Around Your Home

You are generally not allowed to do much major interior redecorating when you rent an apartment. Renting a home affords more opportunity to change the interior decor, depending on the personality and preferences of the homeowner. Landlords who do not want to see major modifications done to their property may place strict restrictions. However, there are some homeowners who would absolutely love it if you improved the house’s interior. The latter type of owner may allow the renter a lot of freedom in their decorating options.

As a Renter, How Much is Too Much?

If you are renting a home, think about your budget before doing anything. They say that renting is flushing your money down the toilet … spending a lot of money on improvements is like flushing your money down several toilets. You get nothing back other than improved living conditions or perhaps a grateful landlord who benefits from your money and work.

Some homeowners may allow the renter to make minor decorating changes such as painting the walls, hanging up pictures or installing decorative shelving. Extensive decorating work such as installing new flooring, putting in windows or knocking down walls might not be considered acceptable by some homeowners. Some homeowners might approve of this type of extensive work so long as the work is to be done by a someone other than you, such as a professional contractor. The bottom line, however, is why on earth should you invest money and time in making major improvements to someone else’s property when you receive no tax or other benefit? You are better off making do with minor interior decorations and improvements and saving your money for a down payment on your own property.

Before Spending Money on Redecorating Your Rental Home, Check with the Homeowner

Reading and understanding your lease is the first thing you need to do. There may be specific prohibitions about painting or other activities in the contract. It is unlikely that the lease will spell out each and every possible type of improvement or redecorating activity, so check with the landlord before making modifications to the rental house. It is a good idea to get a written approval by the homeowner of your interior design plans.

If It Is Unclear What You Can Do, Don’t Do It

As a renter, if you’re not sure whether you can perform a specific decorating activity and you are unable to reach the landlord, it’s best to not make any changes. Spending money on interior improvements to a rental home may backfire on you, especially if the landowner asks you to undo the changes.

Some Quick Decorating Tips

Regardless of whether you are renting a home from a homeowner who permits a lot of changes or is very restrictive, there are some quick things that you can do to upgrade the home decor. Best yet, you can keep these improvements and make a bit of money from them at a yard sale before moving to your next home (preferably, the one you buy) instead of spending a lot of money that will not benefit you in the long haul.

RUGS – If the tile or carpet in the rental home is stained or just plain ugly, cover it up with throw rugs or area rugs.

ART AND PLANTS – If the wall decor is hideous and you’re not allowed to change the wallpaper or paint, hide it with some nice artwork. Large, leafy houseplants like Ficus trees add a touch of class to a home and can cover otherwise ugly spaces.

DECORATIVE FURNISHINGS – Attractive furnishings can change the look of a rental home. An affordable option is a futon. Mix and match your furnishings with futon covers, available in a variety of colors and patterns that can change the look of a room. Spice your futons up with some colorful throw pillows and the room will take on a whole new appearance. Futons are excellent furnishings for small, cramped rooms. Use them as a couch or chair by day and a bed at night.

LIGHTING – The right lamps can create a sense of ambiance and draw the eye toward art or other features in the room instead of the defects. Traditional lamps, canister lamps or tree lamps can be used to direct light. Just plug them in and don’t worry about having to change the light fixtures or having to install dimmer switches.