Whether you’re renting your first (or twenty-first) property as a tenant, you’ve likely braved some pros and cons.
On one hand, there’s that glorious flexibility of being able to up and move with your career, family and/or lifestyle changes – and with that, access to better locations you may not have been able to buy or live in otherwise.
But on the flip side, there’s also the back-of-mind concern about not having the security to stay put, if you’re forced to move out.
In the great housing debate, renting does get a bit of a negative wrap for its lack of permanence. Indeed, there’s no dancing around the fact that it’s someone else’s asset you’re living in, where you have a set of rules to comply with and a property to look after – no matter how long you plan to stay.
However, just because it’s your temporary base, are you really fated to live with the property exactly as it is?
Absolutely not.
From DIY, to what to check before moving in, to what you can actually solve yourself (without having to phone your agent or landlord)… we’re here to tell you our 5 top hacks that every tenant wishes they knew.
HACK 1: Check the state of the property before moving in.
Leaking taps, lack of shower pressure, a clogged toilet – it’s worth having a good check over your rental for these kinds of things, before you start moving the furniture in. While most common plumbing issues can be fixed with a simple plunger or a few pumps while you’re occupying the home, it’s important to ensure that the property doesn’t have any major issues that could require a tradesperson at your landlord’s consent. Best to notify them in the beginning, when it’s easier to get the job done!
HACK 2: Freestanding furniture will do the job!
Storing can be tricky when renting, especially if the property doesn’t already have adequate fixed systems such as built-in cupboards or a pantry. The best solution? Opt for furniture that can be utilised for multiple purposes, which you can take to the next place to save time and money.
Small chests of drawers can be picked up used from Facebook Marketplace, or relatively cheaply from Kmart, Fantastic Furniture and other affordable homeware stores – and, they can serve as anything from storage inside an empty wardrobe, to additional bench space, or even an infant change table.
For those short on space, think workarounds such as bar/utility carts for servingware, freestanding hanging racks for clothing, or beds and lounges that provide extra inbuilt storage.
HACK 3: Basic electrical doesn’t need approval.
When we say electrical, we mean… yep, lightbulbs. But before you smile, it’s a pretty common request received by property managers and landlords. And we’re not talking about assistance with difficult-to-access places.
Forget sitting in total darkness while you await your landlord’s response… as lightbulbs are a tenant’s responsibility, you’re fine to replace them without going through any formal procedure. Of course, if you’re not physically able to or it isn’t safe to do so, be sure to seek assistance from someone who can help out with those hard-to-reach places.
As for air conditioning filters, smoke detector batteries and other small day-to-day inconveniences and maintenance, these can also be amended by tenants without the need for approval first.
HACK 4: If it’s removable (without a trace), get creative!
Hideous flooring? Rather than trying to hide it with furniture, get some removable peel & stick or floating tiles! The same can be applied to walls with temporary splashbacks, removable wallpaper and even decal stickers that can completely transform the look of a room. With so many non-permanent, reusable solutions out there, renting is no longer an excuse for having a home that doesn’t feel like yours.
HACK 5: Command hooks can hold up practically anything.
We don’t mean to state the obvious, but we couldn’t go without mentioning this one. And, the next time you go to seek your landlord’s permission about drilling a new mirror into those bathroom tiles (and panicking when they crack), perhaps you might think of us.
Discard the screws, and invest in some heavy duty command hooks (you’ll find the best selection at Bunnings). They’re easy to remove, affordable, require zero holes in walls, and can mount anything from routers on walls and clothes on a door, to even bicycles and tools in a garage.
By the same token, if your shower is missing storage, get your hands on a suction-cap or over-the-door caddy that can be taken to your next abode. No need to drill for these either!
Prudential Real Estate Campbelltown | (02) 4628 0033 | campbelltown@prudential.com.au
Prudential Real Estate Liverpool | (02) 9822 5999 | liverpool@prudential.com.au
Prudential Real Estate Macquarie Fields | (02) 9605 5333 | macquariefields@prudential.com.au
Prudential Real Estate Narellan | (02) 4624 4400 | narellan@prudential.com.au
