How to Renovate a Rental Apartment

Renovating a rental apartment requires creative strategies and thoughtful planning due to potential restrictions and the involvement of a landlord. Apartment renovations do not have to be expensive, by focusing on practical improvements that are both impactful and reversible, you can transform your living space without overstepping boundaries. 

We’ve spoken to some of the best interior designers in North America, and created a guide that you can use to help make those changes while keeping your landlord happy.

Tips To Renovate Your Rental Apartment

#1 Deep Clean

Before anything else, a thorough deep clean can reveal your apartment’s potential. Cleaning carpets, polishing floors, scrubbing walls, and refreshing all surfaces will create a blank canvas for your renovation. This step alone can make a huge difference, especially if the previous tenant left behind some less-than-ideal traces. 

Pre-cleaning is vital before you start any work, especially painting and pre-moving day is the day you can tackle things like the inside of wardrobes or closets and the tops of kitchen cabinets.

#2 Get Better Light Fixtures

Swapping out old or generic light fixtures with modern, stylish alternatives will give your apartment a more personalized ambiance. Consider elegant pendant lamps, task lighting for specific areas, or even chic floor lamps to create a comfortable, welcoming environment to LED mirrors in the bathroom. Upgrading your light fixtures is an easy way to upgrade your rental apartment.

Matthew Knowes, a NYC interior designer says some “finishes can’t be disguised”, with this in mind we think that light fixtures are something that can easily be improved.

#3 Address the Eye Sores

Identify specific eyesores that detract from your apartment’s overall appeal, such as stained walls, worn-out blinds, or outdated hardware. Replace them with new or repurposed items that better reflect your style and transform your space. 

Of course there will be some features you can’t change, but when that’s the case you should try to work with what you’ve got – try and be creative with how you’ll address eyesores.

#4 Create a Floor Plan

Tara McCauley, another well known interior designer from New Yor says that “before you book the movers, make a floor plan”. A detailed floor plan will help you understand what furniture you need to buy, and what furniture can be reused. 

Maximizing your apartment’s layout can make even the smallest spaces feel bigger. Rearrange furniture to optimize flow and comfort. Creating zones for different purposes (like a reading nook or dining area) will make your home more functional.

#5 Prime and Paint the House

While not all landlords permit painting, some may allow it with prior consent. 

A fresh coat of paint can entirely change the look and feel of your apartment. 

Stick to neutral shades that appeal to a broad audience, making it easier to revert to the original color later if necessary. Take a look at some of our projects for inspiration. You’ll get an idea of what you need to do to make your rental feel like a home.

#6 Use Stick-On Surfaces

Stick-on tiles, removable wallpaper, and adhesive backsplashes can be excellent tools for a rental apartment facelift. They offer an easy-to-install, temporary solution to improve surfaces without damaging walls or tiles.

Stick on surfaces can completely change the look of an apartment, and Beth Dianna Smith a New Jersey designer says peel-and-stick products come in such a “wide range of choices, in a variety of patterns, colours and textures”.

#7 Use Large Rugs To Camouflage Floors

If the flooring is damaged or simply doesn’t fit your taste, large rugs provide a simple yet effective way to refresh the space. A well-placed rug can define an area and help cover any less desirable flooring underneath. It’s as simple as that.

#8 Tailored Custom Window Treatments

Curtains and blinds tailored to fit your windows give an apartment a polished look. Choose fabrics and styles that align with your aesthetic, and use tension rods or adhesive hooks if drilling into the walls isn’t allowed.

If you’re hesitant to spend a lot of money on custom curtains, then you can also go for off-the-shelf options – after all many rentals have standard size windows. A pro tip is that any curtains you get should be hung as close to the ceiling as possible, and they should touch the floor.

#9 Don’t Forget About The Details

Small upgrades, such as switching out kitchen tap handles, applying fresh caulk, scraping off peeling paint, replacing old outlet covers, and swapping out air vent returns, can significantly improve your apartment’s overall appearance.

The small details will make a difference to the overall look and feel of your rental home.

#10 Ask Your Landlord to Call the Experts

In some cases, involving experts is necessary for bigger issues. For plumbing, electrical, or structural concerns, ask your landlord to handle the repairs through a professional. This is especially important for safety and compliance.

This is also the stage where Enzo Design comes in, we’ll help you and your landlord renovate your condo to the highest possible standard. We also offer a dedicated interior design service.

How To Talk To Your Landlord About Upgrades

So with all that in mind, how do you talk to your landlord about upgrades? Communicating effectively with your landlord about renovations can be tricky but necessary, but our interior design expert [Name of Person] says you’ll have a much easier time getting buy in if you check the following boxes: 

• Be a Good Tenant: Landlords are more inclined to grant renovation requests to tenants who are reliable, timely with rent, and maintain the property well. Building a positive relationship can give you an edge.
• Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications, agreements, and repair requests. This provides a clear paper trail and ensures everyone is on the same page about expectations.
• Do the Legwork: Offer to provide research, estimates, or even arrange meetings with contractors. This shows initiative and helps alleviate any concerns the landlord may have.

All in, renovating a rental apartment can seem challenging, but by following these tips, you can successfully upgrade your living space and enjoy a more comfortable home without breaking your lease terms.

For professional advice, book a free consultation with Enzo Design Today!