Would it be OK if we were to hang wreaths on our apt doors and put doormats in front of our apartment doors?

Question

Do we have to discuss anything with the landlord/apt building manager (super) before we hang wreaths on our apt doors, painting the walls, hanging pictures on walls, removing carpets, putting a doormat in front of our apt door?

Answer 1

anything on the out side, you will need to find out the policy for the complex, look around do others have things hanging on the door?

as toward the unit it self, what does your lease say about modification to the unit? removing carpets? what is the purpose? you could be required at the end of the lease to return to the way it was when you rented it

Answer 2

Yes, no and maybe.

Doormats: Yes
Wreath: maybe, it depends on how you hang it.
Removing Carpets; Probably a big NO.
Painting Walls: Maybe
Hanging Pictures: Yes

For example doormats are not a problem, but putting plants outside is. In fact anything that obstructs the apartment area can be objected to and anything that is on your porch that can be seen can be object to. After all the apartment company has to keep up appearances.

As for the wreath on the door that can be a problem if you plan on nailing it there. If there is already a hook or you can find a way to attach it then you can post it. If not then you had best contact your apartment management.

Hanging pictures on the wall is okay, if you purchase some spackle compound from a home supply store (like Home Depot; find it in the paint section). This compound is white and applies like a thick paste filling the hole and matching the standard color for the wall. This lets you fill in any holes you make so you can hang all the paintings and shelves you want, provide you repair the damage after you move out or take them down. Don’t use toothpaste as a spackle compound, but the real thing it only costs a few bucks. Toothpaste won’t hold and it will look bad, I have had a landlord specifically tell me not to use it once (not that I planed on doing it). I do have a peg board and several shelves hung on the walls in my apartment, but those holes can be spackled over and so they shouldn’t be a problem. I will have to take the shelving down when I leave because I need to leave the apartment in the original condition.

Removing carpets can be a major modification and a major problem, but if you really want to then you can talk to the management and see if you can do it. Carpets have to be replaced now and then so if your carpets are worn they may let you tear them out, especially if you promise to do all the work yourself; however most rent contracts state explicitly that you cannot make ANY permanent modifications to the apartment.

I wanted a cool color for the walls in my bedroom so before I moved in I asked the apartment management if I could paint the walls and they agreed. I did say that it would be a light color and should be something that could be covered up with one coat of paint. Repainting the walls after a tenant moves out is an accepted expense for many apartment complexes so they may not have a problem with your doing it. Just make sure that you either leave a white wall when you leave or that you leave a light enough color on the wall that it can be covered with one coat of white paint (black walls are probably a big no-no).

Answer 3

Anything that would change the apt needs to discussed prior to doing them. The mat in front of the door doesn't matter. Painting the walls, removing carpets and hanging wreaths maybe. If you are putting a hole in the front door to hang the wreath, then they might have a problem, also, most places have a limit on how many holes can be in the walls with out payment. Painting the walls are usually okay if you paint them back prior to moving out. Removing the carpeting is a definite no though I would think.

Answer 4

Yes and no

Doubtful you would have any issues as to putting a doormat out.

The wreath as long as you use an over the door hanger and don't put any nails/holes in the door you are also probably safe

Painting? probably not allowed
I do not allow tenants to paint without specific written permission, my specific written approval of the color and an addendum to the lease as to specific charges if they do not repaint to my colors when vacating

hanging pictures - check your lease - any holes in the wall is not considered normal wear & tear. Most people do hang pictures, just be sure to fix the holes (and that means spackle and sanding)

removing carpets? almost surely verboten I have allowed that once, and in that case as with the painting there was a specific addendum and approval of the chosen carpet. Part of the addendum was the carpet stayed when they left and there was no compensation to them for the carpet.

Anyway, its always a good idea to discuss something you are not sure about with management before just doing it.

Answer 5

If your apt is a rented condo, there are rules put out by the association and sometimes they include no items outside in the hall, like doormats. usually nothing is mentioned on hanging a door ornament. The tenants and owners must follow those rules because they are part of an agreement .

Answer 6

This is why it sucks to rent. You're better off to just pretend you're living in a motel and don't change a thing unless you have to. For example, I always added a light kit onto the ceiling fan, since I like to have light in my bedroom, but management thinks I should be able to dress in the dark. I just made sure I removed the light kit before I moved out.

I installed a ceiling fan in the bedroom in one apartment, and when I asked if I could leave the $70 ceiling fan installed when I moved out, they even refused -- because someone in a different unit might find out about it, get jealous, and complain.

Just focus all of your efforts on buying your own place - you'll be much happier. I know I am. I'll never rent again if I can possibly avoid it.

Answer 7

Yes ! Come on and join the rest of us.You do not have to be Irish to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day.And there is an old saying that on Saint Patrick's Day everyone is Irish ! Happy Saint Patrick's Day to you !