Guest post written by Pip Strickland

In the rental market, it can often feel like there is a lack of creative license when it comes to making a property feel as though it’s your own.

But the truth is, there are lots of ways to make a rental more appealing and give it that “special something”, making it an attractive place to come home to.

In this article, you’ll learn five simple ways to revamp a rental, without investing a lot of time or money.

To see what other renters are doing or find a rental property yourself, browse online at rentola.ca. It lists rental homes in Agassiz, city apartments in Montreal and everything in between, ensuring there is something for everyone.

Switch up the fittings.

A relatively affordable way of making a rental property more aesthetically pleasing is by changing some of the fittings, such as the doorknobs, cabinet handles and light shades.

It’s something that can be done without requiring landlord approval (particularly if the originals will be replaced at the end of the tenancy) or an arrangement can be reached with the owner to reimburse the tenant for some (or all) of the costs.

Such small details around the home may seem insignificant but they can add a lot of personality to a space.

Carefully selected fittings can help to bring a particular style to an apartment, whether you’re after a contemporary feel or a retro vibe.

Flex your green thumb.

Adding greenery to an apartment is the perfect way to bring the outdoors in, particularly when there is no access to a garden or patio.

For new plant parents, look for easy-to-care-for varieties that can handle overwatering or neglect and place them in a well-lit area but not in direct sunlight.

It’s also simple to add some herbs to your kitchen windowsill so that you can conveniently harvest them when preparing meals.

When adding plants to your apartment, there are two options - real or fake.

It’s best to go with real plants as some studies suggest they can help to improve the air quality of indoor spaces. Not only that but greenery is thought to reduce stress levels and may even boost productivity levels - something everyone could benefit from!

Cover up the imperfections.

Lucky tenants will score a rental property that is newly built or has been spruced up by the owner before going on the market. But in most cases, rentals come with a few blemishes on the walls and/or stains on the carpet that can be unsightly.

The good news is, these can easily be covered up, without having to invest in new flooring or paint the walls.

Rugs are a great way of covering up any floor stains while also adding a lot of character to a space.

You can find rugs in a huge range of colors, patterns and designs, from tribal creations to those with a Persian aesthetic.

Similarly, wall blemishes can be covered up with a carefully hung piece of art or a picture frame.

Alternatively, consider using removable wallpaper to really transform a space, without leaving any permanent marks.

Add more atmospheric lighting.

While light fixtures in a rental are usually permanent, they don’t always offer the most atmospheric lighting, with most either too bright or too dim.

Adding table or floor lamps is an easy way of adding a sense of coziness to a property and creating the exact atmosphere you want.

The best part is they can easily be moved and transported when the lease comes to an end.

When looking for lamps, don’t be restricted by lighting stores.

Searching second-hand shops and antique markets can reveal some wonderful treasures, with the only thing needed to get them up and running is a new lightbulb.

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I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

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Pip is an Australian travel writer and photographer who lives between the surf coast of Morocco and the wild island of Tasmania. Her nomadic lifestyle has seen her traverse over 100 countries, staying with remote tribal communities, living in the midst of the Amazon jungle, and exploring all corners of Africa. Her writing has been published in a number of scientific journals, together with travel and photography-focused print and online media.