Can rentals feel like home? Absolutely. Is it a ton of effort? Not really.
Rentals often get a bad rap for being bland and soulless. With those dull white walls and cookie-cutter appliances, they can feel more like a stopover than a sanctuary. But here’s the deal: they can feel like home. And no, it doesn’t take a ton of effort to get there.
Personalizing your space is crucial—it’s where you unwind, recharge, and live your life, after all. The catch? Your lease likely has rules about making permanent changes or causing damage. But don’t let that dampen your creativity!
We’ve rounded up 9 easy, deposit-friendly ways to transform your rental from lifeless to lively. Because yes, you can have a home that feels like you, all without sacrificing your hard-earned security deposit. Let’s dive in!
Low Risk
Decorating doesn’t always have to come with risks. Low-risk updates can transform your space without making landlords sweat over potential damage. These upgrades typically involve items that are either non-permanent or easy to reverse, letting you keep your security deposit intact.
From adding greenery to swapping out curtains, you can personalize your rental into a cozy, stylish home that’s 100% deposit-safe.
1. Add a Touch of Greenery
Nothing livens up a space quite like plants. They’re a surefire way to bring a fresh, summery vibe to your apartment. If you’ve got a green thumb—fantastic! But if you’re more of a plant novice (or a serial plant killer), don’t worry. Faux plants like banana leaf monstera, areca palms, or fiddle-leaf figs look just as good and require zero effort to keep alive.
You can find cute faux plants on Amazon for as low as $15, depending on the size. Just a heads-up: cheaper options might scream “fake.” Opt for high-quality faux plants—they’re worth the splurge.
To elevate the look, repot your faux plants using real soil, stones, and stylish planters from Walmart. A clear vessel filled with white sand and faux succulents can also create a high-end accent at a fraction of the cost.
Want to take it up a notch? Repotting faux plants with real soil, stones, and chic planters can make them look incredibly realistic. Lastly, dust your faux plants regularly—it’s a small effort that makes a big difference in keeping them fresh-looking.
2. Swap Out the Curtains
Most apartments come with no curtains—or worse, ones that clash with your style. The good news? Curtains are one of the easiest (and lowest-risk) items to replace. Just stash the originals in storage and swap them back when it’s time to move out.
Made-to-measure curtains might sound pricey, but they’re often surprisingly affordable. Plus, they can make a world of difference, giving your space a polished, personalized vibe. Whether you go bold with patterns or stick to soft neutrals, the right curtains can instantly transform a room. Explore Just Blinds’ extensive curtain collection to find the perfect match for your space.
3. Layer on the Rugs
Rugs are the ultimate cozy-up hack for rentals. They instantly warm up a room, add texture, and make a space feel more inviting. Bonus? They’re completely portable, so when it’s time to move, you can roll them up and take them with you.
Empty floors can make a room look stark and uninviting, but the right rug brings personality and charm. Whether you go for a bold pattern, a neutral jute option, or a fluffy shag, there’s a rug out there for every vibe. Pro tip: layer smaller rugs over larger, neutral ones to create a designer look without breaking the bank. For a great selection of stylish and affordable options, check out At Home’s rug collection.
4. Upgrade with Contact Paper
Let’s talk about giving those dated countertops and backsplashes a glow-up. Contact paper is your best friend here—it’s budget-friendly, easy to use, and totally reversible. Whether you’re into faux marble, cozy wood grains, or fun geometric patterns, there’s a look for everyone.
A heads-up: avoid painted surfaces since peeling them off can take the paint with it (been there, regretted that). Pro tip from Shelby, a rental veteran of 10 years—use a hair dryer to loosen the adhesive when removing it. Got sticky leftovers? A dab of Goo Gone works wonders!
High Risk
Some decorating ideas come with higher risks, especially when it comes to walls and floors. According to Roost, damage to these areas tops the list of reasons for security deposit deductions. The good news? It often depends on how much wear and tear you allow.
Albert Lord, founder of Lexerd Capital Management, notes that “reasonable wear and tear” is generally acceptable. Most landlords won’t deduct for minor scuffs or easily reversible changes if you return the property in near-original condition.
Here are some higher-risk personalization ideas that won’t leave your rental deposit hanging in the balance.
5. Change Cabinet Hardware
Cabinet hardware might seem like a small detail, but swapping out those generic handles and doorknobs for stylish options can make a big impact. Think sleek brass pulls, modern matte black knobs, or quirky ceramic handles to match your aesthetic.
The best part? It’s a quick, non-permanent upgrade. Simply unscrew the existing hardware, stash it in a labeled bag for safekeeping, and replace it with your picks. When it’s time to move out, just swap back the original ones—no harm done.
Pro tip: Measure the existing screw spacing before shopping to ensure a perfect fit. Stores like Home Depot, Amazon, and Etsy offer affordable picks, ranging from $2 to $10 per piece, depending on the style and material.
6. Hang Wall Art Without Damage
Nothing brings personality to a rental like wall art, but let’s be honest—most landlords aren’t thrilled about nails in their walls. According to Whitegates Managing Director, Rob Smith,
“Most landlords will allow tenants to hang pictures, so long as any damage to walls, such as nail or screw holes, are made good at the end of the tenancy.”
If patching up isn’t your thing, there’s a safer alternative: command strips. These damage-free solutions come in various sizes and can hold anything from lightweight posters to heavier framed art.
Want to go big without a long-term commitment? Stick-on frames or removable wall decals can create a stunning gallery wall while keeping your security deposit safe. It’s an easy way to make your space feel like yours—without the landlord stress.
7. Change Light Fixtures
Swapping out standard rental light fixtures is a game-changer. Those dull, builder-grade ceiling lights or fluorescent tubes aren’t doing your space any favors. Upgrading to a stylish pendant lamp, a sleek floor lamp or even a whimsical chandelier can completely transform the room’s vibe.
Here’s the trick: Choose plug-in or screw-in options so you don’t mess with the wiring. Keep the original fixtures safely stored, and reinstall them before you move out. You can also opt for LED strip lights or string lights for an ultra-safe option.
Pro tip: Smart bulbs are another quick way to elevate lighting—adjust brightness and color to match your mood with just a tap on your phone.
8. Paint or Add Wallpaper
A fresh coat of paint or some stylish wallpaper can do wonders to liven up a rental. Many landlords allow tenants to paint, provided you return the walls to their original color. If that’s too much hassle, consider temporary, peel-and-stick wallpaper.
Peel-and-stick options are rental-friendly, easy to apply, and available in countless designs, from bold geometric prints to soft florals. They’re also great for creating accent walls. Just remove them carefully when your lease ends to avoid damage. And if wallpaper isn’t your thing, consider large-scale wall decals for a pop of character without the permanence.
9. Floor Sticking Tiles
Floors are often overlooked in rentals but don’t have to be. Peel-and-stick floor tiles, like the trendy checkered options made popular by Marco Zamora, are a brilliant way to upgrade your floors without making permanent changes.
Amazon offers a variety of styles, from classic black-and-white checks to faux wood or Moroccan-inspired patterns. Installation is straightforward: clean the surface, peel the backing, and stick them in place. When removing them, use a blow dryer to gently warm the adhesive, making them easy to peel off without leaving residue.
Pro tip: Use these tiles in high-visibility areas like the kitchen or bathroom for maximum impact without breaking the bank.
Common Reasons for Deposit Deductions
‼️Damaged Walls: Issues like large holes, drill marks, or unauthorized paint can lead to deductions. Fixing these on your own is usually cheaper than losing a deposit. Approximately 56% of deductions come from wall damage.
‼️Damaged Floors: Water damage, broken tiles, stains, or discoloration are common culprits. Use rugs or mats to prevent these issues.
‼️Missing Items: Only about 57% of landlords provide a Move-In/Move-Out Checklist, and even fewer—just 29%—offer a cost breakdown for items. Without these, it’s easy to get blindsided.
One Redditor learned this the hard way when they were charged $350 for missing bedding. Assuming the dirty duvet and sheets were left by a previous tenant, they threw them away, only to find out later they were part of the inventory.
Always ask for an itemized list upfront so you know what to keep track of during your tenancy.
‼️Unpaid Rent or Bills: Any outstanding payments will come directly from your deposit.
‼️Dirty Apartment: If the apartment requires excessive cleaning, those costs will be deducted. A deep clean before moving out is essential.
‼️Repairs: Broken fixtures, light bulbs, or windows that need fixing will eat into your deposit unless addressed beforehand.
‼️Unauthorized Redecorations: Redecorations without landlord approval—or those not reversed before moving out—are another common reason for deductions. Always check your lease terms.
Seal the Deal: Get Back Your Deposit!
“When you move into a new apartment, always take photos and videos of any damage to document the rental’s condition,” advises Daniel Mishin, CEO of June Homes. This step is crucial for protecting your rental deposit. Apps like Tenant Inspect let you take timestamped photos, add notes, and generate a detailed report for as little as $19.
Key Takeaway? Stay proactive. Document everything at move-in, use protective measures like rugs, and double-check your lease before making changes. Before moving out, return the property to its original state: reverse paint jobs, undo upgrades and clean thoroughly. By keeping tabs on these factors, you’re much more likely to walk away with your full deposit—and peace of mind.
Around 80% of renters don’t expect to see their deposit again—don’t be part of that stat! Go get that cash back, Diggz Members!