Keep rent increases consistent and fair
As a landlord, one of the priorities for your rentals is to bring in profit. As such, it’s understandable that, over time, you’ll increase the rent rates to stay profitable. However, prices rising suddenly and by too much can scare off a lot of tenants. Try to keep the increases smaller and introduce them over more extended time periods. Additionally, do market research and justify your reasons for increasing the rent. A good rule of thumb is to keep the rates lower than market rates and implement them slowly. Additionally, experts from Peasley Transfer & Storage advise that, if you do have to turn over a tenant, there are benefits to having a storage unit on standby. A bit of extra space never hurts.

Give incentives for lease renewals
One of the most important ways to raise your tenant retention rate is to give incentives for lease renewals. After all, your tenants renewing their lease means they will stay on your property, which should be a priority. The most effective incentive is, of course, a discount on the rent. However, this isn’t always an option, and you must get creative. For example, you can consider partnering with companies to offer your tenants deals and other similar things. Remember, you need to keep your tenants interested, so whatever offer you make, you need to make sure it’s something they’ll consider.

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Provide quality customer service
No matter how you look at it, customer service is essential for all businesses, and rentals are the same. If your tenants feel heard and valued, they will likely stay on your properties. This starts as early as their move-in date. You must provide all the information your tenant needs to move into the property. From there on, make sure to listen to their requests and worries and reply promptly. If any sort of issue arises, answer them as quickly as possible and see that they’re solved just as quickly. And when dealing with problems or general maintenance, keep your tenants updated on the progress. Remember, everyone likes being heard and valued, and it goes a long way for your tenant retention rate.

Be professional but also personable
Every landlord has measures and punishments for damage to the property, missed payments, and other issues. It makes sense, as they need to enforce the lease rules to stay in business. However, remember also to be understanding with your tenants. For example, if your best tenant happens to miss a payment, try to check in with them. See what the problem is and try to find a solution instead of immediately resorting to punishments.

7 ways to raise your tenant retention rate – wrap up
Landlords need to ensure their tenants stay on their properties to avoid losing profit. Thankfully, there are quite a few easy ways to increase retention rates if you’re willing to put in a little effort. We hope that this list of 7 ways to raise your tenant retention rate helps you out.

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​There is no universal solution to this issue. Many factors come into play if you should install smart technology in your rental property, including the type of rental property you own, the number of units in your building, and the preferences of your tenants. Landlords who want to improve their property's efficiency and the quality of life for their renters may find smart technology a worthwhile investment. But it is essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of any smart technology solution before making a choice. Landlords should carefully consider their options because there are many ways to accomplish the same goals without spending money on smart technology.

​How does smart technology function in a rental?
Electronic plug adapters and freestanding sensors are external devices that can provide the same functionality as a system hardwired into the house's structure and managed from a central control panel without requiring installation or rewiring. These home automation systems help people build "smart" homes that can be controlled by an app on a user's smartphone or tablet over a wireless, direct connection.

Builders and investors in the rental market are weighing the pros and cons of installing smart home automation systems to, among other things, attract tech-savvy tenants who are willing to pay higher rents and to more actively manage maintenance, increase security, and prevent property damage. Renters who want smart home features but whose landlord is unwilling to provide them can save money by buying their own devices that won't void the lease or cause damage to the property.
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Now, let’s go over some pros and cons of smart technology in rental properties:
 
Pros:
Safety in the home is enhanced through automation.
If you want to keep an eye on the safety of your property's perimeter and prevent and lessen the impact of structural issues like leaking pipes, then you should set up cameras and sensors. All Season Movers can give you plenty of helpful advice if you're moving to a new, unfamiliar neighborhood. Security systems give tenants peace of mind and assist in preventing unwanted intrusions, but the level of protection they offer depends on the system's design and implementation. For a studio, a door sensor and a smart security camera are enough, but for a bigger home, you may need more sensors to keep track of all the doors and windows.
 
Remember that you are responsible for adhering to all laws and ordinances in your area and protecting the privacy of your tenants. Camera installation in a rental property requires confidence on both sides, whether you are the tenant or the owner of the rental property. The renter needs to know that you won't be sneaking around in their home.
 
Automation of energy
Another reason to install smart technology in your rental property is energy automation. Smart technology can alleviate landlords' concerns about their tenants accidentally leaving lights on or the temperature set too high or too low while they are away at work or on vacation. The smart lighting, thermostat, and plug systems all aim to control the temperature in a room, turn off individual outlets, reduce energy waste, and protect the environment. There is also the option of installing energy monitors, which can help you save money by tracking energy use down to the individual room level and revealing any potential energy leaks.
 
 
Smart instruments can reduce your maintenance costs by hundreds
Water collecting in one spot can become a serious issue soon. Unfortunately, problems that begin anywhere (the basement, a tenant's washing machine, or even beneath their sink) may go undetected for long enough to cause significant harm.
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Smart moisture sensors are affordable, hassle-free insurance coverage that you may install in such areas. With this gadget, you'll be notified as soon as an issue is detected, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars on maintenance. Moisture sensors can be a lifesaver if you own a property with a basement or another potentially hazardous area that isn't monitored or used daily.
 
Cons:
Where do you stand with your online connection?
If your Wi-Fi connection is weak, your smart devices won't be able to do their jobs properly, defeating the purpose and making life more difficult for you. Before installing smart connections, you should make sure that your community has the necessary connectivity to support them.
 
 
Concerns about safety
One of the cons of having smart technology in your rental property is the question of safety. While smart technology has the potential to enhance the safety of a rental property, it also presents its own set of challenges in this area. Theft may occur, for instance, if you're renovating, so renting self-storage can be a great solution for your items. To mitigate this risk, landlords should only deploy smart devices that have been thoroughly researched for vulnerabilities and patched when necessary. In addition to fixing any problems, they should show tenants how to use the equipment correctly.
 
Some risks come with putting smart technologies in rental properties, but you can lessen these risks by taking the proper steps.
 
LEARNING CURVE
There is a learning curve associated with using any technology, and for those who aren't up to date on what's possible in the digital realm, smart technology might seem particularly daunting. Because of this, it might help to have analog options for renters who aren't as good with technology or to choose devices with apps that are easy to use.
 
Numerous high-tech home automation products are currently available. There are benefits and drawbacks to installing smart technology in your rental property. Research the products and manufacturers to find the best fit for your needs before making a purchase. Well-implemented technology may make a landlord's job easier. If you put in the time to learn about your demands and those of your tenants, you'll be able to zero in on some fantastic technological options for your rental home.
 
Photo Credit.

For people that want to rent out their property, two things are crucial: to rent fast for their asking price and to have a great tenant who will stay for an extended period. You will have to make potential tenants feel amazing in your property to achieve both of these goals. As all great results usually involve some hard work, it is understandable that you will need to make specific efforts to achieve what you want. It is well known that staging homes yield fantastic outcomes both with tenants without any of their furniture and those that want to rent an empty property. In the following text, 7 staging tips for your rental property will wow your tenant candidates.
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​1. Your rental property must be clean and clutter-free 
No one wants to live in a filthy home with numerous unnecessary objects. Also, everything that looks like a lot of work throws off potential renters. Besides, untidiness inspires mistrust in many people, so your first step towards successful staging and renting is the good old cleaning. If you want to be efficient, don’t rush into it without a plan. Get the cleaning supplies first and clean each area at a time to be energy-efficient. 
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Too many objects that haven’t got much of a purpose must go. If your rental property is full of items that make the space too personal and crowded, you should do a thorough decluttering. Do you find it hard to part with your stuff and do not know where to put them? A potential solution for you would be to rent a storage unit. In any case, clean your property and remove what is unnecessary, leaving only the essentials. That will get you a blank canvas for the actual staging. 

2. Observe the home as a whole
One of the staging tips for your rental property you should always have in mind is that you are dealing with a whole and not rooms of which each comes from its own story. The human mind likes harmony; all else makes it uncomfortable. Once you select the style, stick to it throughout the house. One of the experts from  Spyder Moving, with extensive experience, says the interior designers working on his clients’ houses advised people to observe open doors as paintings. You wouldn’t put a painting that doesn’t match the room, would you? And the doors to adjoining rooms are usually open very often, so try to make the view through them fit the surroundings.
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 3. One of the staging tips for your rental property is to be mostly neutral
When it comes to taste, it's impossible to please everyone. What you might consider stylish, your future tenant might deem awful. The safest choice is to remain as neutral as possible. This refers to colors as well as furniture style. Neutral shades do not cause energetic, emotional reactions, so most people feel ok with them. For a bit of a twist, introduce the occasional pop of bold colors. To appeal to a larger number of viewers, restrict those to details that one can easily replace in case the potential renters hate them.
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When viewing a place, people like to imagine how their life would be in it. They even sometimes consider where they would put their stuff and make it more of their own. Therefore, do not add too many personal touches, leave it more devoid of personality and let them personalize it in their mind. You might want to give them advice on decorating a rental apartment and creating an even stronger connection to your rental property.  ​

4. Add details that invoke a sense of luxury
Do you remember the little details in the hotel rooms that made you feel pampered? They are not significant investments, but they make a great impression. You can do that, too, when you are staging your rental property. For example, you could get good quality towels and robes of the same color as the bath and arrange them just like in hotels. Also, high-end soaps are not as expensive, but everyone likes to see them. How about a collection of slippers in the same shade dominant in the home? That will wow the visitors right at the entrance. Apart from placing matching dishcloths in the kitchen, you could get a set of dishes that includes coffee cups. Finally, people love good bedding sets, so get high-quality ones. This will make your property more attractive to renters, and it won’t cost you too much.

5. Designate each room for a specific purpose and make it practical
Since you are staging a home and not showing it as an empty property, ensure each room’s purpose is clear. Any confusion that comes to people’s minds about what that particular room is for will make it redundant in their heads. That is not what you want; you want them to think the entire space your property consists of is necessary. So, put only bedroom furniture into bedrooms, and make kids’ rooms child-oriented. All will be clear in your potential clients’ heads, and your property will look better.

6. Don’t forget the curb appeal and the balcony
Don’t neglect the outside of your property. If there’s a yard that requires landscaping, make sure you have brought it to perfection. Again, people prefer to move into a home that does not immediately need work. When it comes to landscaping design, keep it simple so the tenants think it is effortless to care for it. The balcony is another matter, and it deserves attention just like all other rooms in the house, if not more. This is a place people like to chill, so try to make it cozy.  ​

7. Make sure your rental property smells and sounds fantastic
Let’s put it this way: your rental property is like a lady that is going on a date. Yes, it should be pretty, but it should also smell nice and sound fantastic. There are many air fragrances out there that will make your home smell divine, and everyone that comes to see it will fall in love immediately. As for the sounds, soothing music on TV or the stereo system will do. Everyone will be instantly transported into some relaxing scene in a movie and will want to stay there longer. ​

Final thoughts
As you can see, with these staging tips for your rental property, you will find perfect tenants that will be ecstatic to have found the home of their dreams. Just put in some effort, and it will turn out to be worth your while. You will be making someone’s life better and achieving your renting goal. Now that’s what I call a perfect end of the day. 

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These tips on how to save water at your rental property will reduce impact on the environment, and reduce your bills.

Whether you’re renting a home or an office, one thing is for sure – you want to save money on bills. Paying attention to how you spend water at your rental will save you money and protect the environment. So, what are the ways to do something good for the planet and reduce your water usage? Well, here are the main 6 ways to save water at your rental property and be a good citizen of our planet.

Reasons to seriously consider saving water from now on
Not all people understand the importance of paying attention to how much water their household spends daily. Here are the reasons to start spending water more conscientiously:
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• Water supplies are limited – only 2.5% of all the water on our planet is freshwater, and only 0.3% of that is accessible to us. Those are very limited supplies we’re running out of! 
• We save energy by saving water – spending less water for showering and cleaning means spending less energy to preheat that water;
• Limited water supplies would mean limited food supplies – plants need water to grow so water limitations would result in food shortages;
• Protecting the animals – we’re not the only species that need water; animals need it, too. Wasting water on a daily basis means taking away precious water from the animals and whole ecosystems;
• Finally, saving water at your rental property will reduce the water bills, which can lead to significant savings at the end of the year.

4. Turn off the tap when not needed 
Several daily tasks in your bathroom can waste so much water. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, washing hands, and taking a shower. It would help if you brushed your teeth for a couple of minutes. There’s no need for water to be running the whole time. Use the tap wisely and use it only when you need to rinse the products of your body. It’s a simple habit that can truly make a difference to the water bill. 

5. Save when doing dishes
One of the best ways to save water at your rental property is to run full cycles in the dishwasher. Modern dishwashers are environmentally friendly and spend less water than you would need to hand-wash the same amount of dishes. Make sure you fill the dishwasher and do full cycles each time. However, not all rentals have a dishwasher to create more space when organizing a small kitchen. In this case, you’ll have to be more practical with hand washing. Carefully scrape food leftovers, fill the sink, wash the dishes altogether and then rinse them. Avoid washing the dishes one by one while the tap is constantly running. This method wastes so much water!

6. Cool water in your fridge 
If you drink tap water, the chances are you left the water running until it cools down a bit before pouring it into the glass. Water gets warmer in the pipes, so some people need to cool it down before drinking it – but that’s a huge waste of water. In the summer months, the amount of water waste this way can really add up. Instead, you can pour it directly into a jug and place it in a fridge to cool down. This way, you’ll always have cold water at your disposal without making a huge waste. 

Final words
Being environmentally conscious is about implementing small habits to create a lifestyle. As you can see, these simple ways to save water at your rental property are not difficult to do, so you can start practicing them even today and do something good for our planet. 

​Photo Credits:
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Learn about the questions to ask when viewing a rental property so you can ensure that you rent the best possible home for you and your family!

Finding a home is a tiring and challenging task. Even if you rent a property, it is still a place where you will spend a part of your life. So, naturally, you want it to be perfect for your wants and needs. To help you find one such place, here are some questions to ask when viewing a rental property.

How and when should I pay rent?
Different landlords have different preferences when it comes to paying rent. This is why one of the most important questions to ask a prospective landlord is how they expect you to pay and when. After all, it makes a difference. If your landlord expects the rent on the fifth of every month, it will affect how you budget your money until the end of the month. If you need to pay your rent around the thirtieth, when you typically have the least amount of cash on hand, you have to plan before it. Similarly, some landlords like to get cash in person and might visit or require you to visit them. While some prefer you transfer the money to them online.

Can I expect the rent to change?
​Asking whether the rent will change in the future is essential, especially if you plan to live somewhere long-term. Living in a 'perfect' apartment for a couple of months only to have your rent nearly double all of a sudden is the worst. If you can't afford the new price, you might need to move out in a hurry. This is why a wise sub-question is: Will you inform me at least a month or two of your decision before you change the rent? 

How much are the utilities?
Sometimes, you come across a place for rent that seems like it’s come straight out of your dreams. The property is beautiful, the rooms amazingly organized, and the furniture and appliances in top condition. Even the rent might be low! You rent it out quickly and live your life in bliss for a month. And then you get hit by the sky-high utility bills. Another intelligent question in the same vein is whether there are any outstanding utility debts because they can either land on your head or increase the cost of your utilities.

Will you help with any repairs?
Knowing who is responsible for what is critical when trying to find your ideal rental. If an appliance breaks down, can you count on your landlord to replace it? What about if a leak suddenly pops up in your bathroom? Or if there is a problem with the roof? If you do not clarify such things beforehand, you might have to spend a lot more money than you originally planned to.

Can I freely decorate?
​Everyone wants to feel at home in the place they're renting, and there are many things to do after moving that can help them feel that way, from unpacking and cleaning to decorating. It's important to focus on these steps and make your rental feel like home, but be careful with decorating. Some landlords do not like it when you make too many changes. So, make sure to clarify how far you can go.

Do you allow pets?
Do not assume that just because your landlord hasn't explicitly told you that you couldn't keep a pet, you can do it. The subject might not even come up unless you bring a pet to viewing. And if you get a pet or already own one, you may be in trouble if you haven't discussed it with your landlord. If you want to find the best possible rental property for you, one of the most important questions to ask when viewing a rental property is whether or not pets are allowed.

How often will you visit?
Some landlords like to make sure their property is well looked after. Some, however, take this too far and pop in to check on you every other week. If this is something that would make you uncomfortable, then you need to check with your potential landlord and figure out how often they are planning to make visits.

Have you had infestations before?
Among questions to ask when viewing a rental property, asking about previous infestations in a rental is often overlooked. This is a mistake, especially if you are looking for an apartment. Just because you've called in exterminators in apartment buildings doesn't mean your neighbors have. And if they have declined to do it, the infestation will repeat itself frequently. Not to mention that taking care of an infestation might require you to move out and take your things with you temporarily. Disassembling furniture when moving to make it easier to transport is a hassle. Let alone finding a temporary place to stay. So, it may be best to pass up on such apartments.

How new are the appliances?
You might think it's not polite to ask about the age of appliances in a furnished apartment viewing. However, this is a crucial question if your landlord has made it clear that you will need to take care of replacements or repairs. Even if the landlord pays, it will still be a pain if things break down often.

Have neighbors caused problems before?
If there is one thing that can make life a living hell, it's terrible neighbors. One of the important questions to ask when viewing a rental property is whether there have been problems with the neighbors in the past. If the landlord admits to having had problems, or if they get dodgy with their answers, pass up the property. Of course, the landlord, not living on the property themselves, might not know enough to comment on this. So, one of the things to remember when moving out of your rental apartment, if you want to be extra nice, is to leave your contact info so prospective tenants can consult you about your experiences.

Final advice
​Now that you are familiar with the questions to ask when viewing a rental property, the only thing left is to be patient. Never rush into renting a place because it seems nice or because it’s cheap. Sometimes, paying a little more is worth it in the long run. And even the prettiest of rentals might be hiding serious problems.

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​There are many reasons why someone would consider hiring a property manager. There are also many reasons why people rent storage. Both of these options come with numerous benefits. However, not many people consider that a property manager can benefit from a storage solution, too. To understand how, we will first go over why people hire property management services and how property owners take advantage of self-storage options.

Owning a rental property comes with many responsibilities. Sometimes, property owners don't have sufficient time to handle them all themselves due to their work and family obligations. Moreover, if they own multiple rental properties, managing them all successfully becomes downright impossible. 
Here are some of the most significant benefits of hiring a property manager:

• Tenant screening. Property managers will ensure you only rent to quality tenants, who will pay the rent on time, stay there for a longer time, cause few problems, and take care of your property. 
• Reduced vacancy rate. Tenant turnover is costly. After every tenant, you have to pay for cleaning services, change the locks, paint the apartment, and take care of necessary repairs. Long-term tenants reduce those expenses drastically. A property manager will know how to market your rental, determine a competitive rent rate, as well as oversee the necessary improvements.
• Liability issues. A property manager is familiar with all the state and federal laws. So, they know all the procedures regarding tenant eviction, lease contracts, inspections, rent collection, security deposits, etc. It will help avoid legal issues with your tenants.
• Handling unpleasant situations. In case of any issues, a property manager will know how to behave and what actions to take. For example, they will have no problem saying no if a tenant wants to get a pet and your apartment is not pet-friendly or let a friend move in. They will also ensure you are not taken advantage of in any way.
• Freedom to do whatever you want. You can live in one place and invest in properties in another. You can have a long holiday without worrying about who will take care of potential issues, or focus on your family and do whatever you want with your free time. 

​Renting storage is most often a solution to the lack of space in your home. You can rent a storage unit for various reasons, depending on what is going on in your life. Below are some of the most common reasons why people need storage solutions, be it long-term or short-term:

• Decluttering. Reducing the clutter in your home is one of the principal reasons for renting a storage unit. You can use it for seasonal items or things you are unsure whether you want to keep or it's best to sell or donate them.
• Moving to a new home. If you are downsizing and won't have enough space for all your belongings, self-storage is a good option for items you are not ready to part ways with. Also, your new home may not be ready yet, so a storage unit is a perfect way to keep your items safe until you are ready to move in. 
• Renovating. If you are doing some works around your home, the best way to keep your items safe from dust, dirt, and harm is to put them away. A storage unit will also help you maintain relative normalcy in your home while the works are underway. 
• Starting a hobby. If you can't make space for your new hobby in your home, a storage unit is an excellent solution. 

Whatever you use your storage unit for, make sure to keep it organized and tidy. What's the point in having all that extra space if you can't find your way around it?

​You may wonder how a property manager can benefit from a storage solution when the property they manage is not theirs. So, if there's anything to be placed in storage, it's upon the owner to do it. Also, if a property manager rents a unit for personal reasons, it's not like they benefit from it as a professional.
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Well, you will be surprised that, indeed, a property manager can take advantage of some extra storage space.

​As a property manager, owning some large machinery that has no place in an office may be necessary. It could be a professional vacuum, a lawnmower, or some tools. If such items were in your office, you would seem unprofessional. Moreover, jumping over such equipment can be hazardous. You have an option to rent a bigger office space that has a storage room, but it would be much more affordable to rent a storage unit. 

​You never know when a tenant will need your assistance or when a landscaping or cleaning team will need to access the equipment. If you have a viewing scheduled in the morning, your teams can pick up the equipment whenever is convenient and prepare the property before potential tenants arrive. 

​If a tenant brings their piece of furniture or wants to remove something from the rental, you have a solution to offer. Also, when tenants move out, they may leave some of their bulkier pieces behind. Your option may be to donate these items, but you can put them in storage for a while as well.

​Sometimes, a rental property will have to be repainted, some repairs will have to be done, or even some remodeling. Then, the best option is to keep all the furniture and appliances safe from harm. 

​You may want to have spare doorknobs, locks, faucets, or similar items in store if you need to replace them quickly. Buying such items in bulk can be a budget-friendly solution because you will be able to get them at a discounted price. Moreover, you can keep leftover paint and other materials until you need them for the next project.

​A property manager can benefit from a storage solution like any other person. Having extra space at your disposal for unexpected circumstances or storing bulky equipment is always advantageous. Ultimately, it can make property managers seem more professional and allow them to react swiftly in case of any trouble. All this can help property managers establish a great relationship with their clients and ensure long-term cooperation. 

Renting comes with many advantages, but the freedom to customize your living space according to your needs and preferences certainly isn't one of them. When a hefty safety deposit and a strict lease agreement are watching your every move, turning a rental into a home becomes a much more daunting task. Still, there is no reason to despair, even if you are still not ready to upgrade from tenant to homeowner. There are many budget-friendly ways to personalize your rental home that won't aggravate your landlord or your wallet. Stay tuned to see what they are.

Add some color to the walls
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for transforming your living space. Owners typically opt for white or other neutral shades because they are universal and easy to paint over in between tenants. If this is too dull for your taste, you can always kindly ask your landlord to switch things up. If they are not too keen on the idea, offer to repaint the walls in the original color before the time comes to move out. Yes, this will be an extra expense you will need to account for, but since there are moving services for different needs and budgets available, you should be able to make an affordable plan without sacrificing anything.

Create an accent wall with removable wallpaper
This list of budget-friendly ways to personalize your rental home can't go without wallpaper. Removable wallpaper is a fantastic way to bring some color and style into your living space. There is a variety of colors, patterns, and even textures to choose from, so finding something that matches your taste shouldn't be an issue. You can even use it to upgrade the bathroom! Just be very careful when removing it if you want to get your security deposit back. If you chip or damage the walls, end-of-tenancy cleaning won't be your only issue when you decide to move.

Upgrade the lighting
Lighting plays an essential role in interior design. However, rentals usually cover only the bare necessities when it comes to illumination, be it natural or artificial. Luckily, addressing this issue is neither hard nor expensive.
You can find beautiful lamps and lighting fixtures on various online marketplaces and thrift stores for ridiculously low amounts of money. LED strip lights are an excellent solution for task lighting in the kitchen or bathroom. When it comes to wall and ceiling fixtures, you can opt for pendant lights that you can customize and arrange according to your liking if you are not allowed to install more.
Additionally, make sure to remove or replace your blinds and add airy curtains that will allow more sunlight into your living space.

Replace the hardware
Door knobs and cabinet pulls might seem insignificant, but they can really help you personalize your rental home. You can find cheap hardware online. The fact that replacing it requires minimal effort makes this trick even more attractive. Just make sure to store the original knobs, handles, and pulls in a safe place to avoid losing them.

Add a removable backsplash to your kitchen
Rarely will you find a rental with a kitchen backsplash that is just according to your liking. Luckily, you can easily address this with a removable backsplash. It will protect the walls from accidental spills and splashes and make the move-out cleaning significantly more manageable. Moreover, since it is so cheap, you can simply replace it once you get bored of the pattern.

Upgrade appliances and cabinets with contact paper
While there probably isn't much you can do about the appliances and cabinets in your rental, there are ways to make them look a bit more presentable. Contact paper! Simply clean and dry the surface you want to cover and carefully stick the paper to avoid air bubbles and creases. If you take your time with this, you might even convince your friends that you finally got that expensive stainless-steel fridge! When the time comes to move, simply remove the contact paper and no one will ever know.

Cover ugly flooring with area rugs
Since flooring isn't exactly cheap or easy to fix or replace, landlords typically don't address them unless absolutely necessary. As a result, many rentals have less than stellar floors that really affect the home's vibe. If this is the case with your apartment - there is no reason to panic! Area rugs can be a cheap and easy fix for this issue. Layer different sizes, colors, and shapes to cover the ugly spots and add a dose of coziness to your living space.

Personalize your rental home with plants
When it comes to home decor, plants are always an excellent choice. They are affordable, versatile, and capable of brightening up even the dreariest of places.
If you don't have much experience keeping them alive, know that many low-maintenance options thrive on neglect. Make sure to choose the plants that can survive with the conditions you will provide them. This means that succulents are probably not an ideal choice if your rental doesn't get much sunlight. Additionally, put your green friends in some cool planters, and place them on your shelves, hang them, or even use them to cover up the eyesores.

Don’t assume you can’t change anything
While there are many budget-friendly ways to personalize your rental home, they might not be enough for you. If you have more complex ideas in mind, don't just assume that you can do nothing about them. It's true that most landlords aren't big on allowing their tenants to make significant changes, but that might not be the case with your landlord. A kind approach, alongside responsible tenant behavior, could be enough to persuade the owner to loosen up the rules. Remember to be realistic about your demands and always offer to return the property to its previous condition. However, if your landlord won't budge and you simply don't feel at home in the rental - don't despair. There are many properties out there, and, with a bit of help, you will surely manage to find something that satisfies your needs and wishes.

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