Across the U.S., legions of would-be homebuyers priced out of the housing market are renting for longer periods.
You’ve probably met some in your area: renters who are frustrated with the lack of housing affordability (or lack of inventory, depending on your market) but still determined to make their not-so-temporary living space feel like home.
If you’re looking for ways to deliver value to these members of your community—and potentially be the first agent they think about when they’re ready to buy—you can start by helping them make the most of the space they have, without straining their budget.
You can also be the agent who helps house-hacking homeowners in your area to attract more renters.
New data from Zillow and Thumbtack spotlights seven affordable and nonpermanent upgrades renters can make to personalize their space and add value for their landlord.
Some of these features contribute to more daily views, saves, and shares for rentals listed on Zillow, making these upgrade projects a win-win for both landlords and renters.
Also, based on national average cost estimates from Thumbtack, these projects typically cost less than $1,000, making them more financially manageable for budget-conscious renters.
There are so many improvements that are both beneficial to a landlord and allow renters to make their space feel more like home. However, before making any major changes, renters should always review their lease and check with their landlord. If a renter can show how the upgrades add function or style, they may be more likely to get buy-in. In some cases, a landlord may be willing to split the costs if a renter is hiring a professional to do the work and willing to manage the project themselves.
Read on for seven renter-friendly home upgrades to consider.
#1: Upgrade Cabinet Hardware
Changing up your cabinet hardware is one of the easiest and most affordable upgrades. But while this is generally an easy upgrade to reverse, it’s always a good idea for renters to check with their landlord before making any changes.
Style Tips: Opt for half circles, fluted, or curved hardware for a fresh look; matte black finishes are popular right now.
Impact: Matte black finishes can result in 25% more saves and 49% more shares per day on Zillow Rentals.
Cost: The cost of updating hardware or fixtures ranges from $50 to a few hundred dollars, depending on the fixtures and quantity.
#2: Add Open Shelving
Open shelving allows renters to display mementos, books, art, and other personal items without taking up valuable floor space with bulky furniture. Reviews are mixed on open shelving in the kitchen (in place of closed cabinets), but depending on how they’re used, they can make a kitchen feel more airy and spacious.
Impact: Rental listings with open shelving get 36% more saves per day on Zillow Rentals.
Cost: The national average cost for professional installation of open shelving is $275.
#3: Become a Plant Parent
Assuming they’re healthy, plants can enhance the air quality in a space—as well as the general aesthetic—and improve renters’ mental and physical health. That said, plants come with responsibility; unless either the landlord or the tenant is committed to keeping them healthy, it’s probably best to look for other ways to freshen up the space (literally and visually).
Options: Indoor options include small herb gardens, hanging eucalyptus plants, succulents, and cacti. For outdoor spaces, consider patio gardens, window boxes, or railing boxes.
Impact: Patio gardens increase a rental’s daily views by 24.2% on Zillow Rentals.
Cost: Window box installation costs $100-$150, with materials ranging from $15 to $900 depending on the type.
#4: Paint a Room (or Two) or Add an Accent Wall
A fresh coat of paint can make a dramatic impact on a rental’s aesthetic and value. At the moment, darker hues are generally preferred over traditional white/off-white walls. Gen Z renters, in particular, prefer bold, dark colors and often paint both walls and trim the same color.
Impact: Fresh paint can lead to 14% more saves and 17% more shares per day on Zillow Rentals.
Cost: The national average cost to paint a room is $324-$1,620, depending on room size and wall height.
#5: Upgrade Lighting
New lighting fixtures can switch up a room’s mood and even reduce energy costs. LED bulbs are up to 90% more energy efficient, while smart lights offer color and brightness adjustments via mobile app.
Impact: Smart lights can increase daily saves by 22% and daily shares by 35% on Zillow Rentals.
Cost: The average cost for lighting installation is about $150, depending on the number and type of fixtures.
#6: Hang Mirrors
Well-placed (and well-chosen) mirrors can make a space feel larger and brighter. Wavy, circular, and arched designs are currently trending.
DIY Potential: Hanging a mirror is a simple DIY project—and not all mirrors need to be wall-mounted. Vintage finds can cost less than $100.
Impact: Rental homes with a mirrored wall get an additional 10% more saves and shares per day on Zillow Rentals.
#7: Embrace Peel-and-Stick Embellishments
From a renter’s perspective, peel-and-stick products like temporary wallpaper, backsplashes, and adhesive floor tiles make it easy and affordable to customize their space without permanently altering the appearance. Wallpaper installations are up 10.1% year over year on Thumbtack.
There’s a growing interest in temporary wallpaper, as well as peel-and-stick embellishments for other areas like floors and backsplashes. But this is one idea every renter should run by their landlord before they spend the money.
Cost: The average cost for peel-and-stick wallpaper installation is $300-$450.
Landlord Collaboration: Renters should check their lease and discuss upgrades with their landlord, who may share costs if the upgrades add value to the property.
We’re seeing Gen Z take advantage of renter-friendly improvements to make their space uniquely their own – whether it’s through bold lighting upgrades, finishes or eclectic decor. Being a renter doesn’t mean you have to compromise on adding character to your space, and budget conscious options can still have a big impact on how your space feels and looks.
Something to keep in mind
Not all landlords will be keen on the idea of adding something that sticks to walls. As someone currently renting, I know my landlord will allow nails and screws but not anything adhesive—including Command strips.
Encourage renters in your area to consult with their landlords or property managers before adding anything that could potentially damage the walls, floors, or other surfaces. It never hurts to ask, and it could save them considerable expense in the future.
