With home ownership on a dramatic decline, especially for young Australians, renting is becoming an increasingly common living scenario.

The universal rule all renters know well is: nothing can be done without your landlords’ permission.

That being said, here are a few ways you can spruce up your rental and make it your own, without receiving a dreaded eviction notice or hefty deduction from your bond.

Swap out the little things

Making little changes that aren’t permanent or damaging are within the rental guidelines, so a good suggestion is to swap out the design features that are easily changed back.

• Swap out old curtains for some that suit your style.

• Swap out some lightbulbs to a cool new colour or, even better, buy plug-in mood lights or lamps to create a completely new vibe.

• Swap out the knobs on your drawers or cabinets.

• Swap out the toilet seat to something other than the cheap, white plastic variety.

Stick stuff on your wall

If you’re not damaging the walls, using removeable adhesive to add individual flair to your home is fine, so it’s a great and easy way to style your home.

• Stick up removable wallpaper, wall decals, or even a fashionable tapestry.

• Add vintage posters and artwork.

• Use adhesive, fake tiles in the kitchen.

• Hang up a thrifted plate collection.

Simple builds  

Easy DIY projects can make a huge impact in your space, and all you really need are tools you have lying around the house.

• Create a ladder towel rack for your bathroom.

• Fit in new baseboards.

• Build floating shelves that match the colour of your walls.
• Create a colourful garden in your yard.

If you want some reassurance about the rules and regulations, general manager at Ray White Canberra, Lisa Hyland, shares some general guidelines for renters looking to spruce up their home keeping within the rental contracts.

“Modifications with written consent from the landlord were introduced in 2019 and there are two categories of modifications: general and special,” she said.

“Special includes minor modification and modifications for safety and security, disability, energy efficiency or telecommunications access. General includes anything that modifies the internal and external premises excluding the above categories.”

She recommends for any tenant looking to request a modification to their landlord that they complete a modification request form and provide any additional support for the modification to increase their chances of approval, for example, a mud map of the requested modifications.

Do keep in mind though, any modification approved by the owner must be removed at the conclusion of the tenancy and restored to the original condition, unless otherwise agreed upon at the time of consent.

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