The average US renter stays in their property for just over two years.
During your stay, decorating your rental can help you make it feel like home, but you need to be aware of a couple of do’s and don’ts when it comes to making changes. Your property management rental company can let you know what is expressly allowed in your rental, but it is best to be aware of some general steps you can and can’t take to make your home your own.
Keep reading as we give you some tips for making your rental space feel like home.
Don’t Make Major Changes
Long-term changes to your space are not yours to make as the renter. You must accept that while this may be your home, for now, it isn’t your home forever. Significant structural changes such as removing walls, windows, floors, or doors are absolutely forbidden.
Check your contract, but you may be able to change the color of the walls if the landlord or property management company permits you to. However, you will have to return the colors to their original shade when you leave, which can be a major hassle, especially if you decide to paint in a deep, dark color that will need many coats to get back to white.
It is best to try and leave your rental property as close to the original state structurally as possible to save you the time, cost, and effort of restoration at your departure. Failing to do so could result in hefty charges from your initial deposit and a bad reference to your next landlord.
Do Accessorize Your Space
That’s not to say that you can’t make the space your own. There are lots of changes you can make with accessorizing and non-permanent decorations. Make the most of these to transform the space into your little haven.
Start with peel and stick decor using adhesive strips that do not damage the paint or wall when you hang pictures and decorations. Banging nails or hooks into the wall will leave a nail hole and, in the worst-case scenario, could cause plaster to crack and fall off. Most property management companies will notice this damage in a rental property when you have an inspection.
Avoid it altogether by using adhesive strips to hang your paintings, as these easily peel off when it is time to leave. If you want to hand lots of small items, consider using a larger cork board as the base, limiting the potential to damage the wall. At worst, an adhesive strip may leave a dark mark that you can easily clean off or paint over.
Do Add Some Greenery
Plants can do a great deal for our mental well-being, and studies show that having them in your home is good for our health. They will also improve the indoor air quality of your property. If your rental doesn’t have any outside space, bringing the outside in can be a real boon.
They also make the house look and feel calmer and can be a great accessory that you can pack and take with you when it is time to leave. So, consider decorating your space with plants to make a healthier and prettier change.
Speak With Your Property Management Company
If you want to make any major changes to your rented home, speaking with your landlord or property management company is the first step. Don’t try and make any major renovations without prior, written approval, as this will result in penalties later. Communication is vital when renting a home, so keep it open and honest from the start.
If you are looking to start a new rental in Florida and would like to speak with one of the best local property management companies in the area, then please get in touch. We will be happy to assist you.
