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How to personalise your rental without losing your deposit
11th May, 2026 10:04 AM
Many Kenyans live in rented houses where landlords are strict about the security deposit. Rules often stop tenants from painting walls or drilling holes for pictures.
These restrictions do not mean a house must remain dull or impersonal. Using smart and temporary methods allows a person to change a space without breaking any lease rules or losing money.
Use removable materials for walls and floors
One of the easiest ways to change a room is using contact paper or peel-and-stick wallpaper.
These items are available in many shops in Nairobi and can be applied directly over old kitchen tiles or plain bedroom walls.
They come off easily when it is time to move out and leave no sticky marks behind. For floors that look old, stained, or cold, large area rugs are a great fix.
A decent rug can cost about Sh3,500 and covers up ugly flooring while adding warmth. These changes are helpful for more than just the look of the room.
Recent research by Al-Tarazi (2024) explains that “A direct link was established between participants’ involvement in the transformation of the home and their satisfaction with the residence, as well as satisfaction with life in general.” As per this, making a house feel like a home is a key part of staying happy and comfortable.
Focus on better lighting and damage-free hanging
Lighting changes how a small apartment feels almost instantly.
Instead of using the harsh bulbs provided by the landlord, tenants can use warm LED bulbs or battery-powered strip lights. These do not require any new wiring or permanent changes to the ceiling.
For wall decorations like photos or mirrors, adhesive hooks are the best choice. They hold weight securely and pull off the wall without chipping the paint or leaving holes that need filling.
Another simple trick is swapping out boring cupboard handles for modern versions found in hardware stores.
A tenant simply needs to keep the original handles in a safe drawer and put them back before the final inspection. These small steps ensure the house looks stylish while keeping the landlord’s property in perfect condition.
