10 Tenant-Friendly Decorating Tips That Won’t Jeopardize Your Security Deposit
I may be a renter, but I don’t let that stop me from decorating my home the way I want. But like many other renters, I still want to make sure that I get my hefty security deposit back at the end of my lease. This has led me to the world of tenant-friendly hacks.
On TikTok and other social media platforms, tenants often use share stylishlysmart – and most importantly – reversible ways in which they transform their homes.
These hacks are extra useful now, as buying a home isn’t the best option for everyone due to high interest rates and skyrocketing home prices. In 2023, rental properties will even peak at 45 million, according to Statistics.
Are you one of the millions of Americans, like me, who wants to turn your rental property into a home without making permanent or expensive changes? Then this guide is for you.
Here are 10 ways to add your personal style to your rental home.
Self-adhesive tile
New floor tiles can make a world of difference, especially in an apartment or home that hasn’t had recent updates. The best part about peel-and-stick tiles is that there’s no grout involved, making the process a lot easier and cleaner than traditional tiling.
You can use these tenant-friendly tiles anywhere in your home, but we most often see them in kitchens And bathrooms. Many TikTok users also shows the removal process when moving. If you are concerned about leaving a sticky residue after removing the tiles, you can cover the floor with masking tape or a similar product before laying the tiles. We recommend removing the tiles with heat so that the adhesive comes off seamlessly from the floor.
Removable back wall
A new backsplash is one of the best ways to spruce up your kitchen, and luckily there are plenty of renter-friendly and removable options you can use. You can opt for a pop of color or keep it simple with a classic white tile.
You attach a removable splashback in exactly the same way as self-adhesive floor tiles.
Self-adhesive wallpaper
You can use peel and stick wallpaper in countless ways. For example, I used it on the side of my refrigerator in my studio apartment to create a small, DIY bar. When I recently moved out of that apartment, the wallpaper It was peelable from the fridge within 10 minutes and left hardly any residue.
The side of my refrigerator served as a bar, thanks to self-adhesive wallpaper and some decorations.
You can also use self-adhesive wallpaper as an accent wall in your home, such as this TikToker Whether you use it to completely cover your walls or not, make sure you measure the correct size before purchasing.
Contact paper
If you don’t like the color of the kitchen cabinets in your rental home, but you can’t paint or replace them, there is a solution: contact paper.
Contact paper is similar to stick-on wallpaper, but usually has more adhesive. Some TikTok users have shown the removal process and said they used Throw away and similar products to remove any sticky residue from the kitchen cabinets.
If you’re still hesitant about using contact paper, you can also use self-adhesive wallpaper on your kitchen cabinets. (Tip: If you want to add a fun design element to your kitchen that’s less work than covering all of your cabinets, you can line the inside of your drawers with trendy wallpaper.) contact paper instead of.)
Wall stickers
To renew your walls without covering them completely with wallpaper or painting, use removable stickers. They come in countless sizes and designsand you can choose how much or how little you use.
Stained glass window film
Whether you want to prevent people from seeing through your windows or you simply want to add a unique touch to your home, stained glass window film could be perfect for you. Plus, there are other places in your home where you can use it too. For example, creator the Kwendy house added it to the windows of a French door leading to her bathroom.
If you prefer a neutral color, a simple privacy film is another good option.
Electric wall lamps
Although electric wall lights do not require drilling into the wall, they are more renter-friendly than traditional wall lights because they do not require wiring. These types of wall lights are battery operated and offer a variety of lighting options. If you do eventually remove them from the wall, you can easily patch the holes.
Light switch and socket covers
Replacing an outlet or light switch may not seem like a big deal, but you’ll be amazed at the difference it can make. There are plenty of designs and colors to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that suits your style. Don’t forget to keep your original covers so you can swap them out if you move.
Door knobs
Add some charm to your home with new doorknobs. I personally love crystal, brass and vintage doorknobs, which you can buy online or even find them at thrift stores or flea markets. Doorknobs are another item that you can take with you and reuse when you move, as long as you keep the original knobs that the house was rented out with.
Cabinet and drawer fittings
In a similar category to doorknobs, changing out the hardware on your kitchen cabinets or dresser is another simple and effective way to add your own personal style to your home. You can keep things modern or go the vintage-inspired route.
Cabinet fittings are available in different colours and designs.
Either way, these small changes will make your rental home feel more like you.
However, if you decide that you want to make more permanent changes to your home, such as painting or building construction, consult your lease and ask your landlord for written permission before proceeding.
