Living in a rental property presents with some challenges and limitations in home improvement projects. In this post, we will show you 33 renter friendly home improvements that your landlord will approve of. From peel and stick backsplash to no drill curtains, we have come up with some clever renovation ideas that will upgrade your place with respect to your lease agreements.
Many of us have been struggling to find a home to purchase due to the crazy housing market in the past few years. This has led people with no choice but to rent or to stay in their rented apartments. At times, it is difficult to make your rented home feel like it is your own home without improving the space. We have searched the internet for you for the best renter friendly home improvement ideas that are easy and affordable.
This blog post is all about renter friendly home improvements.
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Best Renter Friendly Home Improvements
What home improvements are you allowed to make as a renter?
As a renter, the extent to which you can make home improvements largely depends on your lease agreement and the specific rules set by your landlord. Typically, renters have more flexibility with cosmetic and reversible changes. Here are some home improvements that renters may often be allowed to make. Please keep in mind these are just our suggestions.
- Painting: Many landlords permit tenants to paint walls, as long as the original color is restored before moving out. Some may even allow accent walls or creative paint choices.
- Hanging Art and Decor: Hanging artwork, mirrors, and decor with nails, screws, or adhesive hooks is often acceptable. Be sure to repair any damage caused when removing these items.
- Installing Window Treatments: Adding curtains or blinds is usually allowed, but it’s important to use proper installation methods that won’t damage the walls or window frames.
- Lighting Fixtures: Swapping out light fixtures with the original ones before moving out is often acceptable. Ensure that the replacements are of similar or better quality.
- Removable Wallpaper or Wall Decals: Adding removable wallpaper or wall decals can add a personal touch without causing damage to the walls.
- Upgrading Cabinet Hardware: Changing cabinet knobs and handles is usually permitted, as long as you keep the original hardware to reinstall when moving out.
- Temporary Flooring: Some landlords may allow temporary flooring solutions like removable carpet tiles or vinyl floor decals.
- Upgrading Showerheads or Faucets: Swapping out showerheads or faucets for more energy-efficient or aesthetically pleasing options is often allowed.
Before making any changes, it’s crucial to communicate with your landlord and get written permission if necessary. Always review your lease agreement to understand the terms and conditions regarding alterations and improvements. Keep in mind that any home improvements should be reversible, and you should be prepared to return the property to its original condition when you move out.
1. Renter Friendly Beadboard
Achieve this renter friendly bead board DIY in your apartment’s bathroom by buying panels of beadboard from Lowes.
Here is how to recreate this renter friendly home improvement idea:
- Paint the panels and trim in the color of your choice.
- Stick command hooks picture hanging strips to secure the beadboard to your walls.
- Then cut and paint your stop trim pieces to hide the edges and secure those with the hanging strips.
BUY THE RENTER FRIENDLY HANGING STRIPS
Even if you don’t want to recreate this beadboard look in your rental, buy these hanging strips, they will come in handy to hang pictures, decor and more without upsetting your landlord!
2. Swap Out Light Fixtures
Swap out any dingy light fixtures with modern and unique fixtures that add personality to your rental. We suggest only swapping out light fixtures of the same type. For example, don’t switch out an old fan for a chandelier, because the wiring will be different.
Have fun with your rental and make a statement with your light fixtures. Once you’ve updated the fixtures, remember to also refresh the bulbs! Ensure consistency in each room by choosing the same bulbs for a uniform color throughout your space.
TIP: Hold on to the old light fixture so that you can swap it out before you move out.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT OUR POST ABOUT THE BEST HALLWAY LIGHTING
3. Peel And Stick Countertops
Apply this peel and stick marble countertop to your rentals counters! You can easily achieve this DIY for under $10 in the bathroom. We love this renter friendly home improvement hack because it not only gives your bathroom an upgrade, but it also helps protect the countertops from any damages. Both you and your landlord will undoubtedly appreciate the positive transformation achieved through this home improvement.
RECREATE THE LOOK:
4. Kitchen Cabinet Makeover
Upgrade your rental’s kitchen cabinets by using contact paper to cover those old wood cabinets! This is one of our favorite renter friendly home improvements because it makes a huge impact in your home’s aesthetic. This DIY is also very easy to copy on a budget and give your cabinets a quick refresh!
SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED:
- CONTACT PAPER
- BLOW DRYER
- CREDIT CARD (FOR BUBBLES)
- SCISSORS
- MEASURING TAPE
- PENCIL
- MIRCOFIBER CLOTH
- SCREW GUN OR SCREWDRIVER
GET THE LOOK:
5. DIY Peel and Stick Shower Tile
We adore this DIY home improvement idea from Joyce Renata! This amazing peel and stick wall tile has lasted her over 16 months with no issues! This renter’s hack is ideal because it allows you to refresh your bathroom’s look every year (if you want to) at minimal cost, providing a versatile and budget-friendly way to update your space.
TIP: Use removable grout to seal your tile around the edges for an easy renter friendly option!
RECREATE THE LOOK:
6. Closet Mirror Door DIY
Transform your builder grade mirrored closets into a decorative element in your room with this renter friendly DIY. This home improvement hack is very affordable since all your need to buy is a roll of electrical tape! Get creative and design your own custom mirrored window in your rental to elevate the room!
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7. Renter Friendly DIY Kitchen Island
Wrap your kitchen island in contact paper to add a unique touch to your kitchen! This renter friendly idea is pretty easy to do yourself and can be fully customized to your liking. We recommend adding a wooden element like in the video above or a pop of color like a fun blue to your kitchen’s island!
8. Peel and Stick Floor Tile
This DIY renter friendly floor makeover idea is one of the most popular renter friendly home improvements and we can definitely understand why! Most rental properties have dingy floors that have been beaten up for years and it can sometimes make your home feel outdated. Give your home and instant upgrade by laying these peel and stick tiles for an easy removal whenever you move out or just want a change!
Try this renter friendly home improvement idea in your bathroom, kitchen or laundry room!
GET THE LOOK FOR LESS:
9. Install Renter Friendly Backsplash
Install renter friendly backsplash into your apartment with this amazing peel and stick backsplash from Amazon! In just minutes your kitchen will go from basic to classy with these affordable tiles!
TIPS & SUGGESTIONS
- Peel and stick tile works best if you’re putting it over grouted tile that has already been installed.
- Keep in mind that the adhesive will most likely peel off paint if you put it directly on the wall.
- If you need to stick it right onto the wall, try sticking painter’s tape to the wall first and then apply the backsplash on top of that to help protect your walls.
RECREATE THE LOOK
10. Change Cabinet Hardware
Swap out the cabinet hardware in your kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities for an easy and affordable rental upgrade. Try clear knobs, gold knobs or even wooden knobs for a unique touch to your rental.
11. Renter Friendly Built Ins
Buy white bookcases and piece them together to create a faux built in look in your living space. We love this renter friendly decor idea because it is truly customizable to your needs and the size of your space. Use your shelves to showcase your home decor pieces or to display wicker baskets for added storage.
12. Peel and Stick Shelves
These shelves are an amazing way to add extra storage to your bathroom and also display some cute bathroom decor! If you have a small apartment that only has a vanity to store your products, you know the struggle of trying to make all your products look cute while being out for everyone to see. This is one of the best renter friendly home improvements that won’t overcrowd your space.
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13. Hide Ugly Tension Rods
Hide your ugly tension rods in your apartment with these decorative panels. This crafty DIY idea will transform your windows on a budget and make them feel instantly upgraded!
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
- PEEL & STICK WALLPAPER
- FOAM BOARD
- TAPE
- COMMAND HOOK STRIPS
- PENCIL
- SCISSOR
- HOT GLUE GUN
- TAPE MEASURE
14. Renter Friendly Wall Molding
Buy this peel and stick wall molding to transform your home’s walls into a an elegant and unique space. With the help of a level, peel and stick your molding along the length of the wall to add dimension to your home! We absolutely adore this home improvement idea!
RECREATE THE LOOK FROM AMAZON
15. Peel and Stick Wallpaper
We love peel and stick wallpaper for rental homes because it is easy to hang yourself and truly transforms your space. Wallpaper is a great way to hide imperfections or old textured walls that you can commonly find in apartments.
RECREATE THE LOOK:
WATCH THIS VIDEO ON HOW TO INSTALL PEEL AND STICK WALLPAPER
16. Bathroom Hooks
Just because you live in a rental does not mean you can’t have hooks for your bathroom towels and robes. Recreate this beautiful gold bathroom look by sticking these gold command hooks on your bathroom’s walls.
These command hooks are so easy to install yourself and are budget friendly! They can hold up to 4 pounds which makes them perfect for the bathroom.
RECREATE THIS LOOK:
17. Upgrade Your Doorknobs
Make your rental feel like a home by swapping out any old doorknobs. We love a modern matte black door knob to instantly make the place feel newly renovated. Change all of the doorknobs in the home for a cohesive look.
GET THE LOOK FROM AMAZON
18. DIY Window Film
We love this home improvement idea for an entryway window or small bathroom window. Add a film to your window to make a statement or simply just to add some privacy. This could be a great alternative to hanging curtains or shades to your windows.
19. Add Battery Powered Wall Sconces
Add a battery operated wall sconce to your home over your pictures, nightstands or bathroom mirror for an easy no wiring required light option.
GET THE LOOK FOR LESS:
We love these gold battery powered wall sconces from Amazon because they are so affordable and easy to hang yourself. They also come with a remote control so you can easily change the brightness and color of your sconce. Plus your landlord will be happy to see that no hard wiring was required!
20. Stick on Under Cabinet Lights
Sticking to the lighting home improvements, we love these adhesive under cabinet lights to ungrade your kitchen! Adding under-cabinet lighting not only enhances visibility while cooking but also creates an illusion of a larger space.
GET THE LOOK
We love this set of under cabinet lights from Amazon because of the fact that they are battery operated. No electrician required and the installation is so easy! You can dim the lights, change the brightness and set a timer to create the perfect ambiance in your small kitchen. We have these lights in our kitchen and love to put them on at night instead of turning on the overhead lights.
21. Create A Velcro Gallery Wall
Create a renter friendly gallery wall in your home by adding light weight frames to the wall using command hook strips. This prevents you from making any holes or marks onto the wall and makes switching up your frames painless.
22. Kitchen Cabinet Storage Improvements
Double your kitchen cabinet space with this clever storage hack. Often times in a rental home, there aren’t too many storage options especially in the kitchen. We love this improvement idea because it is affordable and really easy to recreate.
RECREATE THE LOOK:
We highly recommend these shelves to add extra storage in your kitchen cabinets because they are adjust to fit your cabinets perfectly. These are also sturdy enough to hold up to 50 lbs which makes them ideal for cups and plates.
23. Over the Door Storage
This clever idea is one of the best and simplest renter friendly home improvements you can accomplish in your home. Utilize this door space to hide and store any items that would otherwise be on your counters.
24. Peel and Stick Rods
If you want to hang curtains, but can’t put any holes in the wall, check out these amazing curtain rod holders. Stick these adjustable curtain rod hooks above your window for an easy solution to hanging window treatments in your rental home.
RECREATE THE LOOK FROM AMAZON
25. Peel and Stick Wall Decals
Peel and stick wall decals are a fun and unique way to make your home’s walls feel customized. This is a great idea for a nursery, toddlers room or small bathroom.
26.Divide Your Room
Divide a room in your rental without any contractors! Create a privacy barrier in the middle of a larger room to create the illusion of two separate spaces. We love this renter friendly home improvement idea because it serves as a wall and also gives you added storage opportunity in your home.
RECREATE THE LOOK
27. Renter Friendly Shower Storage
Try these rental friendly bathroom no drill storage solutions in your home to help save you space. Stick these shower organizer in your bathroom for an aesthetically pleasing way to store and display your bathroom products.
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28. Magnetic Storage Improvement
WOW! How cute is the magnetic shelving system! This is the perfect home improvement hack for a small apartment’s kitchen! Keep your kitchen counters clutter free by storing your kitchen towels and paper towels on the side of your fridge!
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29. Install Temporary Patio Flooring
Upgrade your balcony or patio with temporary outdoor flooring options or create your own patio with this flooring idea. Try using waterproof interlocking tiles for easy installation and removal when needed. Choose a wooden look for a more realistic looking DIY idea in your rental’s yard.
GET THE LOOK FROM AMAZON:
30. DIY Wire Shelf Covers
Turn your white wired linen closet into an aesthetically pleasing one by creating these DIY floating shelf covers for your wire racks. These covers not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also offer the added benefits of easy cleaning and a reduced risk of items slipping through wired shelves.
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW TO DO THIS HOME IMPROVEMENT IDEA
31. Renter Friendly Home Improvements: DIY Curtain Rod Holder
Here is another fabulous way to hang your curtain rods over your windows without drilling the walls! Purchase these adhesive broom stick holders and place them horizontally instead to easily slide in your curtain rod. Be sure to hang enough holders to support the length of the window without putting too much weight on the rod.
TIP: Hang your curtains between 4-6 inches above the window frame. When you hang the curtain rod higher like this, it will make the window appear taller therefore making your home appear larger.
RECREATE THIS DIY
32. Renter Friendly DIY Headboard
We adore this super renter friendly DIY headboard for your bed. You can easily recreate this look for under $25 with supplies from Walmart. No drilling, painting or power tools required for this awesome DIY idea.
SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED:
- Foam Boards (3)
- 1 inch foam roll
- Hot glue
- Hot glue gun
- Fabric of your choice
- Staple gun
- Large Command Strips
- Scissors
Watch the TikTok video to see exactly how she created this renter friendly home improvement idea!
33. DIY Rental Mirror Hack
Update your builder grade bathroom mirrors with this incredibly easy rental mirror hack! All you need is some black electrical tape to line the edges of your mirror. This tape will withstand any water that may splash on it and will stay put when cleaning your mirror too.
This blog post was all about renter friendly home improvements.
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