Ten tips for turning your rental into a home

There's a lot of red tape when it comes to renting a property and what you can do to modify it, which may restrict you from feeling like you are completely at home.

The purpose of these restrictions is to keep the property in good condition during the tenancy, but there are still things you can do to make you feel more at home while you rent that don't necessarily mean making modifications.

Here are 10 tips to make a rental feel more like your own, without compromising your lease agreement.

1. Ask your agent

Whenever you are unsure about what you can and cannot do to your rental, ask the managing real estate agent.

You should always seek approval for any physical changes you want to make. The general notion is that tenants should usually leave the property as they found it, with the exception of fair wear and tear.

However, if the change is minor, the landlord is likely to say yes, especially if it will add value to the home like painted walls. Sometimes, the landlord will offer to cover the cost of materials if the modification adds value to the property.

2. Work with what you've got

Work with the existing aesthetic features of your home. Is your home brand new, with natural lighting and open windows? Or is it an old-style cottage with high ceilings and wooden floor boards?

If your house is older, decorate it to match with vintage or retro furniture. If the house is modern with luminous natural lighting, stick to the minimalist vibe with light colours. Find what your home is missing - consider adding larger rugs and hallway rugs if you have floorboards to make it feel more homely.

3. Lighting

You need to work with the natural lighting in your home, not against it. Lighting is very much responsible for creating atmosphere in your home, and you and your visitors will always notice the way the lighting in the room can make you feel.

Although it's usually off bounds in rentals, you can still ask the landlord for permission to add skylights, downlights, and dimmers or replace light fittings if the property lacks light. Adding a lamp post here and there is easy and doesn't cross any boundaries with your tenancy agreement.

4. Dress the windows

Eyes are usually first drawn to the window of any room. Once you have permission from the landlord, adding or changing curtains to your property will immediately make it feel 10 times more homely. You can make them yours, and change them as often as you desire.

Make sure you clearly agree with the property manager about what is expected to be left in place at the end of the lease.

5. Photographs

Putting photographs around the house is a great way to add personalisation and sentiment to your rental property. There are some great websites that allow you to print off photos that stick to the walls without leaving damage.

If you aren't hanging them from the wall, then you don't need to worry about where you put them or seeking confirmation from the landlord.

6. Add some green

Plants are an easy and powerful way to create a more aesthetic living space. Add some indoor plants, some outdoor pot plants or even a veggie patch in your garden.

Plants will make it feel like you have been in the home all along and most of the time, they are transferable, so you can take them with you wherever you go. Just check to make sure water is not dripping onto the floor.

7. Get a pet

You obviously can't just get a dog for your rental if you've signed a lease with no dogs. But if your property allows dogs and cats, talk to your agent, get them added to the lease and then you can share your home with a new friend.

Also consider smaller pets, like fish which are more likely to be accepted onto your lease agreement. But of course, if in doubt, let your agent know what pet you are considering getting, then make sure you get permission before bringing into the property.

8. Get some art or a statement piece

If allowed, hang some art from the walls. Art is the perfect way to personalise your space and engage your guests. You can use stick on hooks that don't tamper with the walls. Adding a statement piece here or there is another safe way of pimping up your pad.

9. Furniture that can move

As a tenant, free-standing furniture will be your best friend. Things like standing mirrors, wardrobes, coat hangers and book shelves can be easily moved from one place to another and don't interfere with your lease agreement at all. Space and storage can be limited in a rental, so make the most of the space you have, with independent furniture.

Make sure to check out the reiwa.com Pinterest page for some great ideas.

10. Create memories

It is important you don't rule out socialisation when renting. Although your freedom might be a little bit more limited than if you owned the property, it is still within your rights to have friends over as you please.

Make sure you make memories in your rental, get a house mate or have a dinner party. You will one day look back on these memories and it will show you that you can create a home out of your rental.

Find out more on what your rights and responsibilities are as a tenant.