Tenants can be hamstrung by a number of caveats when it comes to personalising a rental property to make it a home of their own.

But dressing up a rental is still possible without causing significant damage or investing a lot of money—so long as you have the landlord’s permission before you start your handiwork.

As a general rule, aside from wear and tear, tenants are expected to leave a rental property in the same condition as when they moved in. So, with this in mind, any changes you make should be reversible, portable and not cost the earth.

Seek permission before you start

The key to having a good relationship with your landlord and/or property manager is to be upfront and honest about your intentions, so it’s a good idea to seek permission before you start any work to personalise the property. Often landlords will see the benefits of agreeing to temporary changes that make a tenant feel more at home, particularly if it means the renter may want to stay on longer. But make sure your requests are within reason and won’t cause permanent damage to the home. It’s also a good idea to obtain permission in writing so the scope of any works is clear to all parties and cannot be misinterpreted.

Delightful décor

Rental properties can sometimes be a bit drab and soulless and the décor or colour palette might not be to your style. You don’t need to make full-blown structural changes to be able to put your stamp on a home. Tizz up the space with some different light fittings or additional lamps, new window treatments, throws and rugs; or by hanging pictures. You may be able to seek approval from the landlord to repaint the walls, but keep an open line of communication during the negotiations and decision-making, particularly when it comes to costs, colour selections and any expectations that there may be when it comes time for you to move out. In addition, anything you remove from the property, such as curtains or light fittings should be carefully stored so they can be returned and refitted when you leave.

Smart art

There’s nothing like having interesting art and pictures to enjoy on the walls. There should be a number of nails or hooks already in place that you can use, but sometimes landlords can be sticklers for allowing additional fixings. If that’s the case, think outside the square. Large artworks can look just as good propped up against a wall or use decorative ladders as hanging space.

Think green

Creating a portable garden can add real personality and functionality to your rental home both inside and out. Pots and planters can be easily established on balconies, and in courtyards to transform what can sometimes be neglected yards. A potted herb garden or raised vegetable garden bed can be a blessing for prolific cooks who like to have fresh produce at their fingertips. Perhaps consider adding wheels or casters to the pots or raised beds so it’s easier to shift them when it comes time for you to move house. Remember, you should seek approval if you want to replant existing garden beds or make changes to what is already there.