Understanding Your Lease: What Apartment Renovations Are Allowed?

Apartments are excellent choices for smaller families, nomadic lifestyles, or those who need flexibility. Apartments are ideal for those who want the convenience of homeownership without committing to a home. With flexible leasing options and property management, apartment living can be a great choice. However, renovating or customizing a property you don’t own can be difficult. What changes or renovations are allowed for apartment dwellers?

Painting

Most landlords are fine with painting walls or cabinets under a few conditions. Some will allow painting as long as the tenant reverts to the original colors before moving out. Others will simply charge a painting fee or keep part of the security deposit to repaint the walls after you move out. Not all leases allow painting, so note your specific lease details before getting out your paintbrush.

Wallpaper

Many wallpaper types allow peel-and-stick application, making installation and removal easy and relatively damage-free. You can typically use these types of wallpaper on any wall of your home, even on the backsplash if desired. However, you may need to paint any scratches or chips the wallpaper left behind. Always double-check with your lease or landlord before making these changes.

Shelving

Most rental properties allow you to fix any type of shelving, pot racks, paintings, or other furniture to the wall with nails or screws. Drill holes can be refilled using putty or spackle before moving out.

Sink Fixtures

You can easily change sink faucet types by unscrewing the current head and replacing it with any kind you like, including sprayers, misters, or flexible sink heads. You can take your faucet head with you when you move out and replace it with the original.

Bathroom Upgrades

Many types of temporary shower shelving don’t damage the apartment’s current bathtub. You can install a removable bidet to your toilet for luxury without permanently affecting the apartment’s toilet or water lines. You can choose practically any showerhead you’d like and attach it to your apartment’s shower system; just remember to replace it with the original before moving out! You can even change bathtub plugs if you’re unsatisfied with how your current one holds water.

Lighting

If your apartment has fixed lighting, you can easily change the type, color, or brightness level of the bulbs with replacement light bulbs. Consult your landlord before making more permanent lighting changes.

Backsplash

In addition to peel-and-stick wallpaper, peel-and-stick backsplashes can add unique customization and color to a kitchen without causing permanent damage. Sticker backsplashes are also quite easy to remove, but if paint damage occurs, be prepared to repaint or pay for the damage.

Doorknobs and Cabinet Handles

With a simple screwdriver, you can remove doorknobs and cabinet pulls to replace them with any type you’d like. Just remember to replace it with the originals before leaving.

Room Divisions

Many temporary room divisions can make a space feel more intimate, private, or sectioned off without adding or removing permanent walls. As a bonus, you can make a space more flexible without hard labor!

Tips for Renovating Your Apartment

Always Consult Your Landlord

Even if you’re sure a change or customization is allowed in your lease, double-check with your landlord before making changes, especially if they’re permanent.

Simple Changes Are Best

In most cases, you’re only renting an apartment temporarily, so simplicity and cost-effectiveness are key. Consider customization options that are low difficulty but have a high impact.

Be Prepared to Revert Changes

Many landlords will allow upgrades or customizations only if the tenant reverts to them when they move out. Scan your lease or ask your landlord about these conditions, and always be prepared to repaint or remove your upgrades.

Hire Professionals

Most simple changes are easily doable yourself. However, if you’ve discussed a significant renovation with your landlord, you must hire professional contractors to get the job done; any mistakes could cost you your security deposit and more. You must hire a licensed, experienced, reputable contractor if your landlord doesn't provide one. Verifying a license looks different depending on location. Examples are below.

Texas

Unless your contractor specializes in plumbing, electricity, or another technical trade skill, they typically won’t be licensed in most cities, as the state does not require general contractor licensing. However, some cities will require it. Contractors will only need business registration paperwork to get licensed, and that’s all—unless they are applying for a specific license such as electric or plumbing.

New Mexico

Understanding how to get a contractor’s license in New Mexico involves passing two exams, which most applicants take study courses to prepare for. They must also provide at least four years of experience and become a Qualified Party. A contractor with less experience may not be the right fit for your needs.

California

In California, just like New Mexico, licensed contractors will have at least four years of work experience. Only one exam is required for licensing here, but it consists of two parts. Contractors must also submit relevant paperwork and pay licensing fees. 

Conclusion

Apartments are great living spaces for people who need a more flexible living situation. Since apartments aren’t permanent residences, it’s uncommon to go through major renovations in one. However, customization and upgrades are often desired in apartment living. Consult with your landlord before making changes. Painting, wallpaper, sticker backsplash, and shelving are typically allowed. You can change faucets, showerheads, and doorknobs for a more personal touch. Lighting color and brightness level can be easily switched with a different light bulb. However, be prepared to revert any changes you make before moving out.