Repair in a Rental Apartment: What You Can Change to Avoid Conflicts with the Landlord

You are renting an apartment but feel like a guest at your distant aunt's house? You want to make the space cozier but are afraid of damaging your relationship with the property owner? Don't worry, we've prepared a guide to 'repair' that won't make the landlord clutch his heart. So, how to turn a rental apartment into a cozy nest and not end up without a roof over your head?

Start with a conversation

Before taking a hammer or brush in hand, talk to the landlord. Explain your ideas and ask for permission to make changes. Who knows, maybe the owner will even agree to share the costs?

Pro tip: Prepare visual examples of what you want to do. A picture is worth a thousand words!

Removable wallpaper - your best friend

Tired of dull walls? Removable wallpaper is an excellent solution!

• Easy to apply and remove without a trace;

• Large selection of designs;

• Can be used for accent walls.

Important: Before applying, test the wallpaper on an inconspicuous area of the wall.

Temporary photo wallpapers and decals

If removable wallpaper seems too radical, try:

• Wall vinyl decals;
• Temporary photo wallpapers;
• Frames with posters that attach to special hook strips.

Lighting - the key to comfort

Replacing a chandelier can be problematic, but there are other ways to change the lighting:

• Table and floor lamps;

• Light strings (not only for New Year!);

• LED strips (e.g., for cabinet backlighting).

Idea: Use smart bulbs that you can control with your phone. When leaving, just unscrew them and take them with you.

Textile creates miracles

The easiest way to transform the space is to add textiles:

• Window treatments or blinds (with removable fasteners);

• Covers for sofas and armchairs;

• Rugs and mats;

• Decorative cushions.

Furniture-transformer

If the apartment is furnished but the furniture doesn't suit you:

• Use covers and throws;
• Add removable handles to wardrobes and dressers;
• Place foldable furniture that is easy to take with you

Design: Lena Nemchenko - Green Light for Plants

Plants will liven up any interior:

• Use floor and table planters;

• Try hanging planters (with removable hooks);

• Create a mini garden from succulents.

Tip: If you're afraid of damaging window sills, use special stands for planters.

Decoration without traces

Decorate the walls without leaving traces:

• Use command strips for frames and pictures;
• Hang light items on hook strips;
• Lean large pictures against the wall by placing them on the floor.

Update small details

Sometimes it's enough to replace small details:

• Change the bathroom curtains;
• Add bright towels and mats;
• Replace door handles (keeping the originals).

Temporary Fix in Bathroom and Kitchen

These rooms are the hardest to update, but there are options:

• Use removable vinyl decals on tiles;

• Replace removable parts of sanitary fixtures (showerhead, toilet seat);

• Add removable organizers and shelves.

What to Avoid

Now a list of what it's better to avoid:

• Drilling holes in walls without permission;
• Relocating sanitary fixtures;
• Painting walls (unless the landlord offers it himself);
• Replacing floor covering;
• Any structural changes.

Final Tips

• Always photograph the apartment before and after changes.

• Keep receipts for purchases — perhaps you can negotiate partial reimbursement of costs.

• Be ready to return everything to its original state when leaving.

Remember, the key to successfully updating a rental apartment is communication with the landlord and using temporary solutions. With the right approach, you can create a cozy space that will delight you every day and maintain good relationships with the property owner.

Good luck creating your perfect rental home!

Cover: Design project by Natalia Chuvinova