Rental hack: 'Renovations' to make it feel more like home

The stipulations of a rental agreement can be quite prohibitive when it comes to making changes to the structure of the property, something a lot of tenants find frustrating and limiting. 

"Even if you don't own the property you're living in it's still your home and thus a place that you want to make look and feel like yours," says Harry van der Linde, Rentals Principal at Leapfrog Property Group Moreleta Park. 

Fortunately there are a number of "hacks" that can go a long way in making a house (or a flat) feel like home, without it contravening the terms of the rental agreement.

Van der Linde notes that many landlords allow for a reasonable level of customisation but adds that it is highly advisable to check with the landlord before making any changes to the property, however cosmetic in nature. 

Consider these suggestions for bringing flair and personality to your home. 

Paint it perfect

Paint may well be the one of the under-appreciated tricks in the renovator's toolbox! Because paint is not permanent, tenants can simply paint over it again. 

Neatly painted walls in colours of your choice can really lift the mood of the room, while complementing your personal interior style. 

Wonderwall 

Wallpaper continues to be one of the hottest interior trends around, and available in a variety of colours, patterns and designs. "Wallpaper can be tricky to install and is best done professionally but because it is removable it can be a great option for long-term tenants looking to add special touch to the wall," Van der Linde shares. 

Make light of it 

The right lighting is the unsung hero of an interior. "It's one of those things one doesn't notice if it's done right, but when it's not ideal it can be a real eyesore," Van der Linde says. 

Light fittings are another thing that is generally easy and relatively cheap to replace. A modern pendant light or even a funky chandelier can make a striking difference to a space. "It's another thing that can easily be removed again when you move on from your rental," Van der Linde adds. 

Mirror mirror on the wall 

Mirrors are a greatly underutilized accessory as it's a great - and mostly affordable - way to enhance a room by creating the illusion of more space. As mirrors reflect light, they also help to make a space appear warmer and more inviting.

"Consider adding mirrors to dull and dark spaces, or replacing outdated mirrors with ones in a more contemporary shape," Van der Linde suggests. 

Hurray for hardware 

Tenants with long-term leases could look at replacing the hardware - think sanitary fittings, kitchen counters and carpets - though this will definitely need to be done with the permission of the landlord. "If the hardware is really old or worn-out, tenants could even ask the landlord to replace these at their own expense as it ultimately adds to the overall value of the property," Van der Linde suggests. 

Get a handle on things 

The difference is in the detail when it comes to making a house a home, which is why the little things should never be overlooked. Seemingly minor things like cupboard handles can add a much-needed touch of flair, and it won't break the bank. 

"It's a great, very simple, way to update a space and can easily be removed again, if necessary," Van der Linde says. 

Shelfie 

Pretty meets practical when it comes to use of shelves in a space. Not only are they easy to install, they double as both storage and a space to display special decorative items. Floating shelves in particular are also right on trends and can be used as successfully in a kitchen as in a living room or bathroom. 

Van der Linde emphasises that it is essential to ensure that any changes made to the property do not contravene the terms of the rental agreement. "Always check with the landlord before spending time and money on something that, while well intentioned, may land you in trouble. Reasonable landlords are generally happy for tenants to make cosmetic enhancements if done neatly," Van der Linde believes.