DIY Apartment Upgrades That Landlords and Tenants Could Do

Apartments can sometimes feel dull. It’s just how it is. It isn’t surprising that some tenants (and landlords) look out for some DIY apartment upgrades that can spice up the place. Not everyone has the budget to make major upgrades. And if you’re the tenant, it may not even be an option.

Ultimately as Atlanta property managers, we want people to feel comfortable and good about the home they live in, even when it is a rental that they may live in for a year or two. So considering some simple DIY apartment upgrades can be a great way to make the place your own, even when it isn’t. And if you’re the landlord, it can be a great money-making way to attract renters with inexpensive upgrades. So, let’s dive into a list of some of our favorites.

Table of Contents

• A List of DIY Apartment Upgrades
• Getting Your Deposit Back
• For Landlords and Owners: How Property Management is a Big Help

A List of DIY Apartment Upgrades

Freshening up an apartment doesn’t have to mean renovating or spending a ton of money. Not at all. There are plenty of small, renter-friendly DIY apartment upgrades that make a space feel more personal. And they don’t have to get you in trouble with your landlord. Here are some ideas that work well for people who want a quick, simple change to their apartment that can “nice” it up a bit.

Removable Wallpaper

Temporary wallpaper gives you a chance to add pattern or color without committing long-term. It peels off cleanly when you move out and can make a boring wall feel a little more alive. It’s a low-risk way to experiment. If you’re the landlord, it’s a simple, low-cost way to change things up and maybe attract new tenants.

Change Hardware

Simple hardware swaps can add some flavor to the place… drawer pulls, cabinet knobs, bathroom fixture. If you’re the tenant, you can always keep the original pieces and put them back when you leave.

Peel-and-Stick Backsplash

Peel-and-stick tile sheets can give your kitchen a small update. You’d be amazed at how much a backsplash can add to a place. They come in a lot of designs, and installation is usually pretty quick.

Plug-In Lighting

Plug-in sconces, lamps, or overhead fixtures help brighten the place, right? Of course. And you can do it without needing hardwired installation. They can make a room feel warmer and more functional.

Use Tension Rods for Storage

Tension rods are a simple way to add storage or divide space without drilling. Simple, simple, simple. You can use them for curtains, pantry organization, or even a quick closet upgrade.

Area Rugs

Layering rugs helps define different parts of a room and adds a bit of color or texture. You can upgrade various things, including getting new blinds or flooring in the rental. Those are options. But consider rugs. Area rugs can be helpful in rentals with dated floors or large open layouts, but they aren’t permanent so they can be a bit easier to pull off than some other options.

Hang Temporary Window Film

Frosted or decorative window film gives privacy without blocking all the light. It’s helpful for street-level units, bathrooms, or any window that feels a little too exposed. It peels off cleanly when you’re done with it.

Add a Large Mirror

A large mirror helps reflect natural light and can make small apartments feel a bit more open. You’d be surprised. It’s a simple upgrade that changes how a space feels without altering anything permanently.

Add Plants

Plants soften a room and add some life to spaces that feel a bit bare. Even a few low-maintenance options can make a noticeable difference. It’s an easy way to warm up an apartment if you’re not into big design projects.

Upgrade Shower or Faucet Heads

Most showerheads and faucet sprayers can be swapped out without major tools. A small change here can make everyday routines feel nicer. Just keep the original fixtures so you can reinstall them before moving.

Getting Your Deposit Back

Getting your deposit back is probably in the back of your mind. That is, if you’re doing these as the tenant. Yes, doing some DIY apartment upgrades seems like a great idea, but you don’t want it to become a hassle with your landlord. You want the space to feel like home, but you also don’t want to hand over extra money when it’s time to move out.

Do you know what the safest approach is? Stick with projects that are reversible! Things like the above (removable wallpaper, peel-and-stick backsplashes, plug-in lighting) all fall into that category. They let you change the look (and sometimes the function) of a room without changing anything permanently. And here’s a tip. Make a small box for the original hardware, fixtures, or curtain rods so you can put everything back exactly the way you found it.

It also helps to keep things clean and communicate with what you’re doing. If a project might leave tiny marks, patching and touching up before move-out goes a long way. A quick message to your landlord can also help. Some landlords are happy to let you leave certain upgrades in place, especially if they improve the unit.

For Landlords and Owners: How Property Management is a Big Help

If you’re thinking about DIY apartment upgrades, that means you’re trying to improve a living space… whether it’s one you own or are renting. If you’re the tenant, you can start by looking over your rental agreement and touching base with your landlord. If you’re the landlord, well… maybe you should consider larger changes to improve your rental units and get the everyday management running better. That’s when a property manager could make a huge difference.

Contact Us Today! 

At Bay Property Management Group, we take care of the entire rental process, from marketing to tenant screening, maintenance, and so much more. We offer property management services in Sandy Springs and Atlanta areas, as well as in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Virginia, Washington, DC, Texas, and elsewhere. So, if you’re looking for someone to keep track of your properties, contact BMG today to learn more about our comprehensive services.