Those who live in a rental apartment are usually quite limited in the amount of decorating they are able to do. This can have the impact of making a rental apartment not quite feel like a real home. In many cases the rental apartment is painted a bright white and residents often feel as though this color is somewhat impersonal but are not able to repaint the walls to a more appealing color. This is just one example of the decorating restrictions which may be placed on an individual renting an apartment. There may be other restrictions and reading the contract carefully will help the renter to determine what is allowed and what is not allowed.
Review the Contract Carefully
Renters who are living in an apartment should review their contract documents carefully before they begin decorating their apartment. This is important because there may be some common decorating items such as painting or installation of shelving which may not be allowed by the contract documents. Decorating in any manner which is strictly prohibited may result in harsh penalties. These penalties might involve the assessment of fees at the conclusion of the rental period or possibly even eviction.
Most standard decorating items such as hanging pictures are usually acceptable but some particularly strict policies may either prohibit this completely or place restrictions on the type of nails which may be used or the methods of patching the holes. Renters who have questions regarding whether or not specific decorating actions are permissible or prohibited should contact their leasing agent before taking action. This will help to ensure the renter is not penalized in the future for their actions.
Additionally, if the leasing agent tells the renter it is acceptable to perform an action prohibited by the rental agreement, the renter should always ask for a signed, written document stating the exception to the contract. This is helpful because the leasing agent may not remember making an exception to the rule or may not even still be working at the property when the renter's lease expires.
Consider Whether or Not Modifications are Reversible
When renters in an apartment living situation are making decorating decisions, one of the most important factors to consider is whether or not a modification to the apartment is reversible. In most cases, the action is likely to be permissible as long as it is easily reversible. However, the case of painting the apartment is a common exception to this rule. Although painting can easily be reversed, most apartment complexes due not allow residents to pain the apartment in which they reside. This is because although painting is often reversible, the process of returning the wall to the original color is not always easy.
Irreversible modifications such as removing walls or adding permanent fixtures to the apartment are typically not considered acceptable when decorating a rental apartment. Although even major modifications are typically not completely irreversible, most leasing agents would consider modifications which require the assistance of a general contract to be permanent in nature. Conversely, small modifications such as nail holes to hang pictures are considered reversible because they can easily be corrected. Again, if the renter is unsure of whether or not an action is permissible, they should seek clarification from the leasing agent.
Consider the Security Deposit
Most renters pay a security deposit before they take possession of the apartment. This security deposit is collected to protect against damages which may be caused by the renter during the course of the rental agreement. The leasing agent may expect to need to do some minor cleaning or a few small repairs after the renter vacates the premises. However, a deposit large enough to cover the cost of more significant repairs is often collected to provide the leasing agent with some protection in case the renter damages the apartment and leaves it in need of considerable repair.
Related Articles
Consider The Amenities
By: David Riewe | 28/03/2007 | Real Estate
The amenities on a rental property can often be the deciding factor for many renters. The available amenities may make a less affordable property seem more appealing. Conversely a property which is more expensive may be considered worthwhile if the amenities offered are considered valuable enough to compensate for the...
Dealing With Neighbors In An Apartment
By: David Riewe | 29/03/2007 | Real Estate
One of the major disadvantages to renting an apartment is the potential for conflict with the neighbors. While some renters may foster incredible relationships with all of their neighbors and never once have a disagreement with a neighbor this is not a likely scenario. Most renters experience at least one...
How Much Apartment Can You Afford?
By: David Riewe | 29/03/2007 | Real Estate
Deciding how much apartment they can afford is one of the most important decisions a renter will have to make. This decision will help to determine a number of factors include the size and location of the potential apartment as well as the types of amenities offered. Those who are...
Do Not Let The Furnishings Fool You
By: David Riewe | 29/03/2007 | Real Estate
Renters who are viewing apartment complexes are often led to furnished models which have been tastefully decorated. Although the furnishings in these model apartments are usually very aesthetically appealing they also usually serve another purpose as well. This other purpose is to make the room appear larger than it is....
The Best "Get Rich In Real Estate" Idea I Have Ever Seen
By: Don Glasgow | 20/09/2006 | Advertising
As a real estate agent, I have met my fair share of real estate investors. A few have made a lot of money at it. The investors that I've met, who have become "rich" in real estate shared one trait in common: They bought property as a long term investment.
Swiss, US Rental Taxes Highest in Oecd
By: The Global Property Guide | 25/09/2007 | Business
Buy-to-let income tax rates are high in some foreign countries, but in others, rental income is completely tax free.
Tips To Finding An Apartment In Los Angeles
By: Alexa Whiteman | 08/12/2006 | Non-Fiction
There are many similarities between finding an apartment to rent in Los Angeles and any other big city, in particular, the options available to you to locate the house of your dreams. Using a real estate broker or classified listings is where many people begin their search.
Top Five Things to Look for in an Apartment
By: Eric Bramlett | 07/07/2007 | Real Estate
If you are going apartment hunting, you have many options. Check the classifieds in any town or city and you will see pages of listings. Comparing apartments shouldn’t be like comparing apples and oranges, though.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Work At Home Postions
By: Kerry | 16-08-2008
Looking for part time employment I can do at home.
I need safe room & shower for week nights while working.
By: Hello Amelia | 16-08-2008
I need one bedroom and shower with no responsibility for maintenance for nights while working during week in Tulsa. Bringing only a few changes of clothing & toiletries.
Pizza burgers?
By: suec | 16-08-2008
i am looking for "pizza burgers" they used to be delivered by schwanns. does anyone know if they are still available. they are not listed on their web site
Is there a movie entitled, My Apartment, with a music score piece, "Dangerous Moon"?
By: Nicholas A. | 16-08-2008
Is it my imagination, or was there a piece entitled" Dangerous Moon" from a movie "My Apartment"?
Thanks,
Nick
Ocean City,N.J.beach homes
By: Joe | 16-08-2008
Are there any beachfront homes for Full season Lease under $25,000. in Ocean City,N.J.
Two family in bayonne
By: bayonneite | 16-08-2008
I live in bayonne, new jersey. I own a two family home and iam considering converting it to a one family home. Most of the homes on my block are one families. Iam wondering how much this would cost me and if iam putting my initial investment of a two family home in jepordy. Were planning to refinance our loan in order to fund this project. Any body out there with some insight?????????
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Real Estate Articles
Building and Pest Inspection Tips
By: Clint Jhonson | 06/09/2008
Building inspection is generally performed before purchasing a property in order to be 100% certain that there are no problems. This is the responsibility of a qualified inspector with years of experience in the field, covering various parts of the property. If you are interested in purchasing a property, then you also need pest inspection.
Foreclosed Property - for First Time Home Buyers
By: Anirban Bhattacharya | 06/09/2008
The increasing prices of real estate properties have forced people to incline towards buying foreclosed properties. These are those properties, which become ‘foreclosed’ when the actual owner of the property fails to pay the mortgaged value or does not have enough money to get it repaired.
Huntsville Real Estate / Huntsville Alabama Real Estate
By: Adam Morien | 06/09/2008
Seeking a new home for your family in the American South? For many people, the Huntsville Alabama real estate market is a great place for families and individuals looking for a mid-sized city that boasts a tightly knit community with a strong sense of civic pride. In the Huntsville real estate market, you’ll find a wide variety of homes at all price points, as well as plenty of economic, cultural, and educational opportunities.
Dubai Properties: Attractive Global Investors!
By: Editor-123 | 06/09/2008
Dubai properties are buzzing headlines with their extraordinary growth and impressive architectural infrastructures. The extent of the growth that the city has achieved so far has received an overwhelming response from people from all over the world. The awesome changes in the Dubai real estate have inspired other sectors to excel and grow at a faster rate.
Property Valuation; A Difficult And Lengthy Process
By: Thomas Pretty | 06/09/2008
A look at the process behind making a property valuation and why homeowners often overvalue the worth of their home.
Five Tips for Selling Missouri Real Estate
By: Art Gib | 06/09/2008
Are you getting ready to sell your home or another piece of Missouri real estate? In a tough market, it's more important than ever to go the extra mile to close a deal on your home. Here are five things that you should do to drive up the value of your Missouri real estate before you put it on the market.
Austin Profiles : The Travis Heights Neighborhood
By: Ki Gray | 05/09/2008
Travis Heights is a small neighborhoods in central Austin. This article profiles the Travis Heights neighborhood.
Five Reasons to Invest in a Scottsdale Resort
By: Art Gib | 05/09/2008
Have you thought about investing in vacation property? One of the newest types of vacation real estate investments that is becoming very popular is investing in fractional ownership resorts in popular vacation areas like Scottsdale.
More from David Riewe
Do Not Let The Furnishings Fool You
By: David Riewe | 29/03/2007 | Real Estate
Renters who are viewing apartment complexes are often led to furnished models which have been tastefully decorated. Although the furnishings in these model apartments are usually very aesthetically appealing they also usually serve another purpose as well. This other purpose is to make the room appear larger than it is....
How Much Apartment Can You Afford?
By: David Riewe | 29/03/2007 | Real Estate
Deciding how much apartment they can afford is one of the most important decisions a renter will have to make. This decision will help to determine a number of factors include the size and location of the potential apartment as well as the types of amenities offered. Those who are...
Dealing With Neighbors In An Apartment
By: David Riewe | 29/03/2007 | Real Estate
One of the major disadvantages to renting an apartment is the potential for conflict with the neighbors. While some renters may foster incredible relationships with all of their neighbors and never once have a disagreement with a neighbor this is not a likely scenario. Most renters experience at least one...
Consider The Amenities
By: David Riewe | 28/03/2007 | Real Estate
The amenities on a rental property can often be the deciding factor for many renters. The available amenities may make a less affordable property seem more appealing. Conversely a property which is more expensive may be considered worthwhile if the amenities offered are considered valuable enough to compensate for the...
Caring For A Rental Property
By: David Riewe | 11/12/2006 | Real Estate
Those who live in a rental property may have questions regarding how they should care for their domicile. While treating the property with respect and not intentionally doing damage to the property should be understood there are other gray areas where renters may not be sure what their rights and...
Breaking A Lease On A Rental Agreement
By: David Riewe | 11/12/2006 | Real Estate
Most rental agreements have a section regarding the renter breaking the lease agreement. While there is also likely a section or several sections regarding when the leasing agent can evict the renter, the section on breaking the lease should be of particular interest to those who might be in a...
Benefits Of Renting
By: David Riewe | 11/12/2006 | Real Estate
While there are some renters who view renting an apartment or a house as a failure, there are others who see the benefits there are to be gained from renting a property as opposed to purchasing a property. Some of the benefits of renting include the ability to save money...
Before Renting An Apartment
By: David Riewe | 11/12/2006 | Real Estate
Renting an apartment is a very serious decision which warrants a great deal of attention before a final decision is made. When choosing an apartment to rent, renters have a variety of factors to consider including, but not limited to, price, size, location, amenities, whether or not they want a...
Finance 
