What You Should and Should Not Do When Renting

Choosing to live in a rental property offers a lot of freedom from repairs and maintenance. Typically, tenants are not responsible for tasks like cutting the grass and fixing plumbing problems. Perhaps that’s why more than 111 million Americans have chosen renting over home ownership, according to the National Multifamily Housing Council.

Renting provides convenience and independence, but there are limits to what you can do in a rental property. While specifics may vary from landlord to landlord, these are some of the general do’s and don’ts of renting a property.

Don’t go paint crazy

Be sure to get permission before taking on any painting projects. Image: CreativeStudio/Getty Images

“Tenants like to say, ‘I’m leaving the place better than I got it,’ and some tenants might think that blood-red accent wall they painted is much better,” says Diana Valin, CPM, owner/broker at The Rental Xperts in San Diego, CA.

However, Valin tells Freshome that this is rarely the case – at least, not from the owner’s perspective – unless the parties collaborated in advance. “The best rule of thumb for tenants wanting to change things up during their time in residence is to ask for permission – and get it in writing.”

However, you can paint your furniture and personal items. In fact, you’d be surprised what you can do with a can of spray paint.

Don’t let your green thumb go wild

Customizing landscaping elements may lead to problems with your landlord. Image: Sebastian Arning/EyeEm/Getty Images

While you may think of vegetable gardens or flower beds as a great use of space outside the property, it might actually cause more issues for your landlord down the road. Kristie Aylett of Ocean Springs, MS reached out to Freshome with a similar situation from her landlord friend. “The renter wanted to be reimbursed – or at least thanked – for building a tree fort in the backyard but didn’t realize the increased liability and insurance costs it presented to the homeowners.”

Valin adds: “We want [renters] to feel they can make the property their home, but if they want to customize anything during their tenancy, communicating what they want to do and getting written authorization to do it ahead of time is the key to staying out of trouble in the end.”

Don’t make major renovations

Consult with your landlord before major changes. Image: Hero Image/Getty Images

Valin says your rental agreement should also stipulate how improvements will be handled at move-out. “The owner that didn’t know you added ceiling fans in all of the bedrooms may be thrilled to find out that you improved his/her property but won’t necessarily want to reimburse you for the installation costs and purchase costs of the fans at move-out,” she warns. If you decide to take your fans with you at move-out, you’ll be responsible for patching/texturizing and re-painting the ceilings.

Cabinet hardware is the most likely avenue of customization and improvement and an easy way to show your creative side in the kitchen and bathroom. However, like anything, be sure to check with your landlord first.

Don’t use a hammer for all of your projects

Consider decorating ideas that won’t damage the walls. Image: chuckcollier/Getty Images

Most landlords will let you hang a few pictures, or curtains on decorative rods. Aside from that, it’s important to carefully consider any decorating idea that involves the use of a hammer. In other words, scratch those thoughts about mounting cabinets in the bathroom.

That’s not to say you can’t decorate in other ways. For example, consider applying stainless steel appliance covers to the dishwasher and refrigerator. These covers come in peel-and-stick or magnetic varieties and can instantly update and transform the space.

Do help to maintain the property

Maintaining the property requires some effort on your part. Image: Westend61/Getty Images

Your landlord is responsible for repairs, but you, as the tenant, are responsible for informing management when there’s something amiss in your unit. Whether it’s a leaky faucet or a broken stove knob, you need to report these problems as soon as possible. If a small problem becomes a large problem and it’s deemed a result of your negligence, you may be responsible for the repairs.

As far as household pests go, your landlord is responsible for pest control; nevertheless, you are accountable for keeping your unit clean so you won’t attract pests.

Do purchase renters insurance

Renter’s insurance protects your valuables. Image: Asbe/Getty Images

Your landlord is ultimately responsible for the property and your unit. However, you are responsible for your personal items, such as your furniture, clothes and electronic equipment. Additionally, if someone is injured in your apartment, you might be liable for medical and legal bills. Renters insurance is a wise investment because it protects you against these unforeseen circumstances over which your landlord has no control – which is why it’s often required by your landlord.

What other do’s and don’ts of renting have you discovered? Please let us know in the comments.

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