Making a rental look like a home rather than a soulless catalogue cut out can be a challenge. After all, with the added maintenance costs and their property’s value on the line, it’s common for landlords to put restrictions on how tenants redecorate, leaving little room for self-expression.
That means if you decide to rebel, you risk losing your security deposit, which is money out of your pocket. Continue reading below as we’ve got 3 minimalist home decor tips to personalize your rental.
Common Rental Limitations When Personalizing a Rental
Preventing Wall Damage
For starters, it’s essential to understand the most common rental limitations and why your landlord is more likely to say no. Picture this, you recently bought a new painting and you’re eager to hang it up on your wall, so grab a nail and hammer, leaving a dent in the wall when you move out of the house. The next tenant moves in and decides they want a collage of their most treasured photos in the living room, meaning they put more holes in the wall. After they move out, they leave behind several nails and holes in the wall that are unsightly and unappealing to the prospective renters.
Installing Permanent Fixtures
Apply that same logic to the installation of permanent fixtures. Bay Property Management Group Texas recommends securing your landlord’s approval before making any changes to the rental, including changing light fixtures or adding built-in shelves. Besides causing wall damage, these additions alter the rental’s structure and aesthetics, which can diminish its value in the long run. As a result, most landlords are unlikely to allow you to install permanent fixtures without explicit approval.
Painting Walls Without Approval
Check with your landlord to confirm if they’re okay with you changing the color of the walls before rolling up your sleeves. Yes, a fresh coat of paint can do wonders to dramatically transform your space and make it feel more personal, but for a property owner, it could mean losing future tenants who don’t like the same color palette you do.
If you opt for an inferior bucket of paint or choose to DIY rather than call a professional, the final results could make the rental less desirable to other prospective renters. Thus, rather than spending money to repaint the walls after you move out, some landlords would rather ban it or insist that the tenant bears the cost of repainting before they move out of the apartment.
3 Minimalist Home Decor Tips to Personalize a Rental
Focus on Temporary Wall Decor
Skip the hassle of worrying about wall damage by opting for temporary wall decor. With peel-and-stick wallpaper and removable wall accents, you can easily customize your space without leaving behind unsightly blemishes. For example, if you’re unhappy with the dull neutral nude your landlord chose for the walls, you can buy a blue floral minimalist wallpaper and hang it up in your bedroom. Using command strips and hooks also lets you hang up lightweight art, photos, and even floating shelves. Make sure your lease agreement indicates clearly what is accepted as normal wear and tear on your walls.
Opt for Functional Storage
One of the biggest threats to a minimalist aesthetic in a rental is often storage. Having too many items out in the open can quickly make your space look cluttered and steal any sense of order in your apartment. On the other hand, installing permanent shelves could be a major security deposit risk, so the best option is to opt for functional storage. Give yourself more space to showcase your trinkets and photos with open shelving units that can also double as storage for your books and plants. It would also be wise to invest in multifunctional furniture, such as an ottoman with hidden storage or a sofa bed.
Incorporate Natural Elements
Spruce up your home with natural elements that add more warmth and personality to your space. For instance, indoor plants are an excellent way to elevate your space without breaking your lease. Aside from that, they add a touch of greenery and purify the air, which can add to your minimalist aesthetics. Also, maximize the natural lighting in your apartment with sheer curtains and strategically placed mirrors to make your apartment look bigger, more inviting, and more like home.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s decor to a minimalist style without breaking your lease agreement, your best bet is to focus on temporary wall decor. Instead of risking wall damage, opt for peel-and-stick wallpaper and hang up your trinkets with command strips and hooks. Alternatively, you can also buy an open shelving unit that lets you showcase your minimalist decor while preserving order in your space. Unlike painting your walls, investing in natural elements like lights and plants doesn’t require approval, and can truly add that minimalist touch to your rental.
