Applying new decor is often the first step in making a rental feel like home, and wallpaper is one of the most impactful ways to do this. The short answer to whether you can put wallpaper in an apartment is a definitive yes, but the process requires a strategic approach that respects the lease agreement and the building's structure. Success hinges on choosing the right materials and removal methods to avoid losing your security deposit when it is time to move out.
Unlike a house owner who can renovate freely, an apartment dweller operates within specific constraints dictated by the landlord and property management. The primary goals for any tenant considering this project should be reversibility and cleanliness. You must view the walls as a temporary canvas, ensuring that the final result enhances your living experience while leaving the space in a condition that satisfies the move-out inspection.
Wallpaper Types That Work for Rentals
The market has evolved significantly, offering solutions that are far superior to the heavy, glue-heavy papers of the past. When selecting wallpaper for an apartment, you generally want to focus on two categories: removable and pre-pasted. These options are designed to minimize damage and do not require the aggressive chemical solutions associated with traditional installation.
- Removable Wallpaper: This is the gold standard for tenants. It sticks to the wall much like a large sticker and can be peeled off cleanly without leaving residue, provided it is applied to clean, smooth surfaces.
- Pre-pasted Wallpaper: This comes with adhesive already activated by water. While it offers a higher quality print and texture, it requires careful handling during removal, often needing a steamer to ensure the adhesive does not stick to the wall.
Surface Preparation is Key
Even the best removable wallpaper will fail if applied to dirty or uneven surfaces. Grease, dust, and old flaking paint are the enemies of adhesion and removal. Before hanging a single strip, you should thoroughly clean the walls with a gentle soap and water solution, followed by a light sanding to smooth out any rough patches. This step ensures a tight bond that looks professional and prevents the paper from peeling off prematurely due to poor adhesion.
Additionally, you must address the electrical outlets and switches. Turning off the breaker and carefully removing the faceplates is necessary to smooth the paper around them. Using a razor blade or an exacto knife to carefully trim the paper to the edge of the plate creates a clean, built-in look that eliminates the need for unsightly outlet covers, which can often signal to a landlord that a DIY job was done poorly.
The Removal Strategy
How you take the wallpaper down is just as important as how you put it up. If you used a truly removable option, a gentle pulling motion should suffice. However, if the paper resists, resist the urge to brute force it off. Instead, use a spray bottle filled with warm water to reactivate the adhesive or a rented steamer to soften the backing. The goal is to remove the paper in large, intact sections to minimize the texture it might leave on the drywall, which could require expensive patching to fix.
For pre-pasted varieties, you might need to run a steamer down the seam to loosen the paper without damaging the wall surface. The critical moment is the "tug test," where you gently pull a corner to see if the adhesive has fully released. If the paper tears or leaves a sticky film, you will need to dedicate significant time to cleaning the residue with specific solutions or a magic erver before the landlord's inspection.
Legal and Financial Considerations
Before you purchase the first roll, you must review your lease agreement. Many standard leases contain clauses regarding "alterations," which can range from a complete ban on wall changes to requiring written approval for anything over a specific size. In some cases, landlords may require you to paint the walls back to the original color if you wish to use a bold pattern, or they may charge a fee for the installation to cover potential damage.
| Action | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Check for clauses regarding alterations, paint, and decorating permissions. | |
| Document the wall color and condition before installation to prove you did not damage the original surface. | |
| Ensures you can revert the space to its original state without costly repairs. |
Finally, consider the resale value of the property, even if you are not planning to move soon. While a beautiful accent wall can boost your mood daily, overly aggressive patterns or colors might not align with the landlord's taste. Opting for neutral textures or easily changeable decals allows you to customize the space without gambling on a specific aesthetic that might need to be updated for the next tenant.
