5 Renting Struggles Every Tenant Will Relate To

There are a lot of advantages to renting—you don't have to worry about paperwork, estate taxes and long-term commitments, to name a few. However, despite all the perks, it has downsides, too. Here are some of the dilemmas every renter has to overcome when moving into a new space: 

1. You can’t make any major renovations.

Be it a fresh coat of paint, window awnings or built-in furniture—more often than not, you can’t tweak anything in a rented home unless your landlord agrees to it. Thankfully, you can always resort to more temporary solutions like wall decals and accessories. (For wall sticker and decal ideas, click here.)

2. You have to deal with outdated, cookie-cutter kitchens.

Considered a costly room to refurbish, the kitchen is often the last room to receive a much-needed upgrade in many rentals. Because of this, you’ll often find slightly stained cabinets, a lack of storage and worst of all, carpet flooring. The only solution to this is negotiating with your landlord and making the necessary changes.

3. You can’t share space with a furry friend. 

Not all rentals allow pets and a lot are strict in implementing this rule. If you can't live in a home without the presence of dogs or cats, it can be a struggle to find a place that allows them to run free. 

4. You don’t have a lot of outdoor space to work with.

While most rental spaces have access to amenities, nothing beats having your own garden, unless you try to create your own little pocket urban/condo garden. If growing your own green wonders are important to you, buying a home might be a better option for you. 

5. You never get enough storage.

Most apartment rentals have tiny wardrobe spaces—or worse, no closets at all.  You always need to think of ways to create or extend storage without ruining the existing furnishings. (However, if you want to find out how to maximize hidden storage spaces in your home, click here.)