The Dos and Don’ts of Decorating a Rental Home

Moving into a new rental home can be an exciting experience. It’s a chance to start fresh, create new memories, and turn a space into a place you can call your own. 

However, as you begin to unpack and settle in, you might struggle with making the space feel like home without breaking any rules or making permanent changes. It’s a common dilemma that many renters face. 

But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll share some dos and don’ts of decorating a rental home to help you create a cozy and inviting space that reflects your personal style while respecting your landlord’s property. So, let’s begin! 

DO: Get permission from your landlord

Your lease agreement with your landlord may have specific rules and guidelines in place when it comes to decorating, and failing to adhere to these rules could result in you losing your security deposit or even facing legal action. It’s always best to check with your landlord first to ensure you’re not violating any lease agreement terms. 

By getting permission, you can also open up a dialogue with your landlord and potentially negotiate the terms of your decorating plans. Sometimes, your landlord may even be willing to provide assistance or resources to help with your decorating efforts. 

DO: Get tenant insurance

When it comes to decorating a rental home, one important consideration is getting tenant or renters insurance. While this may not seem directly related to decorating, it’s still an important step. Insurance for renters can protect your personal belongings in the event of damage, theft, or other unforeseen circumstances. This can include furniture, electronics, and other items you may have brought for decoration.

It can help cover the cost of replacing or repairing your belongings in case of damage or loss, giving you peace of mind as you decorate and make your rental home your own.

DON’T: Make permanent changes

While it’s okay to make some changes to your rental home, it’s important to remember that it’s not your property. So, you must avoid making any permanent changes, such as painting the walls, installing new fixtures, or making structural changes to the property without permission from your landlord.

These changes are considered permanent because they require significant effort, time, and expense to undo. Instead, focus on temporary and removable decor. This could include temporary wallpaper, removable decals, and wall hangings. 

DON’T: Forget about functionality

While it’s tempting to focus solely on aesthetics, choosing pieces that look good and serve a purpose is essential. For example, you may love the look of a certain piece of furniture, but if it doesn’t provide adequate storage or seating, it may not be the best choice for your space.

Choosing functional pieces can also help you make the most of your rental home. For example, if you have limited storage space, investing in multi-purpose furniture like a storage ottoman can help you keep your space organized while providing a place to sit or rest your feet.

Wrapping up 

Decorating a rental home can be challenging, but by following these dos and don’ts, you can create a space that feels like home. Just remember With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can transform your rental home into a cozy and inviting space. So go ahead and get decorating!