Whether you own or rent, you feel most comfortable and loved at home. With many families choosing to rent, creating a nurturing space within a rental property is more important than ever. While renting may present challenges, it doesn’t have to limit your ability to build a loving and comfortable home for your family.
This blog post guides you in turning any rental property into a haven. We’ll learn creative ways to personalize your rental and make it feel like yours.
Let’s start making your rental a place where your family can thrive.
Childproofing Your Rental
As parents, we want to create a safe environment for our children. However, injuries are still a leading cause of death for children in America. Every year, around 2.2 million children under 14 are treated in emergency rooms for injuries that happen at home. Therefore, childproofing your rental is essential to protect your little ones.
Many childproofing solutions are ideal for rental properties. Simple measures like cabinet and drawer latches can protect children from dangerous items.
Outlet covers eliminate the risk of electrical shock. Furniture anchors secure heavy items, preventing tip-overs. Window guards and door knob covers add another layer of protection, safeguarding against falls and accidental lock-ins.
Softening sharp corners and edges with bumpers and opting for cordless window blinds further minimize hazards. However, childproofing is also about creating a healthy environment free from hidden threats.
For example, your seemingly safe rental could harbor asbestos. This natural mineral was once widely used in construction. Studies show it can cause devastating diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer if its fibers are inhaled. Older properties, especially those built before the 1980s, are more likely to contain asbestos in insulation, flooring, or even textured ceilings.
If you suspect your rental might have asbestos, it must be inspected professionally. If asbestos is present, the landlord must mitigate the risk, ensuring the family’s safety. However, some landlords deny or fail to do so, leading families to file lawsuits against them. In the past five years, between 3,500 and 4,100 asbestos lawsuits have been filed yearly in the American courts.
You might be wondering: Can I sue for asbestos exposure? Yes, you can file a lawsuit. If the landlord knowingly fails to disclose the presence of asbestos in the rental house and your child suffers from its exposure. Moreover, you must check for the statute of limitation for these types of lawsuits.
Generally, the statute of limitations for asbestos-related disease lawsuits ranges from one to six years, according to TorHoerman Law. The period begins from the moment you are diagnosed with the disease.
You should be vigilant and proactive about potential hazards for completely childproofing your rented house. Aim to create a home where your children can grow and thrive, free from harm.
Space-Saving Strategies
Rentals often have limited storage space. Cramped closets, small bedrooms, and a lack of built-ins can make keeping things organized feel like an uphill battle. However, there are practical solutions to help you maximize every inch of your rental and create a clutter-free haven.
The demand for extra space is actual, evidenced by the sky-high occupancy rates of self-storage units in recent years. But why pay for external storage when you can optimize the space within your own home? Embrace vertical storage solutions like shelves, hooks, and pegboards to utilize often-neglected wall space.
Multi-functional furniture, such as coffee tables with hidden compartments or beds with built-in drawers, can be a game-changer. Over-the-door organizers can hold shoes, accessories, or cleaning supplies. Remember to declutter regularly to free up valuable space.
Family-Friendly Amenities
Finding a rental property as a family should support your needs and enhance your quality of life. Amenities are crucial in creating a comfortable and fulfilling living environment for everyone. In a study by Allegion US, 14% of people consider onsite amenities like a gym, barbeque area, etc., as dealbreakers for them.
That’s why we should prioritize features that make family life easier and more enjoyable. Families highly covet outdoor space, such as a yard, playground, or nearby park. Many renters with children consider it essential. And why not? Studies suggest that children and adolescents should participate in outdoor activities for 60 minutes daily. It improves their physical, mental, and cognitive health.
Access to good schools is another priority. Consider the proximity to quality educational institutions for your children. Moreover, resources like libraries, community centers, and family-friendly activities offer learning, growth, and fun opportunities.
A safe neighborhood provides peace of mind, allowing children to explore and play freely. Convenient public transportation makes commuting and outings more manageable.
Personalizing Your Space
While renting might feel temporary, your home shouldn’t. Infusing your personal touch into your rental space transforms it from a dwelling into a proper home. Personalizing your rental creates a comfortable space that reflects your family’s personality and style.
Fortunately, there are countless ways to personalize your rental without compromising your security deposit. Removable wallpaper and wall decals offer a burst of color and pattern without damaging the walls. Area rugs and throw pillows introduce warmth and texture, while artwork and family photos add those all-important personal touches.
Plants breathe life into any space, creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere. Add a few houseplants or a small herb garden to your kitchen windowsill. Thoughtful lighting choices, such as lamps and string lights, can alter the mood of a room, creating a cozy and intimate ambiance.
Additionally, landlords also matter in making your rented apartment feel like your home. A study examined how landlords and letting agents affect whether people renting from them feel at home. It found that when landlords allow renters to personalize their space, it helps them feel more at home. This also benefits landlords, as satisfied renters are more likely to stay longer.
FAQs
Why is owning a home more essential than renting?
Owning a home is an investment that can grow in value over time. Unlike renting, where you’re subject to a landlord’s decisions, it provides stability and control over your living. Moreover, mortgage payments can be seen as forced savings, gradually increasing your ownership stake.
How to find a rental home in the USA?
You can use online rental platforms to find a home in the USA. These websites allow you to search for available rentals by location, price, and amenities. Additionally, consider contacting local real estate agents who specialize in rentals.
What is the average house rent in the USA?
The average house rent in the USA is $1,536/month. Rent prices can fluctuate significantly based on location, with significant cities typically commanding higher rents than smaller towns. The size and type of housing unit also play a role, with larger homes costing more.
Creating a nurturing home isn’t confined to homeowners. Millions of people in the U.S. call rental properties their home. It proves that beautiful and fulfilling lives can be built within rented walls.
Embrace the tips and strategies we’ve shared. Prioritize safety, optimize storage, seek out family-friendly amenities, and infuse your personality into every corner. It’s these small steps that turn a rental into a haven, a place where your family can truly thrive. So, roll up your sleeves and get started.
