10 NEVER-DO RENTER UPGRADES
You need this.
Every apartment subreddit has the same 10 horror stories. The peel-and-stick that took the paint. The blackout curtain rod that cracked the frame. This guide lists all 10 and shows the renter-safe swap for each.
Drop your email and we'll send the printable straight to your inbox. No spam, only the file plus a few smart follow-ups.
We render apartments for a living. We make the printables we wish renters had.
Rendered by Design creates city-specific home design guides, room lookbooks, and budget tools for first-apartment renters in NYC, Austin, Phoenix, Seattle, Atlanta, and beyond. Every resource on this site is built from real design work we do every day.
Meet RbDWithout it, you'll forget half the list.
- You peel-and-stick wallpaper over latex paint and it strips the wall on removal
- You mount a curtain rod with drywall anchors that crack the window frame
- You paint an accent wall without checking lease terms and lose half your deposit
- You install a bidet attachment and cause a slow leak that damages the subfloor
What's Inside
- ✓ 10 specific renter mistakes with photo evidence of the damage
- ✓ The renter-safe swap for each one (no tools, no drilling, no landlord call)
- ✓ Deposit-risk rating per upgrade so you know what is worth the risk
- ✓ A quick-reference card to screenshot and save before your next Target run
How It Works
Skim the 10 mistakes and check which ones you have already done or planned
Screenshot the swap list for the 3-4 that apply to your apartment
Before any upgrade, run it against the deposit-risk rating
Share with your roommate so they do not make the same mistakes
Choose Your Adventure
All four other RbD printables. Pick the one you need next.
Shop the Look
Pieces from the RbD retailer index. Use the printable as your shopping checklist.
FTC: Some links below are affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only feature pieces we'd put in a real RbD render.
Renter Makeover Playbook
Every product, room, layout, and budget breakdown, done for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this really free?
Yes. PDF arrives by email in under five minutes. No credit card.
Will these swaps work in my apartment?
Every swap is designed for standard US rental apartments. No drilling, no permanent adhesive, no landlord approval needed.
What if I already made one of these mistakes?
The guide includes a damage-control section with tips for reversing or minimizing the damage before move-out inspection.
What format?
PDF, printable. US letter size. Save to phone or print the quick-reference card.