Want to spice up your rental? Here are 10 ways to do this without losing your deposit

Even if I rent out my apartment, I won’t let that stop me from furnishing my home the way I like it. However, like many renters, I still want to make sure that I get my large deposit back at the end of my rental agreement. This led me into the world of renter-friendly hacks.

On TikTok and other social media platforms, renters often share stylish, clever — and, most importantly, reversible ways they’re remodeling their homes.

These hacks are especially useful now, as buying a home isn’t the best option for everyone due to high interest rates and skyrocketing home prices. In fact, according to Statista, rental units peaked at 45 million in 2023.

If you’re like me and are one of the millions of Americans who want to make your rental apartment feel like a home without making any permanent or costly changes, then this guide is for you.

Here are 10 ways to add your personal style to your rental property.

Peel and stick tile

New floor tiles can make a big difference, especially in an apartment or house that hasn’t been updated recently. The best thing about peel-and-stick tiles is that no grout is required, making the process much easier and cleaner than traditional tiling jobs.

You can use these renter-friendly tiles anywhere in your home, but we typically see them in kitchens and bathrooms. Many TikTok users also show the moving process when moving out. If you are concerned that there will be a sticky residue left after removing the tiles, you can line the floor with painter’s tape or a similar product before installing the tiles. We recommend removing the tiles with heat so that the adhesive releases seamlessly from the floor.

Removable backsplash

A new backsplash is one of the best ways to spruce up your kitchen, and luckily there are plenty of renter-friendly and removable options you can take advantage of. You can go with one Pop of color or Keep it simple with a classic white tile.

You would install a removable backsplash in the same way you would install the removable floor tiles.

Peel and stick wallpaper

There are many uses for peel and stick wallpaper. For example, I used it on the side of my refrigerator in my studio apartment to create a small DIY bar. When I recently moved out of this apartment, the wallpaper came off the fridge in less than 10 minutes and left hardly any residue.

You can also use peel and stick wallpaper for an accent wall in your home like this TikToker did, or use it to completely cover your walls. Just make sure you measure the size you want before purchasing.

Contact paper

If you don’t like the color of the cabinets in your rental apartment but can’t paint or replace them, there’s a solution: contact paper.

Contact paper is similar to peel-and-stick wallpaper, but typically has more adhesive. Some TikTok users have shown the removal process and stated that they have used it Goo gone and similar products to remove any sticky residue left on the cabinets.

If you’re still concerned about using contact paper, self-adhesive wallpaper should also work for cabinets. (Tip: If you want to add a fun design element to your kitchen that’s less work than covering all of your cabinets, try lining the inside of your drawers with trendy Contact paper instead.)

Wall decals

To update your walls without completely covering them with wallpaper or painting them, use removable stickers. They exist in large numbers Sizes and designsand you can choose how many or how few you want to use.

Stained glass window film

Whether you want to make sure no one can see through your windows or simply want to add a unique touch to your home, Stained glass window film could be perfect for you. Additionally, there are other areas in your home where you can use it. For example, the creator of Kwendy Home placed it on the windows of a French door that led to her bathroom.

If you prefer to have a neutral color, choose a simple one Privacy film is another great option.

Electric wall lights

Although electric wall lights No drilling into the wall is required. They are more renter-friendly than traditional wall lights because no wiring is required. These types of wall lights are battery operated and offer numerous lighting options. When you finally remove them from the wall, you can easily patch the holes.

Light switch and socket covers

Changing an outlet or light switch cover may not sound like a big deal, but you’ll be surprised at the difference it can make. There are numerous designs and colors to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that suits your style. Remember to keep your original covers so you can reinstall them if you move.

Doorknobs

Add some charm to your home with new doorknobs. I personally love crystal, brass and vintage doorknobs that are available buy online or even find them at thrift stores or flea markets. Doorknobs are another item you can take with you and reuse when moving, as long as you keep the original knobs that the house was rented with.

Cabinet and dresser fittings

In a similar category to doorknobs, replacing the hardware on your kitchen cabinets or dresser is another easy and effective way to add your personal style to your home. You can Keep things modern or leave the vintage-inspired route.

Either way, these small changes will make your rental feel more like you.

However, if you decide that you want more permanent changes to your home that would require painting or even construction work, be sure to refer to your rental agreement and speak to your landlord to get written approval before proceeding.

Further tips for tenants: