Rental House Project Ideas

Projects You Can Do in a Rental House
and Take with You When You Move

A few months back, my dad and I traveled to my sister’s house in Birmingham, Alabama to tape an episode of Today’s Homeowner. (You can watch the full episode here.) She and her college roomies live in a rental house that was built in what appears to be the 1960s or 70s. Although it looks very dated, it’s all in really great shape.

Unfortunately some of the things about the dated appearance just can’t be changed when you’re renting. But I’m not here today to discuss things you can’t change! I’ve got 4 projects you can do in a rental house or apartment (depending on your landlord) and take with you when you move.

Closet Curtain

The first one is using a curtain as a closet door. My sister’s room had this ugly, clunky accordion door for her closet.

Again, since she’s renting, she can’t just throw it out and replace it. But what she can do is leave the accordion doors open and hang a curtain. Then she just has to pull the curtain apart to access her closet. You can find simple curtain panels really cheap!

Ceiling Fan

This next project you definitely want to run by your landlord or check your lease before tackling. Change out a light fixture for a ceiling fan! If you really like a cool breeze while you sleep and you don’t like an oscillating fan taking up floor space, you can install a ceiling fan. All you have to do is keep the light fixture and then re-install it when you move.

Smart Lock

Whether you have a rental house or not, you’ll love this lock! The girls’ previous lock on their back door was your standard deadbolt.

Now they have this lock* that they can control from their phones, whether they are home or not!

It was super easy to install too. You just need a screwdriver to remove the old lock. The only part you remove is what you see on the inside of your door. The Smart Lock installed right in its place. The newer editions are compatible with Amazon’s Alexa too!

Posterboard Bookshelves

The last project is by far my favorite! Their den/family room was like a dungeon covered in dark faux wood paneling.

While they did their best to make these giant bookshelves look homey. We took things a step further while we were there. Presto-change-o!

We bought white posterboard from Walmart, cut it to size, and used double-stick tape to cover the paneling along the back of the bookshelf! So simple but really makes the bookshelves pop! You could even paint the posterboard if you wanted a color other than white. And if you’re someone who changes your decor mind often, this would be a great idea for you! It’s not permanent and it’s cheap!

Be sure to watch the full episode on todayshomeowner.com for even more ideas perfect for a rental!

Thanks for Checking In! ~Chelsea

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