Trying to find a rental unit with personality among big city markets without breaking the bank – such as Toronto, Calgary, or Vancouver MLS rental listings – can be a challenge. However, this does not mean that your new space can’t reflect you. Although making a rental space more your own can be a challenge and big renovations may not be an option, there are a few modifications that you can make to personalize your rental without worrying about losing your deposit.
Brighten Up the Walls
If the walls in your current rental are a bit drab but your landlord isn’t open to you painting, there are a number of different ways for you to transform your walls. Try peel and stick wallpaper – it is a relatively easy installation and removal process. If it is too costly or too time consuming to cover all the walls in the room, think about doing an accent wall to add a touch of colour to the space. You can also bring this idea into other spaces such as the kitchen by incorporating it as a backsplash. Another simple way to add a bit more intrigue to your walls is to use Washi tape to create different unique patterns. Using washi tape is an easy solution if you are hoping to avoid leaving a mark on your walls.
Out with The Old
There are a number of places within a rental space that, with simple alterations, can be revived. Consider switching the current showerhead you have out for something that is a bit nicer. While this may not seem like much, it can make a big difference in the overall look and function of your bathroom.
A similar switch that can be made in different parts of your space is changing up your lighting. Lighting can really transform the overall aesthetic of any room. Dependent on what you are envisioning, there are certain fixtures and bulbs can make a room feel more elegant or cozy. The most important thing about all of these adjustments is remembering to keep the originals in case your landlord does not love the changes as much as you do. It is also important to keep the originals in case you would like to take your new additions with you when you move out of the space. It also may be worth it to consider splurging on these items if you plan on taking them with you.
Playing with Paint
It can be hard to tell whether or not your landlord will be against you using a bit of paint in your rental. However, the best and the only way to truly know is to ask them. If they approve of you using paint to update the space, you may want to avoid using colours that are too vibrant unless you plan on painting again before you move out. However, if you are looking to be a bit more adventurous with your paint job, consider getting approval to create a chalkboard wall within the apartment. This can be a fun way to add more playful and temporary design elements to a space. But don’t be discouraged if your landlord doesn’t love this idea, there are some peel and stick chalkboard wall options that could work just as well.
You should also consider talking to your landlord about taking on bigger renovation projects. Having their approval can offer you a bit more flexibility when it comes to the kinds of changes you can make to your rental. There is also the possibility that your landlord will reimburse you if your improvement adds value to the property. So feel free to start looking at variety of properties because it doesn’t matter if you are looking at smaller pieces MLS listings or larger suburban rentals, these tips can work for renters anywhere.
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