plant you see, consider that there are tons of plants that are specifically perfect for the beginning gardener and will grow happily indoors. Some plants, such as the spider plant, snake plant, and bamboo palm are known for cleaning the air indoors, and the areca palm is even known as a natural humidifier! (Fun Fact: Many big-box hardware stores have a warranty on their plants, so if they don't last the year you can bring them back!)

5. Tile a (removable) backsplash

Photo by Max Vakhtbovych

The backsplash can transform and set the tone of a kitchen. Is your backsplash boring? The same wall color and texture as the rest of your rental? An easily removable option that creates an impressive-looking backsplash is using simple marble contact paper. It will give your backsplash the look of marble while remaining easily removable on move-out.

6. Contact-paper over your granny cabinets

Photo by Houzlook.com

Sure, you could remove those terrible 'rustic' cabinet doors and go for the open shelf look—but your landlord probably won't like that. Contact paper saves the day again. Adding solid, matte colors is perfect for a clean look in your kitchen.

7. Cover an Ugly Shower Floor With Spa-Like Teak

Photo by Federal Brace

If your rental’s standalone shower has old or damaged tiles, you can cover your shower floor with a teak shower “mat.”  Federal Brace sells several mat options to upgrade your shower.

8. Swap out bad lighting fixtures

Photo by Vecislavas Popa

Changing out bad rental light fixtures for something that is more reflective of your personality can really help make your rental your home. Simply unscrew the existing fixtures and replace with some you like better. Finding lighting fixtures can be fun, you can shop thrift stores, big box chains, and even discount stores for something to uplift your decor.

9. Install LED strip lights in the kitchen

Photo by Federal Brace

You know, the kitchen where you can hardly see anything? A strip of stick-on LED lights can be found from Federal Brace and affixed right underneath the cabinets or countertop and can create fun mood lighting.

10. Hang Curtains

Photo by M&W Studios

It may seem like a no-brainer, but if your rental came complete with ugly plastic blinds on every window, hanging curtains can make all the difference. If your lease prevents you from drilling holes to hang curtains, use heavy-duty Command hooks to hold your rods. It will achieve the same purpose as hanging curtain hardware without the damage to the walls.

11. Create Faux Marble or Granite Countertops With Contact Paper

Photo by Curtis Adams

Do your ugly, outdated countertops have you feeling down? Don’t despair. Marble or granite countertops require nothing more than some contact paper, an X-Acto knife, and a sturdy, flat tool such as a credit card for smoothing out air bubbles. With not too much expense or effort, you can fake the look of far more expensive counters that you can easily peel up on move-out.

12. Disguise an Ugly Fridge

Photo by cottonbro

If you’re stuck with an unattractive fridge, you have some options. You can purchase removable wallpaper to add some color and pattern, or even use gold duct tape to create a glam pattern.

13. Hang Floating Shelves

Photo by Federal Brace

If you’re allowed to hang things on your walls, wall shelves can be a big help for combating a storage problem. You can also make them part of your décor by showcasing knickknacks, framed photos, or art that express your style. You can find simple, high quality floating shelves from Federal Brace.

14. Make a Space Feel Bigger With a Mirror

Photo by Charlotte May

If your space feels cramped, you can instantly trick the eye into thinking it’s bigger than it is with mirrors. Position the mirror so that it reflects the most light, and it will add dimension to the room. Mirrors – especially large ones – can be pricey at retail stores, but if you browse local flea markets, you’re likely to find some affordable options.

15. Use Rugs Everywhere

Photo by Spencer Selover

Rugs are important from a decorating sense and for general comfort. Depending on your rental, the likelihood of having less than desirable flooring is pretty high. Rugs help hide any ugly flooring but they also allow for something soft underfoot. Adding rugs even to carpeted spaces brings the space together.

Conclusion-

While it might seem that your options are limited with your rental home or apartment, that you will be stuck having to deal with the less than pretty aspects of your temporary home, using a few of these simple tricks to spruce up your home will make all the difference.