7 Simple Rental Property Upgrades

Most people have the experience of moving into a new rental property only to find that the kitchen is horribly outdated and the bathroom floors are cringe-worthy. While these moments of rental “buyer’s remorse” can be painful, they’re not the end-all-be-all of your rental experience. If you’re planning on being in your current rental for awhile, there are many ways you can improve your rented space without a complete overhaul. Read on to learn more.

Seven Simple Rental Property Improvement Tips

1. Add a coat of paint

Most landlords are happy to let you paint the walls – especially if you paint them back before you move out. Some landlords may even purchase the paint for you! In any case, a few coats of paint is a great way to freshen up your space and make the rental feel like your own.

2. Replace cheap fixtures

While ripping out the entire kitchen may be out of reach, replacing the cabinet hardware is a simple way to upgrade the look and feel of your rented kitchen instantly. Just be sure that you keep the old hardware on hand and swap it out before you leave.

3. Add a focal point

While traditional wallpaper is a no-go in most rentals, many wallpaper brands are now producing temporary varieties that can be put up and pulled off without damaging walls. Ideal for sprucing up your space or adding a focal point to a given room, removable wallpaper is a renter’s new best friend.

4. Bring in more light

It’s easy to make a room feel bright and lively by simply improving the lighting. To make your living room, dining room, or bedroom more welcoming, add a floor lamp and a utility lamp (Such as a reading light). In addition to brightening up the space, this simple lighting fix will also make the room more multi-purpose and help it function better at all hours of the day.

5. Use throw rugs

Throw rugs are one of the easiest and most rental-friendly upgrades available. Ideal for houses with cold, ugly, or cheap flooring, throw rugs can be added to virtually every room to introduce some personality, warmth, and functionality.

6. Add window treatments

Broken, dirty, or ugly blinds are some of the most prevalent problems in rental properties. Luckily, it’s easy to soften the look and feel of these blinds by adding floor-length curtain panels. In addition to filtering light and offering some privacy, curtain panels also help upgrade the look of your windows immediately.

7. Plant flowers

If your rental property has some outdoor space, consider adding some pots of herbs or flowers to liven up the space. Alternately, hang window boxes below exterior windows to add some charm to your rented home.

If you’ve recently signed a lease on a less-than-ideal rental, don’t despair. These seven easy property improvement tips can be done in an afternoon and can easily overhaul the look and feel of your new rental.