Renters often wish to renovate their temporary homes and rental owners usually give them permission to do so because they too can benefit from the updates. This whole ordeal is based on a mutual agreement between the landlord and the tenants, and both parties need to agree how the investment is going to affect the rent.
These financial transactions are sometimes the crucial part of the negotiations because many tenants ask their landlords for permission to renovate the property if they think it’s necessary, but want something in return, especially in case of major renovations. So, if you want to renovate your rental, but don’t know how here’s what you can do.
Start with Curb Appeal
Who doesn’t like coming home to a well-maintained outdoor space that’s welcoming and synced with the inside of the house? Paying extra attention to the driveway and curb appeal is easy and can be done in a day, but it’s so effective. All you need to do is mow the lawn, clean everything and leave only those items you plan on using in the future, but you can also paint the exterior and fix the driveway. One thing you need to negotiate with your landlord is a good and sturdy front door that will boost the security of your home.
Update Your Bathroom
Modernizing your bathroom is always welcome if you wish it to look sleek and clean. However, don’t go overboard and turn it into a spa center, but simply replace the toilet and shower screens, and make sure the cabinets and fixtures are in good shape.
If there’s not enough storage space, see if there’s a possibility of changing the layout to add more vanities. Finishing touches like new faucets, sinks and cabinet handles won’t break the bank, but will still make your bathroom look amazing, but don’t forget to hire some professionals to check the plumbing before you start making any changes.
Modernize the Kitchen
Nowadays, everyone likes cooking, but your kitchen needs enough space for all your tools, and that’s something you shouldn’t compromise on. If the kitchen is outdated, check if your landlord is willing to let you renovate it and then deduct the investment budget from your rent.
What you need to do is replace damaged countertops, repaint the cabinets, create enough storage space and make room for a dining table. Also, keep in mind that certain appliances, such as those reliable ones from Electrolux, are always a great upgrade and an investment worth making. Adjusting the kitchen to your needs is something tenants and landlord almost always agree on because the kitchen is the heart of every home and often the selling point of a particular property.
Fix the Floors
This is one of the most expensive projects, and you should definitely negotiate with your landlord first, but be persuasive and make this happen. Some rental properties have traditional wooden floors, and these are much better than new flooring and wall-to-wall carpets, but whatever your situation is, react as soon as you notice there’s something wrong.
Contact your landlord and check if they’re ready to pay for the damage themselves. Alternatively, just use vinyl floors – these are usually found in the kitchen, but you can always install them on your own and promise to remove them when you move out.
Upcycle the Furniture
Unless you’re the first tenant in your apartment – and the chances of this are quite slim – you’ve probably been thinking about all the people who’ve lived there before you. The main problem is hygiene as too many people are sleeping in the same beds and sharing the same chairs. Of course, you can’t make the landlord buy you a whole new set of furniture, but you can try to reupholster at least the living room sofas and armchairs on your own. Besides that, you can buy a new mattress for the bedroom, but be sure to pick the model that suits you sleeping habits and needs.
These projects will help you feel at home and make your rental cozier and more personal. Coming to an agreement with the landlord is crucial, so check everything before moving in. After you finish the remodeling, all that’s left to do is enjoy the comfort and warmth of your new home.
Author Bio: Emma B. Joyce is blogger based in Australia. She is a true home decor and DIY fanatic. Emma is interested in music and also is a big reading enthusiast. Finding new designs and patterns is her daily task. She got hooked on home accessories and decorations during her traveling and now cannot stop searching for new inspiration.
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