Landlords are reluctant to address tenants’ concerns if they are mostly cosmetic. If everything is in working condition but the walls are bland, the lighting is dismal, and the fixtures are decades old, then you might find no luck in having the landlord do anything about it.
So what do you do if you’re stuck with an apartment that is visually displeasing? Although the rules in the lease limit you, there are lots of ways you can make the most of out of your ugly rental:
1. Alert your landlord of required repairs
Some issues in your apartment can be more than just aesthetic. If there are things like faulty wiring, mold growth, and cracked floors, your landlord is legally obligated to address those problems and call in repair services, such as vinyl floor repair. Don’t hesitate to bring the situation to their attention, especially if it is a sign of more issues to come.
2. Cover ugly appliances
If you have an eyesore for a refrigerator, you can cover with it a refrigerator cover or wrap to make it a little more presentable. The same goes for other appliances such as dishwashers, microwaves, washing machines, and dryers. Just make sure that your cover-up is reversible to prevent any lease problems when you decide to move out.
3. Clean your apartment
If there’s anything worse than having an ugly apartment, it’s having a dirty one on top of it. Maintain a regular cleaning schedule to keep your apartment spic and span. If you live with other people, create a chore wheel so that everyone does their fair share of cleaning. Although it might not improve your apartment’s appearance, at least you’re not dealing with dirt and grime on top of its ugly aesthetics.
4. Install peel-off wallpapers
One of the worst things about renting an apartment is that you most likely can’t redo the walls when you want to. However, it’s worth asking your landlord if you can at least apply a fresh coat of paint (the same color) on the walls at your own expense. If they say no, consider installing removable wallpapers to personalize your space and hide any cosmetic issues on the walls.
5. Spruce up the lighting
If your apartment is cursed with poor lighting, add illumination by placing floor and table lamps at strategic locations. However, if the poor lighting poses a safety issue, you can raise the problem with your landlord.
6. Replace kitchen cabinets or handles
Take the doors off of your kitchen cabinets with a screwdriver and replace them with better-looking ones. Store the original doors somewhere safe until it’s time to move out and put them back. Alternatively, you can replace the cabinet handles with more appealing ones, a small change that can make a massive difference in the kitchen.
7. Let in more natural light
Allow more natural light to enter your apartment to make it look brighter and more inviting. Ditch the drapes and go for lighter, thinner curtains that allow more sunlight to seep through. It’s also a good idea to hang up large mirrors so that the light has more surfaces to bounce off of, giving your apartment a warmer and cozier look.
8. Hang wall art
Art pieces can easily spruce up a bland wall and even cover up cosmetic issues like cracks or peeling paint. Paint a blank canvas, have a picture printed, or buy art pieces from local artists. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to personalize your home and make it look more pleasant.
9. Buy indoor plants
Aside from being natural deodorizers, indoor plants can quickly improve the appearance of a room without taking up too much space. Choose low-maintenance varieties if you don’t have the time to take care of them during the day.
10. Change water fixtures
Stop enduring that rusty faucet and even rustier shower head. If your landlord approves, replace the water fixtures with brand-new ones. You can always uninstall and bring them to your new apartment when you move out.
11. Cover ugly floors with rugs
Are your floors too run-down for your liking? Throw a few rugs over the most problematic spots, and you have your problem solved. However, if you have wall-to-wall carpeting, consider getting the carpets steamed and shampooed to make them look cleaner and newer.
Living in an ugly, run-down apartment can ultimately affect your quality of life. Luckily, making a few changes in your rental can turn your home into a much more attractive space where you can be yourself, relax after a long day, and maybe even invite your loved ones to hang out.
