I did that once, and my landlord was PISSED. She admitted it looked great, But she said all the apartments were designed to look exactly the same and that I violated that rule. So that's being taken out of my security deposit.
There is something called the No No Bracket. It allows you to hang curtains without drilling holes. It slides right over the thing your blinds are attached to. I would recommend. They are working for me so far.
I’ve suggesting swapping out taps (faucets) door handles etc to my daughter but she can’t be bothered because the whole place is wanting attention- ( however I bought her white eyelet translucent curtains to cover the manky verticals which cheered her up ) - in Australia they’ve only very recently allowed tenants to paint walls hang pictures without needing permission - such an exciting development it made the 6o clock news
You have had some lenient landlords! I've never lived somewhere where it wasn't expressly prohibited in the lease to change sink/shower fixtures or lighting (US rentals in Iowa, Michigan, Colorado, NJ, NYC). It's been hit or miss on allowing painting or drilling in the walls, but always a win when it is allowed! When it's not: loads of command strips and very large colorful modern art is your friend (stretched canvas, not framed art so it is lighter weight). I'll have to look into your recommended brands for stick-on wallpaper - I've heard so many horror stories about the removal process not only taking off the paint but also messing up the sheetrock or plaster underneath that I've been leery. Thanks for the tips! Inspirational as always.
That’s what I was thinking! Where I am, it’s standard that you have to ask in writing, for permission to hang a single picture on the wall. Definitely no changing hardware, painting walls or even stick on wallpaper. I’m in Australia, and the rental rules here tend to be extremely strict. If you leave so much as a single tiny nail hole in the wall, they will take that out of your bond. And if you have ever had less than your full bond refunded, then you’re basically on a blacklist. And they come through and do a full inspection of your home every 3 months. Only the most lenient of landlords allow pets. It really sucks.
OMG Yess!! In New Zealand you can't paint walls or make holes for pictures unless checking with the owner. Heck!! apparently just attaching something (eg wall storage) to the wall makes it a fixture and makes the home owner the new owner (unless they say its k you can do it and keep it afterwards).
yes that is true but the whole point is changing things you can change back...everything you do must be able to be changed back to how it was....i live in NYC and all my leases say no alterations...and i had a fight with management about what an alteration is. in most leases an alteration is something that cant be changed back easily...unless the lease SPECIFICALLY says what you cant do...based on NYC rental laws. and its different for rental stabilized as there is a rider that supersedes whatever the lease says you cant do. i have never had a lease say i cant change fixtures only says no alterations ...and landlords cant go after you for changing fixtures in nyc UNLESS the lease states YOU CANT CHANGE fixtures but it has to say it in detail..saying no alterations does not cover that ....went to court about this in nyc and judge told landlord that changing fixtures was not considered and alteration as the changes can be changed back. and an alteration is a permeant change. like example retiling a bathroom or redoing floors as those are permeant changes and therefore are considered alterations..so this guy is correct
3M Command strips and hooks are your friend. Easy to put lots of stuff on the walls without making holes the landlord either doesn't allow, or you'd have to fill later.
That's what I want. I want my deposit back, especially as I'm in the process of repairing my credit and it might not be fantastic when I'm ready to move this year, causing me to pay a higher deposit. I want that money back, so I want all of my decorating to leave as few marks as possible.
Be careful with those things! I have had them cause SEVERE damage to plaster lathe walls, as in spackling a nail hole would have been much easier. I have also had them damage a brand new wall made of drywall. That said, adhesive hooks do have their uses. There are several walls in my newly renovated laundry room that contain water lines, so I used adhesive hooks on those walls to avoid puncturing the plumbing.
Long time San Francisco renter. I absolutely have done each and every recommendation in this video, and my rental looks far more pulled together than most owned condos.
Oh I know tell me about it. I think sometimes renters are scared to damage anything - but the truth is, you pay to be there and should make it your own! Good landlords totally understand this too and within reason, let tenants make the changes I described in the video, because happy tenants stay longer! Also important to understand your local legislation and what your rights are.
Coming from Scandinavia (Denmark), the lights and the blinds tips are so foreign. o: When you rent an apartment here, the only light you're getting is spot in the bathroom and something under the kitchen cabinets and there are no blinds. That be said; it really totally changes an apartment when you get all the little details like blinds/curtains and lighting so it matches with the rest of your style! Found your channel just as I moved into my mew rental and all these tips are so helpful ~
Lol yep I lived in Ecuador for a couple years and always rented furnished apartments, but when it says unfurnished they mean it! No appliances, no light fixtures, no window treatments, no nothing!
@@JustYFriend yea you don't often see fashionable homes that have them but in a hot climate they're a necessity! Even if you have air con I like the breeze of a fan. Simple ones that blend in to the background are probably best.
I currently live in an apartment where the bumpy floor is laminated,the walls have the cheapest beige wallpaper you can think (it peels off when you try to dust it!),the doorknobs are so old you have to change the whole door. The landlord doesn't let us change the drapes,drill the walls (probably because they will fall down 😂) or put his old furniture in storage...Delightful,yes?😳 But I am hopeful that with your advice on area rugs,lighting and general decor touches it will be better. (until I move out in the summer!😉) Thank you!
@@Stettafire I don't know where you live but I'd suggest finding out if you have a renter's advocacy group or code of some sort. Having serious issues like a leaky roof that goes unattended by the landlord is generally a cause for him/her to be cited by some government entity.
In more than 40 rental residences that I have lived in, the one rule that every single landlord/manager has emphasized is NO PAINTING. None of them have ever said anything about not changing the flooring, but maybe because that's prohibitively expensive and labor intensive. They've also never said not to change the faucets, but I wouldn't risk messing that up and have made do with the cheap chrome.
Excellent tips, thanks! I usually change door handles and light fixtures when I move into a new rental, but I had never thought about also changing water taps and such. I should totally do that, it'd make a huge difference!
In our old apartment, we took down those slatted blinds and put up double curtains and we loved them. But honestly, it wasn’t until we were moving out and put those nasty things back up that we realized what a massive difference the curtains had made that whole time.
Love your videos and wisdom. I have lived in a rental for years and my design struggle has been wiring! Outlets aren’t necessarily everywhere, and although more things are becoming wireless, they still have to be recharged. Sometimes adding overhead lighting to what exists already isn’t an option-how do you get light into places where there’s no outlet? And power strips-why are they so short? How do you integrate/hide/accept these unsightly necessities? Thank you!
I think the key is, ask the landlady first. She may have some restrictions, she may just let you do whatever as long as it's returned to plain rental mode when you leave, or she may be delighted and happy with the upgrades!
My mom did a beach theme with her apartment living room, making it a "sea foam" light blue color and then added a glitter of some kind so it shimmers. The dining room, she paintes the back wall dark grey, almost black (charcoal?) and then added a sort of crosshatch design with silver, dark blue and...another blue? I can't remember right now, been a few months since I've been over. She added some small hanging lights for the area as well. Then she painted her cabinets black and the fridge to make it look like it's stainless steel, lol. I know it's a mis-matched layout but I still find it cool that she did it anyways. My brother and I room together (and hopefully aftet four years, this will be the final one), and our place has forest green carpet (we needed a new place quick so there wasn't time to seek out somewhere else). We decided that with a carpet of that color, trying to match anything was pointless, XD! The couch and lounge chair with ottoman match, and then we have a tan, leather arm chair that doesn't, and then one tan and one green curtain because we were too lazy to hang up the other matching tan curtain once we found it while unpacking, XD! I'm watching interior design videos now though to get ideas for my own space when I move out this year.
I wish I could do that. I'm renting in Denmark and landlords they would use any small opportunity to steal your deposit which is 3 months rent. Sometimes, the detail could be something you can not even see with bare eyes 🤣
Hi Nick - so happy to have discovered your channel! I've done pretty much all of these things to my rental. I also have those hideous vertical blinds and removing them isn't an option. I've used curtains to hide them in the living room and 2 bedrooms but I didn't want to put long curtains in my kitchen. Instead, I'm using removable wallpaper to cover the slats, so when you close them, it kind of looks like a curtain panel and adds some colour.
My bother can't stand magnolia till now, because everywhere he rented it was that colour. Years ago we rented together for few years and asked if we can paint walls different colours. We got a yes, and also the landlord is obligated to repaint every 6 years. When we moved out they charged us deposit for the walls even though they assured us it's not going to happen and they're happy with the result.
Hi Nick, would you please consider revisiting this for 2023? I keep hearing that people have quite strict landlords, so I think there'd be a lot of demand for design/neatness ideas but with the challenge that you can't change the walls or fittings in any way.
Any ideas for covering up a ceiling boob light rather than swapping it? We are not allowed to remove the hideous fixtures - thinking of hiding it up with some kind of shade ( perhaps like a Noguchi style paper lantern) , but not sure how it would attach. I can take off the globe part of our boob light but will not be able to remove/replace the flush mounted circle with the actual light fixture. Suggestions?
I'm sorry what? How is that a thing, you're living in that space, so why can't you paint the walls however you want? ( Provided you paint them back to white when you move out )
@@simsalaisa1333 yes I live in the Netherlands and I’ve never heard of an apartment you weren’t allowed to paint? As long as you paint it white again once you leave it ok..
It's always shocking to hear that in many places renters aren't allowed to paint, drill in the walls or change the lighting fixtures! Living in Germany, those things are entirely accepted and normal (for the lighting, you wouldn't even have pre-installed fixtures but be expected to get your own). Even changing up the flooring is not that uncommon - as long as it's something like laminate that you can just put on top of the existing flooring and easily remove when you move out. Changing out faucets or door handles on the other hand is not something I've never heard anybody do - great idea though! :)
The f only I didn’t live where I have to ask, in writing, to be allowed to hang one picture. I have to ask, in writing, to make one very small hole in the wall. We are not allowed to use peel off wallpaper. We are not allowed to use 3M hooks. It sucks. You never really feel like it’s your home. Everything is tilted very much in the favour of the landlord. I hate it. If I could buy, I’d do it in a heartbeat- then I wouldn’t have to worry about some loud stranger tromping through my home every 3 months, and I’d be able to at least do some decoration. I wish.
I can’t believe there are places where renters are allowed to paint their walls. That’s insane to me. I’m also not allowed to change out hardware without written permission (and it’s totally up to the landlord or real estate if they let you, even if you make it clear that it’s temporary. They can and often do still say no). I can control my furniture. That’s it. I can’t use rugs unfortunately- they’re allowed, but they don’t mix well with wheelchairs. I’m so jealous of renters who are allowed to make changes, hang things, paint walls! Like I said- that’s insane to me.
My landlord is a first time landlord. Completely fucked the walls, plumbing, and fixtures because he did all the work himself. I replaced the toilet and fixed the plumbing and took it out of my rent. One thing I do have to give him is that he's been super lenient with letting me do what I want to make the place home. I just had my painter come in and paint the living room. So much brighter and comfortable now. Now I need to replaced the nicotine stained drop ceiling tiles with ones I got off facebook marketplace for $35.
Most landlords want you to live there, but not 'live there'. The apartment is new and nice but could use a little tweaking, not allowed to do a darn thing!
First of all, love your videos, subscribed after watching the first one :) It is very strange to me that apparently apartments in the US come with light fixtures. Here in Germany you're lucky if your rental comes with a kitchen. Yes, Germans will move with their own kitchens and it is as expensive as it sounds. Also I read on a couple of comments that you're not allowed to hang anything on the walls, is that a thing? Seems...invasive on the landlords side...
Some landlords do prohibit hanging anything that requires any type of hole (nails, thumbtacks, etc.) but most do not. I've been in rentals my entire life and the only time a landlord had an issue was anything being hung over the fireplace (it was exposed brick.) He did eventually permit one hole that we had to mend when we moved out. Now we have a plethora of Command strips and hooks in the States so if you have a particularly anal landlord you can still hang things.
Not hanging anything on the walls is definitely a thing in Australia. Though at least our rentals do come with a kitchen. We just supply our own fridge and microwave. But we are not allowed to make any changes (including hanging anything) without written permission, and that’s up to the landlord, who as often as not will say no. And most landlords do not allow pets. Also, the real estate that handles the renting will also be extremely strict with bond refund- they’ll try to get you on the smallest little thing, and take it out of your bond. Which wouldn’t be too awful, except that if you’ve ever not had your full bond refunded, then all real estates can see that, and it’s basically like going on a grey/blacklist. So it’s just not worth it.
I just came across your channel recently and immediately subscribed to it! Your videos are so informative and fun! I am wondering if you can do a video similar to this but from a landlord's perspective? Would love to know your thoughts on cost-effective ways to upgrade the rental properties to attract tenants and make them feel more welcomed!
You need to use licensed professionals to switch out lighting and plumbing fixtures, as well as the landlord’s written permission. (Most leases and rental agreements specifically prohibit changing ANY fixture, including hardware like knobs). If you don’t, and there’s a fire or water damage, you’ll be responsible for the entire cost of repairs, including paying to replace the whole building. It’s not worth the risk of paying for it for the rest of your life, take all the precautions to indemnify yourself, first. I would concentrate on furnishings, unless I planned to stay for 10 years, even then, you can be evicted under certain conditions, even if a perfect-paying tenant.
Im living in Germany and mostly in rented apartments. Often apartments are not including a kitchen or lights, also many people are covering the flooring with cork or laminate. Is that unusual in the us?
Nope. In the US most people would not rent a place that had no kitchen. Older buildings here may not have light fixtures except for the kitchen and bathroom, but that is not the norm.
It is the same in the Netherlands especially if you rent from a company, you are lucky if there are floors in there because most are just concrete haha. Also no lights either however I’ve never seen a rental without a kitchen block although you do have to install your own hardware.
Living in the Netherlands, your suggestions seem so alien. I'm allowed to do a lot more than what you mention. I could even knock down a wall if I ask my landlord nicely.
@@Stettafire I live in the UK and you definitely CAN put pictures up. You can literally do what you want as long as you make sure the place looks the same when you move out. If you feel the need you can ask your landlord or agency and say you'll make sure it's the same as before, or you could just do it and change it before you move so they wouldn't know anyway xx
@@Stettafire Or try Command hooks to hang pictures. They do no damage. I can hang stuff on my walls, but I wanted to hang something on my wood door and I didn't want to do any permanent damage, it's been holding up for over a year.
Yes! I’m from the Netherlands as well and I’m allowed to do pretty much anything.. I could never live in an apartment I wasn’t allowed to paint or put nails in the wall.
I used removable wallpaper from China and it damaged the wall so badly when I tried to peel it off... 100% my fault for being cheap, ended up costing way more to fix
Hmmm it's hard to say without seeing them, but I'd say they would be fine. I've left some hefty holes in my rentals suites but some spackle usually smooths that over. If you are really nervous then maybe try a test patch?
A bit of of a permanent idea of “non-permanent”?! Where I live landlords don’t usually allow repainting (especially not dark or bright feature walls) and will take the cost of repainting, removing shelving or filling holes out of your bond.
Yes! I've lived in many a rental over the last 25 years and always paint bright or dark accent walls when it's allowed - which sadly it often is not. Over the years I've done dark slate grays, deep purple, black, bright red, cobalt, teal. A solid coat (or very occasionally 2) of Killz stainblocking primer (if it's available in your country) will get it back to white.
3:53 Most rentals in Europe won't let you paint the walls. Peel and stuck wallpaper trashes your walls. Cant drill into the walls to pit up pictures This isn't a very rent friendly video
There are stick-on hooks I use to hang paintings/wreaths in my rental. They sometimes have a plastic tab at the bottom that you can pull to help remove them. I've never tried hanging anything super heavy though.
Well, Europe is pretty different from North America where he lives. Maybe look to see if there are any European CZcams personalities that have similar videos for Europe. Also, try Command strips and hooks. They leave zero residue or holes and you can still hang stuff. If they aren't available in whatever country you reside in perhaps you can order them online.
What do you mean by 'Europe'? That's a lot of different countries with varying laws. I'm living in a European country and have lived in rentals all my life. Not once did a landlord bat an eye when walls were painted (as long as they were returned to their original colour upon moving out) or holes were drilled to hang art or furniture. My parents even ripped out the ugly carpet once and installed new flooring. They also took the kitchen out and bought a new one.
More people rent I don’t understand why more videos for rental decorating and design isn’t as available. Great ideas!
Totally agree! Especially in urban areas where real estate is crazy expensive!
Hi, there are a few channels who talk about rental decor a lot. Alexandra Gater, XO MaCenna, Lone Fox,...
So true
I agree with you..I had this struggle my self.Hence why've even start a channel on rental apartment.Small spaces especially.
We added accent walls and replaced the light fixtures and our landlord was really impressed. He says it looks like it was professionally decorated lol
I did that once, and my landlord was PISSED. She admitted it looked great, But she said all the apartments were designed to look exactly the same and that I violated that rule. So that's being taken out of my security deposit.
There is something called the No No Bracket. It allows you to hang curtains without drilling holes. It slides right over the thing your blinds are attached to. I would recommend. They are working for me so far.
You are a blessing! I was just about to complain! Thank You!
I’ve suggesting swapping out taps (faucets) door handles etc to my daughter but she can’t be bothered because the whole place is wanting attention- ( however I bought her white eyelet translucent curtains to cover the manky verticals which cheered her up ) - in Australia they’ve only very recently allowed tenants to paint walls hang pictures without needing permission - such an exciting development it made the 6o clock news
You have had some lenient landlords! I've never lived somewhere where it wasn't expressly prohibited in the lease to change sink/shower fixtures or lighting (US rentals in Iowa, Michigan, Colorado, NJ, NYC). It's been hit or miss on allowing painting or drilling in the walls, but always a win when it is allowed! When it's not: loads of command strips and very large colorful modern art is your friend (stretched canvas, not framed art so it is lighter weight).
I'll have to look into your recommended brands for stick-on wallpaper - I've heard so many horror stories about the removal process not only taking off the paint but also messing up the sheetrock or plaster underneath that I've been leery.
Thanks for the tips! Inspirational as always.
That’s what I was thinking! Where I am, it’s standard that you have to ask in writing, for permission to hang a single picture on the wall.
Definitely no changing hardware, painting walls or even stick on wallpaper. I’m in Australia, and the rental rules here tend to be extremely strict. If you leave so much as a single tiny nail hole in the wall, they will take that out of your bond.
And if you have ever had less than your full bond refunded, then you’re basically on a blacklist. And they come through and do a full inspection of your home every 3 months. Only the most lenient of landlords allow pets. It really sucks.
OMG Yess!! In New Zealand you can't paint walls or make holes for pictures unless checking with the owner. Heck!! apparently just attaching something (eg wall storage) to the wall makes it a fixture and makes the home owner the new owner (unless they say its k you can do it and keep it afterwards).
yes that is true but the whole point is changing things you can change back...everything you do must be able to be changed back to how it was....i live in NYC and all my leases say no alterations...and i had a fight with management about what an alteration is. in most leases an alteration is something that cant be changed back easily...unless the lease SPECIFICALLY says what you cant do...based on NYC rental laws. and its different for rental stabilized as there is a rider that supersedes whatever the lease says you cant do. i have never had a lease say i cant change fixtures only says no alterations ...and landlords cant go after you for changing fixtures in nyc UNLESS the lease states YOU CANT CHANGE fixtures but it has to say it in detail..saying no alterations does not cover that ....went to court about this in nyc and judge told landlord that changing fixtures was not considered and alteration as the changes can be changed back. and an alteration is a permeant change. like example retiling a bathroom or redoing floors as those are permeant changes and therefore are considered alterations..so this guy is correct
I love how get right to topic. You explain things very clearly and simply. Love your channel.
Thanks so much! I try to be conscious of people's time and get right to the point!
Me too, love it
@@Nick_Lewis I’m so happy I found this
I am binge watching your videos!! I love them! Plz keep them coming especially on apartments/ renter friendly.
Mad love for you ❤️
Thank you! Will do!
I agree. Nick's videos offer a lot of great - and affordable - ideas.
I would love a tour of your apartment. I'm sure you are asked this a million times!
Agreed
Omg the blinds! Yes. My current nightmare 🤣
3M Command strips and hooks are your friend. Easy to put lots of stuff on the walls without making holes the landlord either doesn't allow, or you'd have to fill later.
That's what I want. I want my deposit back, especially as I'm in the process of repairing my credit and it might not be fantastic when I'm ready to move this year, causing me to pay a higher deposit. I want that money back, so I want all of my decorating to leave as few marks as possible.
Be careful with those things! I have had them cause SEVERE damage to plaster lathe walls, as in spackling a nail hole would have been much easier. I have also had them damage a brand new wall made of drywall. That said, adhesive hooks do have their uses. There are several walls in my newly renovated laundry room that contain water lines, so I used adhesive hooks on those walls to avoid puncturing the plumbing.
Long time San Francisco renter. I absolutely have done each and every recommendation in this video, and my rental looks far more pulled together than most owned condos.
Yay! Thank you for this! If you don't rent, you have no idea all the little rules that come when trying to decorate.
Oh I know tell me about it. I think sometimes renters are scared to damage anything - but the truth is, you pay to be there and should make it your own! Good landlords totally understand this too and within reason, let tenants make the changes I described in the video, because happy tenants stay longer! Also important to understand your local legislation and what your rights are.
@@Nick_Lewis Thank you! I agree! I have a wonderful landlord and have been fortunate to get to decorate however I would like.
I've done the hardware thing. It can really transform a boring cabinet and make it your own.
Coming from Scandinavia (Denmark), the lights and the blinds tips are so foreign. o: When you rent an apartment here, the only light you're getting is spot in the bathroom and something under the kitchen cabinets and there are no blinds. That be said; it really totally changes an apartment when you get all the little details like blinds/curtains and lighting so it matches with the rest of your style! Found your channel just as I moved into my mew rental and all these tips are so helpful ~
Lol yep I lived in Ecuador for a couple years and always rented furnished apartments, but when it says unfurnished they mean it! No appliances, no light fixtures, no window treatments, no nothing!
Great tips! The light fixtures make a huge difference! I just can never tell between "bold statement" or "plain tacky" with some of them. 😜
Glad it was helpful! I think sometimes confidence makes all the difference! If you love it, it's a bold statement! 😁
Problem in my place is the ceiling lights are in the middle of the ceiling fan so I can't change them. :(
@@em84c Ceiling fans are another thing I have trouble choosing. We don't have any, but I guess the simpler the more elegant.
@@JustYFriend yea you don't often see fashionable homes that have them but in a hot climate they're a necessity! Even if you have air con I like the breeze of a fan. Simple ones that blend in to the background are probably best.
I currently live in an apartment where the bumpy floor is laminated,the walls have the cheapest beige wallpaper you can think (it peels off when you try to dust it!),the doorknobs are so old you have to change the whole door. The landlord doesn't let us change the drapes,drill the walls (probably because they will fall down 😂) or put his old furniture in storage...Delightful,yes?😳 But I am hopeful that with your advice on area rugs,lighting and general decor touches it will be better. (until I move out in the summer!😉) Thank you!
I'm in a similar situation. And the roof leaks
@@Stettafire I don't know where you live but I'd suggest finding out if you have a renter's advocacy group or code of some sort. Having serious issues like a leaky roof that goes unattended by the landlord is generally a cause for him/her to be cited by some government entity.
In more than 40 rental residences that I have lived in, the one rule that every single landlord/manager has emphasized is NO PAINTING. None of them have ever said anything about not changing the flooring, but maybe because that's prohibitively expensive and labor intensive. They've also never said not to change the faucets, but I wouldn't risk messing that up and have made do with the cheap chrome.
Excellent tips, thanks! I usually change door handles and light fixtures when I move into a new rental, but I had never thought about also changing water taps and such. I should totally do that, it'd make a huge difference!
In our old apartment, we took down those slatted blinds and put up double curtains and we loved them. But honestly, it wasn’t until we were moving out and put those nasty things back up that we realized what a massive difference the curtains had made that whole time.
Love your videos and wisdom. I have lived in a rental for years and my design struggle has been wiring! Outlets aren’t necessarily everywhere, and although more things are becoming wireless, they still have to be recharged. Sometimes adding overhead lighting to what exists already isn’t an option-how do you get light into places where there’s no outlet? And power strips-why are they so short? How do you integrate/hide/accept these unsightly necessities? Thank you!
Kinda fun hearing Nick say "you're kinda stuck with the flooring" while I'm in the middle of sanding and refinishing my floors in my rented studio
I think the key is, ask the landlady first. She may have some restrictions, she may just let you do whatever as long as it's returned to plain rental mode when you leave, or she may be delighted and happy with the upgrades!
Thank you Nick wish you were my high school teacher. You explain... I understand
My mom did a beach theme with her apartment living room, making it a "sea foam" light blue color and then added a glitter of some kind so it shimmers. The dining room, she paintes the back wall dark grey, almost black (charcoal?) and then added a sort of crosshatch design with silver, dark blue and...another blue? I can't remember right now, been a few months since I've been over. She added some small hanging lights for the area as well. Then she painted her cabinets black and the fridge to make it look like it's stainless steel, lol. I know it's a mis-matched layout but I still find it cool that she did it anyways. My brother and I room together (and hopefully aftet four years, this will be the final one), and our place has forest green carpet (we needed a new place quick so there wasn't time to seek out somewhere else). We decided that with a carpet of that color, trying to match anything was pointless, XD! The couch and lounge chair with ottoman match, and then we have a tan, leather arm chair that doesn't, and then one tan and one green curtain because we were too lazy to hang up the other matching tan curtain once we found it while unpacking, XD! I'm watching interior design videos now though to get ideas for my own space when I move out this year.
I wish I could do that. I'm renting in Denmark and landlords they would use any small opportunity to steal your deposit which is 3 months rent. Sometimes, the detail could be something you can not even see with bare eyes 🤣
Hi Nick - so happy to have discovered your channel! I've done pretty much all of these things to my rental. I also have those hideous vertical blinds and removing them isn't an option. I've used curtains to hide them in the living room and 2 bedrooms but I didn't want to put long curtains in my kitchen. Instead, I'm using removable wallpaper to cover the slats, so when you close them, it kind of looks like a curtain panel and adds some colour.
I love that! Yeah if you can't remove it, then it's best to just cover it up!
That’s such a cool idea! Thanks!
My bother can't stand magnolia till now, because everywhere he rented it was that colour. Years ago we rented together for few years and asked if we can paint walls different colours. We got a yes, and also the landlord is obligated to repaint every 6 years. When we moved out they charged us deposit for the walls even though they assured us it's not going to happen and they're happy with the result.
Love this so much!! You break down each item so perfectly well and love how you provide photos for reference. Thank you!
I love your videos so much ❤️ they’re so chill and straightforward 😁
Thanks so much!
i painted the walls and what a difference that made 😊 great tips. thanks
Hi Nick, would you please consider revisiting this for 2023?
I keep hearing that people have quite strict landlords, so I think there'd be a lot of demand for design/neatness ideas but with the challenge that you can't change the walls or fittings in any way.
Any ideas for covering up a ceiling boob light rather than swapping it? We are not allowed to remove the hideous fixtures - thinking of hiding it up with some kind of shade ( perhaps like a Noguchi style paper lantern) , but not sure how it would attach. I can take off the globe part of our boob light but will not be able to remove/replace the flush mounted circle with the actual light fixture. Suggestions?
If your landlord won’t let you paint, get white peel and stick wall paper and paint it!
I'm sorry what? How is that a thing, you're living in that space, so why can't you paint the walls however you want? ( Provided you paint them back to white when you move out )
@@simsalaisa1333 Bevause landlord are dicks, that's why
Good tip
@@simsalaisa1333 , because you are just renting, they own the house and can make the rules.
@@simsalaisa1333 yes I live in the Netherlands and I’ve never heard of an apartment you weren’t allowed to paint? As long as you paint it white again once you leave it ok..
It's always shocking to hear that in many places renters aren't allowed to paint, drill in the walls or change the lighting fixtures! Living in Germany, those things are entirely accepted and normal (for the lighting, you wouldn't even have pre-installed fixtures but be expected to get your own). Even changing up the flooring is not that uncommon - as long as it's something like laminate that you can just put on top of the existing flooring and easily remove when you move out. Changing out faucets or door handles on the other hand is not something I've never heard anybody do - great idea though! :)
The f only I didn’t live where I have to ask, in writing, to be allowed to hang one picture. I have to ask, in writing, to make one very small hole in the wall. We are not allowed to use peel off wallpaper. We are not allowed to use 3M hooks.
It sucks. You never really feel like it’s your home. Everything is tilted very much in the favour of the landlord. I hate it. If I could buy, I’d do it in a heartbeat- then I wouldn’t have to worry about some loud stranger tromping through my home every 3 months, and I’d be able to at least do some decoration. I wish.
I can’t believe there are places where renters are allowed to paint their walls. That’s insane to me.
I’m also not allowed to change out hardware without written permission (and it’s totally up to the landlord or real estate if they let you, even if you make it clear that it’s temporary. They can and often do still say no).
I can control my furniture. That’s it. I can’t use rugs unfortunately- they’re allowed, but they don’t mix well with wheelchairs.
I’m so jealous of renters who are allowed to make changes, hang things, paint walls! Like I said- that’s insane to me.
Lol my landlord doesn’t even allow command hooks 🙃
My landlord is a first time landlord. Completely fucked the walls, plumbing, and fixtures because he did all the work himself. I replaced the toilet and fixed the plumbing and took it out of my rent. One thing I do have to give him is that he's been super lenient with letting me do what I want to make the place home. I just had my painter come in and paint the living room. So much brighter and comfortable now. Now I need to replaced the nicotine stained drop ceiling tiles with ones I got off facebook marketplace for $35.
Please do a house tour ☺️
You are absolutely the BEST! Thank you so much for all your help, god knows I need it!
Love your videos, Sir.
Most landlords want you to live there, but not 'live there'. The apartment is new and nice but could use a little tweaking, not allowed to do a darn thing!
Nick, what do you recommend to cover a popcorn ceiling in a rental to hide it or to decorate around it?
My landlord will legit not let us do any of this lol. Besides the rugs that is.
First of all, love your videos, subscribed after watching the first one :) It is very strange to me that apparently apartments in the US come with light fixtures. Here in Germany you're lucky if your rental comes with a kitchen. Yes, Germans will move with their own kitchens and it is as expensive as it sounds. Also I read on a couple of comments that you're not allowed to hang anything on the walls, is that a thing? Seems...invasive on the landlords side...
Some landlords do prohibit hanging anything that requires any type of hole (nails, thumbtacks, etc.) but most do not. I've been in rentals my entire life and the only time a landlord had an issue was anything being hung over the fireplace (it was exposed brick.) He did eventually permit one hole that we had to mend when we moved out. Now we have a plethora of Command strips and hooks in the States so if you have a particularly anal landlord you can still hang things.
Not hanging anything on the walls is definitely a thing in Australia. Though at least our rentals do come with a kitchen. We just supply our own fridge and microwave.
But we are not allowed to make any changes (including hanging anything) without written permission, and that’s up to the landlord, who as often as not will say no. And most landlords do not allow pets. Also, the real estate that handles the renting will also be extremely strict with bond refund- they’ll try to get you on the smallest little thing, and take it out of your bond.
Which wouldn’t be too awful, except that if you’ve ever not had your full bond refunded, then all real estates can see that, and it’s basically like going on a grey/blacklist. So it’s just not worth it.
I just came across your channel recently and immediately subscribed to it! Your videos are so informative and fun! I am wondering if you can do a video similar to this but from a landlord's perspective? Would love to know your thoughts on cost-effective ways to upgrade the rental properties to attract tenants and make them feel more welcomed!
You need to use licensed professionals to switch out lighting and plumbing fixtures, as well as the landlord’s written permission. (Most leases and rental agreements specifically prohibit changing ANY fixture, including hardware like knobs). If you don’t, and there’s a fire or water damage, you’ll be responsible for the entire cost of repairs, including paying to replace the whole building. It’s not worth the risk of paying for it for the rest of your life, take all the precautions to indemnify yourself, first. I would concentrate on furnishings, unless I planned to stay for 10 years, even then, you can be evicted under certain conditions, even if a perfect-paying tenant.
I suppose this is in the US?
In my country most rentals don't even come with light fixtures, you just bring your own and install them yourself.
@@Luthwen1301 not in the US. At least not in my experience. Sounds like the comments I’ve seen from people in Australia
Im living in Germany and mostly in rented apartments. Often apartments are not including a kitchen or lights, also many people are covering the flooring with cork or laminate. Is that unusual in the us?
Nope. In the US most people would not rent a place that had no kitchen. Older buildings here may not have light fixtures except for the kitchen and bathroom, but that is not the norm.
It is the same in the Netherlands especially if you rent from a company, you are lucky if there are floors in there because most are just concrete haha. Also no lights either however I’ve never seen a rental without a kitchen block although you do have to install your own hardware.
Small rental house. Dark floors.. I have cool art. To highlight silhouette color
accent wall?
I just found you. I'm so glad I did. Thanks for this (And other) videos. I don't feel intimidated by your tips at all. ❤🇹🇹
Thank you for this video about rentals!!! Most designers just post stuff about how to design grandiose houses
Love your ideas thank you💓
Living in the Netherlands, your suggestions seem so alien. I'm allowed to do a lot more than what you mention. I could even knock down a wall if I ask my landlord nicely.
Here in the UK it's much more restrictive, can't pit pictures up.
These rental videos are almost always unattainable
@@Stettafire I live in the UK and you definitely CAN put pictures up. You can literally do what you want as long as you make sure the place looks the same when you move out. If you feel the need you can ask your landlord or agency and say you'll make sure it's the same as before, or you could just do it and change it before you move so they wouldn't know anyway xx
@@Stettafire Or try Command hooks to hang pictures. They do no damage. I can hang stuff on my walls, but I wanted to hang something on my wood door and I didn't want to do any permanent damage, it's been holding up for over a year.
Yes! I’m from the Netherlands as well and I’m allowed to do pretty much anything.. I could never live in an apartment I wasn’t allowed to paint or put nails in the wall.
I used removable wallpaper from China and it damaged the wall so badly when I tried to peel it off... 100% my fault for being cheap, ended up costing way more to fix
Ugh I have carpet in my kitchen and in a rental that should be the first thing to GO! Who puts carpet in a tiny u-shape kitchen? 🤦♀️
Oh god, I am so sorry...someone is a bleeping idiot. That's like carpet in the bathroom, that's just wrong!
@@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley that is just the beginning. Thankfully location and spectacular views make up for the tragic furnishings.
I have carpet on the bathroom, even better! 🤢
@@Stettafire one of my friends had green carpet in her bathroom too haha..
Great video as always 💜
"Don't really care for those blinds" 🤣
I tell it like I see it!
Very good tips!
What is the best/easiest way to install statement lighting?
I think you need an electrician to change a light fitting in the ceiling.
Hey! Just found your channel- I don’t suppose you know if the stick on lights from amazon are okay for rentals? Worried about removal at the end!
Hmmm it's hard to say without seeing them, but I'd say they would be fine. I've left some hefty holes in my rentals suites but some spackle usually smooths that over. If you are really nervous then maybe try a test patch?
Great video thanks
Thank you for this post!!! So needed ❤️
Ask your landlord to approve the paint color (you have to get their permission anyway). Puck something you both like and they might pay for the paint.
i lived with those baby poop green walls 😂
A bit of of a permanent idea of “non-permanent”?! Where I live landlords don’t usually allow repainting (especially not dark or bright feature walls) and will take the cost of repainting, removing shelving or filling holes out of your bond.
I love your clock! Mind sharing where it came from?
It’s from cb2, but not sure it’s available anymore.
If your landlord likes your changes, offer to sell it to him when you move away from there, then you don't have to swap it all back.
Is it possible to paint a white wall with dark grey or black and paint it back to white again??
Yes! I've lived in many a rental over the last 25 years and always paint bright or dark accent walls when it's allowed - which sadly it often is not. Over the years I've done dark slate grays, deep purple, black, bright red, cobalt, teal. A solid coat (or very occasionally 2) of Killz stainblocking primer (if it's available in your country) will get it back to white.
I’m moving into my first studio soon. Any tips???
Multi-functional furniture and furniture on wheels you can move around easily!
LOL drapes.... have you met a cat before? You are inviting a CATastrophy
💖❤️🌹
My lease agreement explicitly disallows everything except putting small nails in the wall
Don't use a script font like that, please.. the letters need to be connected as if you wrote it
3:53 Most rentals in Europe won't let you paint the walls.
Peel and stuck wallpaper trashes your walls.
Cant drill into the walls to pit up pictures
This isn't a very rent friendly video
There are stick-on hooks I use to hang paintings/wreaths in my rental. They sometimes have a plastic tab at the bottom that you can pull to help remove them. I've never tried hanging anything super heavy though.
Well, Europe is pretty different from North America where he lives. Maybe look to see if there are any European CZcams personalities that have similar videos for Europe. Also, try Command strips and hooks. They leave zero residue or holes and you can still hang stuff. If they aren't available in whatever country you reside in perhaps you can order them online.
What do you mean by 'Europe'? That's a lot of different countries with varying laws.
I'm living in a European country and have lived in rentals all my life. Not once did a landlord bat an eye when walls were painted (as long as they were returned to their original colour upon moving out) or holes were drilled to hang art or furniture.
My parents even ripped out the ugly carpet once and installed new flooring. They also took the kitchen out and bought a new one.
The unable snowstorm disturbingly kiss because society namely grease without a snotty note. thin, snotty harbor
Awesome tips!