How to Renovate a Rental and Not Lose the Security Deposit
For those who wonder how to turn a temporary rental into a home of their own, instead of settling into the generic rental same old Benjamin Moore white painting, bland or non-existing window coverage, and although fully equipped, basic kitchen disposition, there is a lot that you can do to renovate and stylize your place without compromising your agreement.
First and foremost: check your lease. Unless you are willing to lose your security deposit, get to know what’s permitted — usually superficial changes, such as changing curtains or adding shelves — , and a written permission from your landlord, even if not needed. Make sure all changes are restorable.
Simple Changes, Big Impact
Design expert Alex Kalita, the founder of Common Bond Design in NYC and used to working with renters, on a New York Times piece, suggests starting with simple changes that will have a big visual impact and won’t annoy the landlord. According to her, lighting is a good place to start. Replacing usual bulbs of lamp holders for interesting, not even near modest oversized globes.
Floating shelves, or even Vitsoe’s modular system that builds over time, are easily removable: just take them out, spackle the holes and retouch all the painting. Bookshelves can function as partitions. Hiding cabinetry imperfections can be done using only a screwdriver and knobs just as wide as the current ones. Further options are available at furniture facilites, like Etsy or Ikea.
Peel-And-Stick
There is a whole new world of removable wallpapers, decals, and stick-on backsplashes. Refrigerators can be smartly renovated with durable magnetic skins and peel-and-stick paper, either imitating stainless steel coverage or colorful, decorative patterns. You can play around with backsplash, fixating tiles to a piece of plywood the size of your choice.
Everything under the category of low-impact fix is an opportunity to make a rental a home full of your personality.
Refurbishing Can Be a Collective Work
You can ask your landlord to take part on the renovation process. Changing the place means also improving. Chandeliers, fancy doorknobs, ceramic switch plates and much more. You can save the original details somewhere and replace them back once you move out.
The renting reality can be overwhelming, specially for the creative ones. But that does not mean you can’t make the best out of your experience while taking safe risks.