DIY secrets renters use to legally score their full security deposit

WHEN renting an apartment, the last thing you want when you move out is to lose your security deposit.

With deposits upwards of thousands of dollars, tenants can use a handful of DIY decorating tips without fear of putting their security deposit at risk.

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Tenants are at risk of losing their security deposit if they make unapproved changes to their rental[/caption]

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A real estate and interior design expert shared five renter-friendly decorating tips with The U.S. Sun[/caption]

A security deposit is the fee a renter pays to their landlord, generally at the start of a lease, to cover the possibility of unpaid rent or excessive property damages when the tenant moves out.

The payment is typically one to two months’ rent or a fixed amount, although the exact amount of one’s security deposit is dependent on state laws.

With the typical asking rent in the country standing at $1,980, Americans are at risk of losing thousands of dollars if they slip up and break their lease when settling into their place.

“Turning your apartment into a cozy dwelling can come at a cost – and I don’t mean how much you’ll spend buying decorations,” Dina Sartore-Bodo, the senior advice editor at Realtor.com, told The U.S. Sun.

“If you don’t read your lease or check with your landlord, your DIY can be money down the drain.”

The real estate and interior design pro advised tenants to first check for an alteration clause in their lease to see what modifications are allowed to avoid any consequential rental changes.

For any changes not explicitly permitted in the lease, renters should get written permission from their landlord before doing any major renovations or permanent changes.

This includes things like painting, mounting TVs, or adding built-in shelves, said Sartore-Bodo.

While certain changes to your rental could cost you your security deposit, tenants can generally make cosmetic changes without violating their lease.

Sartore-Bodo shared five easy, renter-friendly decorating tips to help you protect your security deposit.

1. SMALL NAILS

For those looking to decorate their rental home or apartment with memories, Sartore-Bodo suggested hanging photos with small nails.

This way, the resulting holes can be filled and sanded before the tenant moves out.

However, the expert noted that it is always best practice to check the lease to see what renters are permitted to use for hanging.

Some landlords and rental agreements implement a “no-nails” policy as a precaution to avoid noticeable and costly repairs.

2. SELF-ADHESIVE STRIPS

For tenants wanting to add a personal touch to their rental’s walls but not allowed to use nails, the real estate expert advised using Command Strips.

This handy tool uses a strong, damage-free adhesive that removes cleanly, making it a great option for renters looking to hang up things like paintings, pictures, or mirrors.

Sartore-Bodo warned renters to double check the product packaging for weight limits to ensure the strips are strong enough.

3. SELF-ADHESIVE HOOKS

Command Hooks are also great for temporary tweaks to your place, such as hanging up objects with a loop or handle like coats, hats, or keys.

The expert noted that removable adhesive hooks are also an ideal option to bring some organization to your bathroom or closet, great for hanging towels or clothing.

“You can get stylish sets in gold, black or silver for as cheap as $10 on Amazon,” said Sartore-Bodo.

4. TENSION RODS

While many tenants hope to add a little privacy or sunlight-blocking to their space, most standard curtain rods need screws for secure installation.

However, there are many alternatives available that do not require drilling, which is “usually a big ‘no no’ in rentals,” said Sartore-Bodo.

She suggested using tension rods to hang curtains, which use a spring-loaded mechanism to hold curtains firmly in place inside a window frame without the need for drilling.

5. PEEL AND STICK

Sartore-Bodo explained that one of the most significant developments and trends in recent years has been the expansion of peel-and-stick design options.

“Renters can now update everything from wallpaper and backsplashes to countertops and even flooring without making any permanent changes,” she said.

These decals or wallpaper can be cleanly removed once a renter’s lease ends and are a great way to personalize walls without causing damage.

All of these temporary changes can easily be undone when the time to move out comes, allowing a tenant to restore their unit to its original condition prior to leaving.

If you’re looking to clean up the inside of your rental, check out Walmart’s unique space-saving storage solution.

Also, read up on Amazon’s $22 gadget that cleans windows and mirrors in seconds – it’s perfect for streak-free removal of winter condensation.