Decorating A Rental Apartment

Those who live in a rental apartment are usuallyexpires.
quite limited in the amount of decorating they areConsider Whether or Not Modifications are
able to do. This can have the impact of making aReversible
rental apartment not quite feel like a real home. InWhen renters in an apartment living situation are
many cases the rental apartment is painted amaking decorating decisions, one of the most
bright white and residents often feel as thoughimportant factors to consider is whether or not a
this color is somewhat impersonal but are not ablemodification to the apartment is reversible. In
to repaint the walls to a more appealing color. Thismost cases, the action is likely to be permissible
is just one example of the decorating restrictionsas long as it is easily reversible. However, the
which may be placed on an individual renting ancase of painting the apartment is a common
apartment. There may be other restrictions andexception to this rule. Although painting can easily
reading the contract carefully will help the renterbe reversed, most apartment complexes due not
to determine what is allowed and what is notallow residents to pain the apartment in which
allowed.they reside. This is because although painting is
Review the Contract Carefullyoften reversible, the process of returning the wall
Renters who are living in an apartment shouldto the original color is not always easy.
review their contract documents carefully beforeIrreversible modifications such as removing walls
they begin decorating their apartment. This isor adding permanent fixtures to the apartment
important because there may be some commonare typically not considered acceptable when
decorating items such as painting or installation ofdecorating a rental apartment. Although even
shelving which may not be allowed by themajor modifications are typically not completely
contract documents. Decorating in any mannerirreversible, most leasing agents would consider
which is strictly prohibited may result in harshmodifications which require the assistance of a
penalties. These penalties might involve thegeneral contract to be permanent in nature.
assessment of fees at the conclusion of theConversely, small modifications such as nail holes
rental period or possibly even eviction.to hang pictures are considered reversible
Most standard decorating items such as hangingbecause they can easily be corrected. Again, if
pictures are usually acceptable but somethe renter is unsure of whether or not an action
particularly strict policies may either prohibit thisis permissible, they should seek clarification from
completely or place restrictions on the type ofthe leasing agent.
nails which may be used or the methods ofConsider the Security Deposit
patching the holes. Renters who have questionsMost renters pay a security deposit before they
regarding whether or not specific decoratingtake possession of the apartment. This security
actions are permissible or prohibited shoulddeposit is collected to protect against damages
contact their leasing agent before taking action.which may be caused by the renter during the
This will help to ensure the renter is not penalizedcourse of the rental agreement. The leasing agent
in the future for their actions.may expect to need to do some minor cleaning
Additionally, if the leasing agent tells the renter it isor a few small repairs after the renter vacates
acceptable to perform an action prohibited by thethe premises. However, a deposit large enough to
rental agreement, the renter should always askcover the cost of more significant repairs is often
for a signed, written document stating thecollected to provide the leasing agent with some
exception to the contract. This is helpful becauseprotection in case the renter damages the
the leasing agent may not remember making anapartment and leaves it in need of considerable
exception to the rule or may not even still berepair.
working at the property when the renter's lease