Renting a home, townhouse, or condo has many appealing aspects. Renters get to save on upkeep and recurring expenses, taxes, insurance, and maintenance. They have less responsibility, greater flexibility, and aren’t as impacted by fluctuating real estate as property owners.

On the other hand, renters have rules to follow – particularly on what they can do with a property.  Perhaps you think that the wall between the dining area and family room should come down. Alas, you can’t just get out the sledgehammer and do it. You can’t even hire it done. Neither can you change much of anything. So, what’s a guy/gal to do if you want to make the place you rent feel like it’s yours. How can you bring your personality into the home you rent without breaking the rules?

For starter, change the stuff you can take with you.

• Bring in the green – plants can brighten up any space, adding warm and cozy or dramatic flair, simply by the choices you make.
• Add artwork – without nails. Paint step ladder and set it in a corner. Prop various pictures and decorative items on the steps. Hang something from the metal bracket that bends when you fold the ladder. Use removable hooks to hang wall art. Consider DIY removable decals.
• Bring in color and style with various throws, couch pillows, and area rugs. Throw rugs and runners make a difference too.
• Check out flea markets, Goodwill, Salvation Army, and other thrift stores and consignment shops. Pick up furniture pieces that also act as storage or work as room dividers.

Enhance or camouflage. So, something in your rental – an unchangeable, such as wrought iron room divider or a funky fake fireplace. Either hide it – with a piece of furniture, wall hanging, etc. or play it up – turn it into a conversation piece.

Connect with your landlord about items that require more extensive change. So you would like to paint the breakfast nook a navy and bring in some romantic blush pink in the master bedroom. Maybe you want a new light fixture over the dining table, different drawer knobs on the kitchen cabinets, and fresh window treatment in the living room.

Talk to your landlord and discuss your options. Sometimes they are quite happy to let you paint a room or a wall. They might even cover half or all the cost of supplies if you provide the labor – and return it to its original color should you choose to vacate the rental. They might even let you change the cabinet knobs, as long as you keep the ones you removed and put them back on upon their request if you move on to another location. Same with window coverings.

The essential key? The absolutely you must do this point. Get it in writing! Save it in a safe place that will be easy to remember. Make a copy and choose a second storage place. Having that sweet little piece of paper may save your back later.

Indeed, any house, or condo, or townhouse – no matter how sterile – can be made into a home. A home that reflects your personality and style – without breaking the rules. It just takes a little ingenuity and some occasional negotiating.

Are you in the market for your ideal rental home in the right location? You have come to the right place. As a prospective tenant, Rentals America can help you through the process of finding and applying for the home of your dreams. Once you are a resident, we have a suite of tools to make your rental experience the best it can be. Contact us today.