A rental home comes with plenty of perks – it’s generally affordable, it’s close to work, and you don’t have to worry about remodeling or DIY projects that aren’t worth the cost. However, not all rental homes are created equal; while some are well-kept, others are starting to show their age and may not be as luxurious as other housing options. If you want to enjoy all the comforts of home without having to shell out big bucks for them, here are seven things you can do in the rental home that might surprise you!
1) Paint
You may not be able to paint your walls, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add color to your rental. Try using colorful throw pillows, curtains, and rugs to brighten up your space. You can also paint old furniture to give it new life. Just be sure to get permission from your landlord first. It is possible they have concerns about paint fumes or other potential hazards. If they do agree, then grab your paints! There are tons of colors to choose from and no need for sanding beforehand – just scrub the surface with soap and water before painting!
2) Move Furniture
If you’re renting a home, you might not think you can do much to personalize the space and make it your own. But there are actually quite a few things you can do to add your own style, without breaking the lease or getting your security deposit back. Here are things you never thought you could do in a rental home – Rearrange furniture: If you want to mix up how the furniture is arranged in the living room, move them around! Put some of them together and some apart for different looks. Add an accent chair for that extra touch of interest.
– Change out your light fixtures: Swap out those dated lamps with ones that have more of a modern feel or switch out the light fixtures themselves for something unique like lanterns or chandeliers. It’s simple change that makes all the difference. And because they won’t need any wiring work done, you don’t need to worry about telling your landlord first.
– Paint walls: In most cases, paint will be considered damage which means your landlord will charge you for it when you leave so why not get creative? Instead of painting over what’s already on the wall (which may only cover up dirt), try stenciling or adding wallpaper instead.
3) Add Storage
One way to make the most of your rental home is to add storage. This can be done in a number of ways, from adding shelves to your closet to renting a storage unit. Adding storage will help you keep your home organized and clutter-free. If you don’t have enough space in your home for a storage unit, consider building up! Build shelving on the walls or install more floor-to-ceiling cabinets. The possibilities are endless when it comes to finding new places for things!
4) Fix Up That Broken Faucet
We all know that broken faucets can be a pain. But did you know that you can actually fix them yourself? With a little elbow grease and the right tools, you can have that faucet working like new in no time. It’s also a great way to save money because you don’t need to call a plumber. Just replace any parts that are broken with new ones from your local hardware store.
Another thing you might not realize is that some plumbing problems aren’t as bad as they seem. For example, if your toilet is clogged, all it takes is a plunger to clear it out!
You’ll even find some fixes for common problems on YouTube or other sites online. Just do an internet search for how to fix clogged toilets or how to unclog sinks!
5) Buy New Appliances
You might be surprised to learn that you can actually buy new appliances for your rental home. Whether you need a new fridge or washing machine, there are a few things to keep in mind before making your purchase. First, check with your landlord to see if there are any restrictions on what type of appliances you can have in the unit. Second, be sure to measure the space where the appliance will go to ensure it will fit.
6) Upgrade Your Electrical System
Most rental homes have outdated electrical systems that can’t handle the demands of today’s appliances and electronics. Upgrading your electrical system is a great way to increase the value of your rental property and make it more attractive to potential tenants. Plus, it can save you money on your energy bills. Here are a few things to keep in mind when upgrading your electrical system -Check with your insurance company first: Make sure any upgrades won’t affect the coverage of your home.
-Look for qualified contractors: Ask around or research online reviews to find qualified contractors with experience working on older properties like yours.
-Get an estimate first: It’s best to get an estimate before you make any decisions about how much work needs to be done and what materials need to be purchased or brought in from elsewhere.
7) Take Control of Your Utilities
- When you rent a home, you are typically responsible for your own utilities. This can be a great opportunity to take control of your energy usage and save money each month.
- Start by looking into your energy options. If you live in an area with deregulated energy, you may be able to choose your own electricity provider. This could lead to significant savings on your monthly bill.
- Another way to take control of your utilities is to invest in energy-efficient appliances. Appliances like refrigerators and washing machines that have earned the ENERGY STAR label use about 20% less energy than average models.
- Low-flow toilets are another important item to consider when renting a new place. These water-saving devices cut down on the amount of water used per flush, helping keep your utility bills low without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
- Finally, if you’re looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint while living in a rental home, install solar panels!