Can You Renovate an Apartment as a Renter?

As a renter, whether or not you can renovate your space depends entirely on your landlord and the constraints of your lease. Many leases include an “alterations and improvements” clause that spells out whether you can make modifications with approval, and what kinds. 

Note the phrase “with approval”: You should never embark on renovations, no matter how minor, without first getting your landlord’s express permission. Landlords often do allow small changes, especially temporary ones that can be easily undone when you move out, like repainting walls back to their original color. Here’s how to do it, what it might cost, and whether the effort is worth it.

How to renovate an apartment

You can renovate an apartment even as a renter, but to change your space beyond furniture and decor, you’ll need your landlord’s permission first. 

Your request should be made in writing. Be polite, and be specific in what you’d like to do, with photos and timelines if applicable. Cite your lease requirements if there are any. If permission is granted, get it in writing too and keep it on file, as it may help settle any potential security-deposit disputes later.

Follow these steps to do renovations right, without running afoul of your landlord.

1. Check your lease: First, read your lease carefully to see whether it includes an alterations and improvements clause. If there is, take note of the details.
2. Get permission: Formally request your landlord’s permission in writing, citing the details of your lease clause and the exact work you want to do. Be as specific as you can.
3. Take “before” pictures: Document the space’s existing condition in photos before any work begins. This may come in handy if there’s a dispute over the security deposit when you move out. 
4. Follow through: When it’s time to move out, follow through on everything you agreed to. If you said you would return the space to its original condition, do it — no matter how much better you think your changes make it.

How much does it cost to renovate an apartment?

Renovations are expensive: According to Thumbtack estimates from the past year, remodeling an entire apartment would run $32,628. That’s a project for an owner, not a renter.

Luckily, there are lots of easy ways to spruce up a rental apartment (with your landlord’s permission!) for under $100. Small, inexpensive renovations like these can often yield big results. 

Paint

A pop of color goes a long way, even on a single feature wall. A gallon of paint costs less than $75 or so (though the most high-end varieties may be a bit more), and if you go the DIY route, that’s a huge amount of bang for your buck.  

Cabinet hardware

New cabinet handles can transform the look of a drab kitchen, and they’re easy to install yourself (and undo when you move out). Basic handles and knobs run from $3–$15 each, according to Thumbtack. Try hardware with a trendy black finish, which is popular among Zillow rental shoppers: An analysis of Zillow data from 2025 showed that matte black hardware helped rental listings get 25% more saves and 49% more shares per day on Zillow Rentals. 

Open shelving

Open shelving gives you extra storage space and adds interest and depth to a blank wall. You can find a million varieties online or at home-improvement stores for under $100, and they’re a popular choice: Zillow Rentals data found that rental listings with open shelving got 36% more saves per day than similar units. 

Peel-and-stick wallpaper or tile

You don’t want to spend money hanging wallpaper or installing new tile in a rental, even if your landlord’s OK with it. But why not gussy up an accent wall or backsplash with the removable variety? Most peel-and-stick wallpapers cost under $100 per roll, and basic varieties can be significantly cheaper. Peel-and-stick tiles, meanwhile, are just $4–$30 per square foot, per Thumbtack — you’ll probably only need a few square feet to freshen up your kitchen backsplash, for instance. Just be extra careful when installing and removing these, as they can damage the drywall if done incorrectly. 

Window treatments

Most rentals come equipped with very basic roller shades or blinds. Swapping those out for inexpensive curtains or shades that are more your style can make a huge difference. Costs can vary widely, but basic blinds should run about $10–$50 per window, according to Thumbtack. Basic tension rods can run under $5, and the variety of curtain panels out there is endless.

Is it worth renovating an apartment?

As a renter, renovating is worth considering if you’ve signed a long-term lease or plan to keep renewing it for quite a while. But even then, stick to small projects that keep costs low: A minor upgrade here and there can make the apartment feel more like home, but expensive remodeling in a space you’re only renting temporarily won’t be worth it — and your landlord likely won’t allow it.

Pros of renovating an apartment

• Cosmetic changes can help a temporary space feel more like home.
• Adding shelving maximizes your storage space.
• The right paint colors and window treatments can make a small space feel bigger.

Cons of renovating an apartment

• You’re improving a property someone else owns.
• You won’t get to enjoy the upgrades anymore after you move out.
• You’ll likely have to undo all the work when you’re ready to move out.

Final thoughts on renovating an apartment as a renter

Between the money you’ll spend and the fact that you may have to undo the work when you eventually move out, extensive or high-end apartment renovations are definitely not worth the effort. Any value you add to the apartment ultimately benefits the landlord, not you. 

However, minor upgrades that won’t break the bank can make an apartment feel more homey and improve its functionality while you live there. As long as you have your landlord's permission, minor renovations are fine; just don’t overspend on something you won’t get to take with you when you move out.