Are you looking for a few summer DIY projects to give your rental a little cost-effective upgrade while also keeping yourself occupied? Thankfully, the possibilities are endless. From some deep cleaning to simply swapping out some old hardware, you can refresh your rentals cheaply for your summer DIY projects. RentRedi can be a helpful resource for practical rental-friendly ideas for renters and property owners looking for cost-effective ways to improve a space,
Painting and Surface Refresh
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most effective ways to make a rental look cleaner, newer, and better maintained. For interiors, touch-ups can quickly hide scuffs, nail marks, and faded spots on high-traffic walls, trim, and doors. If the lease allows more than basic touch-up work, repainting a single room or an accent wall can also brighten a space and make it feel more intentional. Neutral colors are usually the safest choice for rentals because they appeal to a wider range of people and create a cleaner backdrop for the rest of the home. Before painting, it helps to clean the surface, patch small holes, and lightly sand rough areas so the finish looks smooth and lasts longer. Even small repainting jobs can make a noticeable difference when a room has visible wear.
Exterior paint and surface cleaning are just as important for curb appeal. Over time, siding, porches, fences, driveways, and walkways collect dirt, mildew, and stains that make a property look older than it is. Power washing, or pressure washing, can quickly remove buildup and reveal a much fresher surface underneath. This is especially useful before a new tenant moves in or when you want the property to stand out from the street. If the exterior paint is peeling or faded, touch up problem areas or repaint trim to make the whole home look cared for without a full overhaul. The key is to focus on visible problem spots first, since those are the details people notice most. Together, a clean driveway and fresh paint can dramatically improve a rental’s first impression. These projects are cost-effective, relatively straightforward, and highly visible, which makes them a smart choice for summer maintenance. They also pair well with other seasonal upkeep, since warmer weather makes painting and outdoor cleaning easier to complete and faster to dry.
Interior Décor and Personalization
Easy interior upgrades, including installing curtains, updating or adding furniture, and incorporating artwork or décor, to personalize and refresh rental spaces while remaining landlord-friendly. Renters do not have to rely on major renovations to make a space feel fresh:
- Curtains That Change the Whole Room: Installing new curtains is one of the fastest ways to soften a rental and make it feel more finished. Curtains can add color, texture, and privacy while also helping with light control and insulation. If drilling is not allowed, use existing rods or temporary hanging solutions where possible. Sheer panels can make a room feel airy, while heavier drapes create warmth and structure. It is a small change, but it can completely shift the mood of a bedroom or living area.
- Furniture That Works Hard and Looks Good: Updating or adding furniture can instantly refresh a rental without altering the space itself. Look for pieces that solve practical problems and improve the room’s layout, such as a freestanding island bench, a compact side table, or a storage ottoman. Multi-use furniture is especially helpful in rentals, where space is often limited. Choose items that fit your daily routine and style, so the room feels more intentional. Even one new piece can make a rental seem more functional and polished.
- Artwork That Adds Personality: Because you may not be able to paint walls, framed art can bring in color, shape, and character without any permanent changes. Try a single large piece for impact or a gallery wall for a more collected look. Leaning artwork on shelves or furniture can also work well if you want to avoid hanging too much. The right pieces can turn blank walls into focal points and make the home feel lived in.
- Décor That Makes a Space Feel Finished: Small décor updates can tie a rental room together and make it feel more welcoming. Think shelves, mirrors, ceramics, lamps, and other decorative objects that reflect your taste. Adding a few carefully chosen items can help balance empty spaces and create a sense of warmth. The key is to keep it simple and avoid clutter. A mix of practical and decorative pieces makes a rental feel more styled while still being easy to change when your needs or lease change.
These kinds of upgrades are ideal for renters because they improve the look and feel of a home without requiring permanent alterations. You can create a space that feels more personal, comfortable, and inviting, all while staying landlord-friendly.
Give It a Big ol’ Power Wash
A pressure washer can give new life to the exterior of your home, especially if a chore like “restain porch” is also on your summer to-do list. A power washer is good for removing grime before you paint.
Landscaping and Outdoor Improvements
A small amount of landscaping can make a rental feel more cared for. You do not need a full yard overhaul to get results. Simple projects like pulling weeds, trimming overgrown edges, edging walkways, and clearing away fallen leaves or debris can instantly make outdoor spaces look neater. If the property has a front porch, balcony, patio, or entryway, sweeping the area and removing clutter can have the same effect. From there, adding a few plants is one of the easiest ways to bring life and color to the space. Potted flowers, herbs, shrubs, or low-maintenance greenery can brighten a walkway or front step without requiring permanent changes.
Container gardening is especially renter-friendly because the plants can be moved, rearranged, or taken with you later. If the yard is small or the soil is hard to work with, even one or two planters can make a noticeable difference. Choosing easy-to-care-for plants is helpful, since the goal is to improve the space without adding a lot of upkeep. Mulching garden beds, refreshing planter soil, and watering regularly can also help everything look healthier and more intentional. For renters who want a bigger visual impact, grouping planters near the entry or using matching containers can create a cleaner, more polished look. Outdoor furniture or accessories are not necessary for this kind of refresh, but if they are already present, cleaning them and arranging them neatly can help the whole area feel more inviting. These landscaping projects are practical because they improve curb appeal and make the outdoor area more pleasant to use daily. They are also a good fit for summer, when warm weather makes yard work easier, and plants are more likely to thrive. Even a few hours spent tidying the space and adding greenery can make a rental feel noticeably brighter and better maintained.
Update Your Kitchen/Light Fixture Hardware
Upgrading or replacing lighting fixtures and hardware, including handles, knobs, and faucets, modernizes the look and functionality of rental spaces. If you’re looking for a low-energy, low-cost project, updating your kitchen hardware and outlet covers could be a good way to satisfy the summer project itch in a cost-effective way. Make sure you go around and measure what you’ll need for cupboard knobs and drawer pulls before heading to the store or ordering from Amazon.
For outlet and light switch covers, brass or brightly colored covers can add a little extra something to a typical white or beige rental.
Renter-Friendly Storage and Organization
Summer is a great time to rethink how your rental works day-to-day. A few simple storage updates can make a small space feel larger. The best renter-friendly solutions are flexible and easy to move if your needs change.
- Use Freestanding Shelving To Add Instant Storage: Freestanding shelving is one of the simplest ways to create more storage in a rental without drilling into the walls. It works well in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and entryways, especially in spaces with awkward corners or limited closet space. You can use shelves to hold books, baskets, plants, or everyday items you want easy access to. Because the unit is movable, it can grow with your needs and move with you when you leave.
- Turn Open Shelves Into Visual Storage: Open shelving can help make your rental look more organized and styled. Using matching baskets, trays, and containers can keep small items grouped together and reduce visual clutter. This is especially helpful in kitchens, bathrooms, and offices, where everyday essentials can quickly pile up. When used carefully, open storage adds both function and personality without making the room feel crowded or closed in.
- Choose Multi-Purpose Furniture With Hidden Storage: Furniture that serves multiple purposes is ideal for renters who need to maximize every inch of space. Storage ottomans, benches with compartments, and side tables with shelves can help hide clutter while still functioning as useful pieces of furniture. These options are especially helpful in small apartments or shared homes where storage is limited. One or two well-chosen pieces can make a space feel more organized, more comfortable, and easier to live in every day.
- Make Closets More Efficient With Removable Organizers: Closets often have unused space that can be improved with simple, renter-friendly organizers. Hanging shelves, over-the-door storage, stackable bins, and shelf dividers can help sort clothes, shoes, cleaning supplies, and seasonal items more effectively. These tools make it easier to find what you need and keep everything in its place. Since they do not require any permanent installation, they are a practical way to improve storage without affecting your lease.
- Use Small Zones To Store Everyday Essentials: Even awkward or overlooked spots can become useful storage areas with the right setup. Empty corners, under-bed space, and narrow entryways can all hold baskets, slim carts, or low-profile containers for shoes, bags, linens, or other household items. Creating storage zones in these spaces helps keep frequently used items organized and easy to reach. It also prevents clutter from spreading throughout the home, making the entire rental feel more polished and functional.
The most effective rental storage solutions are the ones you can actually keep up with. If a system takes too much effort, it will not stay organized for long. Choose storage that fits your routine and makes cleaning up easier, not harder. A few well-placed bins and furniture pieces can make a big difference without adding stress. The goal is to create a home that feels tidy, usable, and comfortable without making any permanent alterations.
Looking to get really hands-on and build something? There are plenty of summer DIY projects on Pinterest you can explore if you’re looking to refresh your own or your rental’s outdoor area and add a little touch of comfort for the next tenants, such as building a garden box or a picnic table.
If you’re thinking more about long-term upgrades for your rentals, consider updating your rentals with amenities renters will seek as a result of the pandemic, or even installing smart thermostats. These could also be added to your summer DIY projects list or contractor jobs, depending on the upgrade. Then, after a day’s hard work, make sure you treat yourself to some ice cream. (It is summer, after all!)