The basic question for the landlord is whether the upgrade will result in higher rent. However, smart landlords also want to make quality tenants happy and these kinds of upgrades are often low-cost.
Investing in energy efficiency is always a win-win for both sides because of the economic efficiency. Tenants get to pay a lower utility bill and for the landlord, such upgrades prolong the lifespan of the devices and the whole property. Long-term infrastructure upgrades are necessary for the property to stay positioned well in the market.
Other kinds of upgrades such as faster internet, vanity or custom upgrades, ceiling fans, upgraded kitchen appliances, and lighting usually come with a higher rent as they don’t know result in added value to the landlord.
The good news is that you can make a ton of simple upgrades that you can take with you when you move out. Below are a few examples.
This SPA experience comes with a simple to install luxurious rain shower. If you get an efficient one, you will also save water as a result and give the planet a helping hand. All you have to do is save the original shower head to screw it back on when you move.
You can set the mood and add a little atmosphere to any room simply swapping out the light switch with a sliding light dimmer. It will make a huge difference in the overall ambiance.
Make your closet more functional with under-the-shelf LEDs, or even a brighter ceiling light. If you don’t have an electric outlet, you can install battery-powered LED lights.
A commercial-style spray faucet can cost under $150 and some even include a coordinating soap dispenser. An upgraded faucet can make a big difference in your kitchen, aesthetic-wise.
Unscrew existing pulls on cabinets and drawers and store them in a safe place and get nicer ones like porcelain or brass that feel a little more ‘authentic’ in your hand. That’s the beauty of anything that is screwed on – it can be screwed off and then back on when you move out without making any permanent damage.
You don’t have to spend more than $50 and one afternoon to line up over stickers over ugly tiles. Just look for simple and solid colors.
Roman shades and other types of window coverings are worth the splurge because they add a luxurious feel to your home. Plus, they are so easy to take down and move to your next home.
The power of bringing nature indoors can never be overstated. Plants make us happier and less stressed. There are many shade-loving varieties that don’t require much care and will grow happily indoors. A bouquet of dried grass, a well-worn piece of driftwood or stones from the back yard can provide the magic you need!
If you have a bigger upgrade in mind, talk to your landlord. Unless it is unrealistic, extremely expensive, prohibited, or otherwise unusually difficult, many small landlords will be happy to chip in. Although it can be difficult to justify spending a great deal of money on the décor of your Apartment in a place you don’t own, that doesn’t mean you can’t make it your own. All you have to do is get creative!