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Transform Your Rental: Easy Renter-Friendly Upgrades for Style and Comfort
Creative, renter-friendly upgrades allow renters to increase a property’s functionality with their style, without making permanent changes.
This guide will explore how to put savvy DIY and professional upgrades into effect, from outdoor enhancements to indoor makeovers that are perfect to boost the appeal of any rental property.
Renter-Friendly Outdoor Upgrades
Outdoor Cameras
Security is a top priority for many renters and property owners.
Installing a renter-friendly outdoor camera is a great way to raise safety measures without making permanent changes to the property.
Look for cameras that offer easy installation, such as those that can be mounted with adhesive strips or magnetic bases.
Wireless options are ideal as they don’t require any drilling or complex wiring. Brands like Ring, Arlo, and Blink offer a range of excellent renter-friendly outdoor camera options that provide peace of mind without damaging walls or surfaces.
Airbnb has made an important note on security for short-term rental properties and security cameras, so be sure to familiarize yourself with their requirements.
Outdoor Garden Upgrades
Transforming your rental’s outdoor patio space into a charming garden doesn’t require permanent changes. Consider using container gardening, where plants are grown in pots or planters that can be easily moved or taken with you when you move.
Vertical gardens, using hanging planters or wall-mounted plant holders, add greenery without taking up much ground space. Adding a few pieces of portable outdoor furniture can create a cozy sitting area, while solar-powered garden lights enhance the ambiance without any wiring needed.
These renter-friendly garden upgrades can make your outdoor area more inviting and stylish without violating lease agreements.
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting can significantly improve the ambiance and security of a rental property.
Solar-powered lights are a fantastic option as a light fixture change that does not require any wiring and can be easily moved or removed as needed.
String lights can add a charming light fixture to patios, balconies, or garden areas. Consider using command hooks or adhesive-backed hooks to hang string lights, ensuring they can be taken down without leaving marks.
Battery-operated lanterns and LED pathway lights are also excellent choices for adding a stylish and functional touch to your outdoor space.
Book a demo with iGMS today to streamline property management tasks and boost your rental property profitability.
Indoor Lighting Upgrades
Rental-Friendly Light Fixtures
Lighting can dramatically change the look and feel of a room. Swapping out standard light fixtures for stylish alternatives like lamps is a simple and effective upgrade. When choosing rental-friendly light fixtures, look for plug-in pendant lights or wall sconces that don’t require hardwiring.
These can be hung using hooks or brackets and plugged into existing outlets. Another option is to replace old lampshades with new, trendy designs to refresh the room’s aesthetic.
Smart bulbs, which can be controlled via an app, are also a great way to update lighting in the house you are renting.
Painting and Wall Treatments
Temporary Wallpaper and Decals
Painting is one of the most transformative upgrades you can make, but many rental agreements prohibit permanent changes.
Temporary wallpaper and wall decals offer a perfect solution.
These products come in various patterns and styles, allowing you to customize your space without causing a mess or any ugly damage.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is easy to apply and remove, making it ideal for renters.
Wall decals can add artistic flair to any room, from subtle accents to bold, eye-catching designs.
Accent Wall or Ceiling Features
If your landlord permits painting, consider creating an accent wall.
Choose a color that complements the existing front door, floors and decor. Choose just one wall to make a significant impact without overwhelming the space.
Use painter’s tape to ensure clean lines and consider using low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint to minimize fumes and environmental impact.
When it’s time to move out, repainting the accent wall and ceiling back to its original color is a straightforward task
Flooring Solutions
Area Rugs and Carpet Tiles
Flooring can greatly influence the overall feel of a rental property.
While you may not be able to replace the flooring, you can use area rugs and carpet tiles to cover unsightly or outdated floors, giving a chic lift to your apartment or short-term rental guest experience.
Area rugs come in all shapes, sizes, and designs, allowing you to add comfort and style to any room. They’re also much easier to keep clean too, ensuring hygiene standards are excellent.
Carpet tiles are another great option, especially for high-traffic areas. They typically are easy to install, and if one corner tile gets damaged, you can replace it without needing to redo the entire floor.
Temporary Vinyl Flooring
For a more dramatic change, consider temporary vinyl flooring.
Peel-and-stick vinyl planks or tiles can be laid over existing flooring and removed when you move out.
This type of flooring is available in various designs, including wood-look and tile-look options, allowing you to achieve the look of expensive flooring at a fraction of the cost.
Cabinetry and Hardware
Updating Cabinet Hardware
One of the easiest and most effective renter-friendly upgrades for a kitchen or bathroom is by changing the cabinet hardware.
Swapping out old knobs and pulls for modern, stylish ones can make a big difference.
Keep the original items in a safe place, so you can reinstall it when you move out.
This simple upgrade requires minimal cash outlay, a screwdriver and a bit of time but can significantly impact the overall look of your cabinets.
Portable Kitchen Islands
A portable kitchen island can add valuable counter space and storage without requiring any permanent installation.
Look for islands on wheels that can be easily moved and adjusted to fit your space. These islands often come with additional features like towel racks, drawers, and shelves, providing multifunctional solutions for small kitchens.
Easy Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades
Peel-and-Stick Backsplashes
Adding a backsplash to your kitchen or bathroom doesn’t have to be a permanent change.
Peel-and-stick backsplash tiles are an excellent option for renters looking to boost this make-or-break space within a short-term rental.
These tiles are easy to apply and remove, offering a quick and reversible way to add style and personality to your space. Choose from a variety of designs, including subway tiles, mosaic patterns, and more, to create a fun, custom look that suits your taste.
Over-the-Toilet Storage
Maximize bathroom storage with over-the-toilet shelving units. These freestanding units offer a practical solution for adding storage without drilling into walls.
They come in various styles and materials, allowing you to find one that matches your bathroom decor. Use these shelves to store towels, toiletries, and decorative items, keeping your bathroom organized and stylish.
Hiding Cords and Cables
Cord Management Solutions
Visible cords and cables can make a space look cluttered and unkempt. Fortunately, there are many renter-friendly solutions for hiding cords.
Cord management kits, which include adhesive clips, sleeves, and cable covers, can help you organize and conceal wires.
Use adhesive hooks or clips to attach or route cords along walls or furniture edges, keeping them secure and out of sight. For a more decorative approach, consider hanging or using fabric extension cord covers that match your decor.
Add Stylish, Easy to Remove Touches
Removable Wall Art
Art and decor can personalize your rental space without causing any damage. Use removable wall hooks or adhesive strips to hang pictures, mirrors, and other wall art.
Look for lightweight frames and canvases to ensure they stay securely in place.
Removable wall art, such as tapestries or fabric panels, can also add color and texture to your walls without the need for nails or screws.
Houseplants and Greenery
Introducing houseplants is an excellent way to bring life and freshness into your rental.
Plants can improve air quality, add a natural element to your decor, and create a calming atmosphere.
Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents, snake plants, or pothos that thrive in various lighting conditions. Use stylish pots and planters to add aesthetic appeal to your greenery.
Consider Seasonal Decor Changes to Keep Things Fresh
Keep your rental property looking fresh by making seasonal decor changes. For example, in the fall, add cozy blankets and warm-toned pillows. In the spring, swap them out for lighter fabrics and pastel colors. This keeps the property appealing and in line with seasonal trends.
Modernize Your Space with Smart Home Technology
A few ways smart home technology can modernize your home. Install smart lights that can be controlled via an app to offer convenience and energy savings. Smart locks are another great addition, providing keyless entry for both you and your subletters, which can be particularly useful in managing multiple guests.
What Upgrades Add the Most Value?
Upgrades that add the most value to a rental property include improved light fixtures, modernized kitchens and bathrooms, and enhanced security features.
Adding outdoor cameras can increase safety and appeal. Stylish and functional updates, like new cabinet hardware and temporary flooring, can also make a significant difference.
Budgeting Tips for Renter-friendly Upgrades
Before starting any upgrades, it’s important to budget your expenses. For example, updating small fixtures and fittings can cost as little as $20 for a basic set of cabinet handles, while a more elaborate change like adding a portable kitchen island can range from $100 to $500.
Opt for affordable alternatives where possible, such as using adhesive hooks instead of drilling holes for hanging lights and decor.
DIY vs. Professional Services: Which is Better?
While many upgrades can be done DIY, such as installing temporary wallpaper or changing cabinet hardware, some tasks might require professional services like a certified electrician.
For instance, installing complex smart home systems or major painting jobs on rental homes might be best left to professionals to ensure safety and quality.
By focusing on temporary and affordable upgrades, you can transform your rental property into a stylish and functional space that appeals to subletters and enhances profitability. Start implementing these renter-friendly ideas today and enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained, attractive rental without the commitment of permanent changes.
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