Renovation Solutions for Rented Apartments

Finding a property on the market that is perfect and ready to move into is practically an impossible task! I speak from personal experience that, when looking for an apartment, we need to list our priorities and, often, live with some aspects that we don't like so much.

Sometimes it’s the kitchen floor, sometimes it’s the bathroom tiles… Some situations are easier to get around than others. But if you don’t want to invest a lot or your landlord forbids you from changing the tiles, I’ve listed nine solutions to alleviate the inconvenience in rented properties.

1. Install flooring over flooring

When changing the flooring in a rented property is not possible, but you simply cannot live with the covering chosen by the landlord, there is the possibility of applying another flooring over the existing one.

Whether it's to avoid major renovations, reduce costs or to prevent the removal of the flooring in question, this is usually a viable alternative for tenants. But be careful: in this process, it's essential to check the condition of the old flooring, which must be perfectly adhered to the base, without hollow parts or swelling.

As for the new flooring, there are no major restrictions, and you can install ceramic, porcelain, stone, laminate, vinyl... Some of them can even be removed without any major problems and taken to your future home. The thin pieces, up to 6 mm thick, are an excellent option and guarantee an impeccable finish for the surface.

In all cases, it is important to request an inspection by the specialized labor force that will install the product. Since they are more experienced, they will be able to analyze whether the application will be possible and provide a more appropriate quote for this type of service. Another important point is, when necessary, to use a mortar suitable for flooring over flooring.

2. Replace grout

Who hasn’t walked into the bathroom or kitchen of a rented property and been horrified by the grimy grout? Although the most obvious solution is to replace the tiles, it’s not always the easiest.

If the reason for your discomfort is solely and exclusively the grout, which in fact compromises the aesthetics of the floor or wall, you can replace it without major investments in labor or products.

There are a few tools that can be used to remove old grout, such as a circular saw and a scraper. Although a saw is faster, it can damage the coating or even plumbing pipes, which is why a scraper is the best option.

Once the old grout has been removed, the area is clean and dry, all you need to do is apply the new grout and bring new life to the coating of your rental property. Your landlord will definitely be grateful!

3. Invest in removable countertops and standard-sized furniture

Custom-made furniture, cabinets, and countertops are great, but they may not be the best option for a rental apartment. If you plan to move in a few years, it’s worth investing in loose, standard-sized furniture that you can move into your future home.

4. Swap the metals

If it is impossible to replace the stone and ceramics in kitchens, washrooms and bathrooms, one solution to beautify the environment and bring more comfort to your daily life is to replace the metals. With so many options available on the market, you can choose a faucet or shower that best suits your style, saves water or offers greater thermal comfort.

5. Soaking tub

The dream of a bathtub doesn’t have to be put on hold just because your property is rented. Soaking bathtubs don’t have hydromassage jets or other accessories, just a water inlet and outlet.

This makes it easier to install and allows it to be moved from place to place, including being transported to another home in the event of a move, since it is simply placed on the floor. Highlights include Victorian-style soaking tubs, a classic model with an outward-curving rim.

6. Painting

With one of the best cost-benefits on the market, paint is the main alternative for cheap renovations without breaking anything. You can use lots of colors on the walls and even on the ceiling to bring a new look to the property. Just keep in mind that you may have to repaint them in their original color when you return the property.

In some situations, it is possible to negotiate and share costs or arrange for the renovation to be fully paid for by the owner, if he is also interested in renovating the rooms and increasing the value of his property.

There are many types of paint available on the market and knowing them will help you decide what you need. The most common paint for interior and exterior masonry walls is acrylic paint. Made from water, it dries quickly and is waterproof, making it easy to clean, which can be done with a damp cloth or sponge.

7. Wallpaper

Wallpaper is an excellent solution for renters! The most common models are adhesive and glued. Although they cannot be removed and reused in the next property, this is still a cost-effective and quick-to-use option when compared to replacing coverings.

Another option is liquid wallpaper, which can be reused. Also sold as ecopaper, it is a material generally made of plaster, cotton or cellulose fibers and silk. It must be mixed with water and then applied to the wall with the help of a trowel. To remove it, simply spray water, remove the product, spread it on a glass plate and wait for it to dry again. This way, it can be reused whenever you want.

If you're worried about your budget, it's worth remembering that it's not necessary to apply wallpaper to every wall in the room. Even just one wall can achieve a cool effect that's not too expensive.

8. Decorate the walls

We know that it is not always possible to paint or install wallpaper in a rented apartment. Furthermore, the investment is not always worth it, considering that you do not yet own the property.

One way to add personality to a room and disguise that covering you don't like is to hang pictures, artwork, photo frames, decorative jewelry, niches, shelves and hooks. Just check the landlord's rules regarding holes in the wall to avoid future headaches.

9. Invest in textiles

When you find yourself facing many restrictions or a low budget for renovating your rental property, textiles can be the salvation so you don't have to face that horrible floor. Invest in rugs that you like and that you can take to your next home. The same goes for curtains and tapestries, which help to disguise walls and windows.