Decorating a rental property can be tricky when you’re a tenant. While it’s your house, your landlord technically owns the property and has a say on permanent decisions. However, while getting a new deck or a swimming pool might be impractical, there are ways you can work around decorating a rental. Of course, if you’re trying to save money, there are ways to personalize your home without breaking the bank.

Are you a tenant looking for creative ways to spice up your home? Do you wonder how to make it work with your tight budget? This article is every tenant’s guide and explores the top 3 affordable ways to decorate your rental property.

Top 3 Affordable Ways to Decorate a Rental

Get Indoor Plants

Add a bit more life to your rental property by investing in indoor plants. If you’re strapped for cash, opting for some greenery would be an affordable yet pleasing choice. Plants have several benefits, including filtering the air and boosting mental health. They also come in several sizes, depending on your preference. You could opt for the quaint Jade plant or the treelike Dracaena.

Display Photos and Art

Make your house feel more like a home by displaying personal photos and artwork. The challenge for most tenants is that hanging up such frames often means hammering a nail. However, there are other ways you can utilize your vertical space without leaving permanent damage. Command hooks, velcro, and adhesive strips are a few options that let you hang pictures without leaving a dent. You could also opt for a stylish shelf, allowing you to store books, china, and other items.

Invest in Lighting

Brighten up your rental with more lights. Illuminating a room can make it seem cozier, especially if you lack natural lighting. Table lamps make a great addition in offices or on side tables. In contrast, bedrooms could do with a standing lamp in the corner. If you’re feeling more creative, you can go for string lights for a more festive feel.

Lease Reminders When Redesigning a Rental

Check Your Rental Agreement

Before finalizing your redecoration plans, you must check your rental agreement. Your lease would give you a good idea of what you can or can’t do. Many landlords specify what kind of alteration you can make in such contracts, so you’ll most likely know what’s acceptable. For example, most property owners disallow repainting the rental or have specific rules if they allow it. Others might warn against permanent fixtures, changing the outside, or replacing the flooring. Either way, your copy of the lease is always an excellent place to start.

Ask for Permission

If you’re unsure about some rules or feel you can sway your landlord to let you make some changes, you may ask for permission. It would help if you spoke to the property owner before doing anything drastic to be on the same page. If you can’t reach your landlord, you may check with your property manager before changing your apartment. Once you receive approval, you can go ahead with your plans.

Avoid Permanent Fixtures

As we highlighted earlier, most landlords frown on tenants making permanent alterations. Making holes in the wall with a nail is highly unacceptable for most and could cost you your security deposit. Thus, it would be best to avoid drilling altogether.

Look for Alternatives

When you’re on a budget, it might be hard to let your creativity loose. However, that’s precisely when you need it. You don’t need to splurge excessively to make your home look cozy and aesthetically pleasing. There are many places you can draw inspiration without breaking the bank. Of course, it might take a bit more work, but it’s doable if you’re determined. Why repaint the entire house when you can buy reusable wallpaper? Or pass on an old pre-loved cabinet when you can change the fittings? Please don’t limit yourself when finding unique ways to spruce your home.

Online Resources for Affordable Decor Ideas

Floor Planner

When it comes to interior design, there are so many do’s, and don’t when decorating a rental. Thus, it can be helpful when you have some help. The floor planner allows users to draw a simulation of their room and try different furnishings. This feature can make it easier to see what works best in your rooms and make the most complimentary choice.

Paint Colors Critique Corner

If you’d like feedback when choosing a palette, the paint colors critique corner could help. They have an interactive platform that gives detailed answers to all your interior and exterior color questions.

Conclusion

Renting a house can sometimes feel like living in a cookie-cut apartment. Even on a tight budget, you can spruce up your space with a lot of creativity. We hope these top 3 affordable ways to decorate your rental property give you some brilliant ideas. However, it would help if you remembered to check your rental agreement and ask for permission before moving forward.