Can You Drill Holes In Apartment Walls? Read This Before Decorating Your Rented Property (2023)

FAQs

Can You Drill Holes In Apartment Walls? Read This Before Decorating Your Rented Property? ›

In most apartments, you can make changes as long as you return the unit to its original state before your lease is up. This goes for nail holes, paint, and contact paper. So, typically, you are safe to drill or nail small holes in your apartment walls as long as you fill the holes before you move out.

So, what happens if you drill holes in the walls of your apartment? Nothing, as long as you don't move out and the landlord notices the holes in the walls. Something may happen if the landlord learns you bored holes in the walls. You may lose your security deposit.

Most landlords will see hanging pictures as a 'minor' alteration to the rental property and permission is typically granted. However, you will need to discuss these alterations with your landlord prior to hanging anything on the walls.

Depending on the apartment community, your lease agreement may prohibit nail holes or even place a pricey fine on wall damage. Using nails is the most common way to position wall hangings, but it isn't the only option.

Spackle the Hole

Place a small amount of spackle on the trowel and use the flat side to spread it over the hole. Then use the blade side to smooth it out. Repeat this process on every hole in the room. Use the edge of the trowel to make the putty as smooth as possible, so it seamlessly blends into the wall.

Always check with your property manager or building caretaker before drilling nails. Your property manager may ask how many nails you intend on using and where. Depending on your plans, your property manager may give you the green light, allow some of the projects to proceed, or ask you to refrain entirely.

Electrical cables are usually behind drywall, either running horizontally through holes in the studs or stapled vertically up the sides of studs. Outlet cables tend to be about 12 inches high. Light switches are around 48 inches high, so expect to see electric cables around that area.

The best way to hang your imagery is using a self-adhesive strip. All you have to do is peel back one side of the strip and stick it to your picture frame before peeling back the other side and sticking to your wall.

A tenant should only paint with written permission from the landlord to do so. Most landlords prefer that tenants do not paint the rental or make any improvements or repairs without approval. Tenants who respect your property will not paint without your permission, but it can sometimes be necessary to clear things up.

What should you not do when decorating an apartment? ›

Tiny nail and screw holes are the easiest to fix. Use a putty knife to fill them with spackling or wall joint compound. Allow the area to dry, then sand lightly. Anything larger must be covered with a bridging material for strength before patching compound can be applied.

Should You Fill Holes in Walls When Moving? Again, unless your contract specifies that this must be completed, it's mainly up to you to decide. If there is a “make good of any damage” clause in your contract, then you may be legally expected to fill any holes.

Toothpaste + Aspirin

Toothpaste works best for small holes in the wall, particularly because it tends to crack. To avoid cracking, crush up some aspirin into powder, and mix it with a bit of toothpaste to create a paste. Then, apply the toothpaste-aspirin mix to the wall and let dry.

The most common reason a drill won't penetrate a wall at all is because the drill is spinning in the wrong direction. If the drill bit enters the wall and then hits resistance, the typical cause is a metal plate or masonry obstruction.

If you have small holes in the wall, like the kind made from hanging posters, you can hide them with toothpaste. Just squeeze a little dab of toothpaste on your finger and rub it into the hole, using your finger to remove excess paste and make a smooth finish.

Every legal framed wall has studs, unless it is made from concrete blocks or bricks. Apartments that are built with building permits and framed timber have studs, generally no more than 16 inches apart. An illegal apartment created inside an old house may not. But the studs are not necessarily wood.

To determine if a wall is a load-bearing one, Tom suggests going down to the basement or attic to see which way the joists run. If the wall is parallel to the joists, it's probably not load-bearing. If the wall is perpendicular, it's most likely load-bearing.

Two of the most common forms of interior wall materials are plaster and drywall. Plaster has been used since ancient times.

If a wall has a beam, column or other wall directly below or following its same path, it's a load-bearing wall. Walls more than 6 inches thick are usually load-bearing walls. Walls in the center of a building usually support most of the roof's weight.

Can I decorate my rental? ›

If your landlord does agree, make sure you get that permission in writing. If you don't, your deposit could be in jeopardy if they change their mind at a later date – and they may even call it a breach of contract. Decorating can also be more extensive than just changing the colour of the walls.

Can you hang pictures on the wall in a rental property? Renters must get permission from their landlord or real estate agent before installing any hooks to hang pictures. Most landlords will consider picture hooks a “minor alteration” and permission is usually granted.

Beige. Neutral tones are always popular in apartments and condos, but pairing beige with other neutrals can add a dramatic effect.

Many experts consider neutral tones the best option for rental homes, but it's easy to interpret neutrals as boring for a living space. The key to selecting the best paint colors for your rental property is to look at the space itself.

The recommended finish for your rental property is eggshell, followed by satin, as they are easier to clean. They are attractive and easy to clean. Although hi-gloss is the easiest to clean, it may not be appealing due to its sheen.

Most Landlords Don't Mind a Fresh Coat of Paint

The problem with painting an apartment happens when you decide to use a color that isn't something the landlord appreciates. Although your lease may allow for improvements at your cost, you may need to restore the walls to move-in condition.

Is it safe to make a hole in the wall? ›

“The main dangers [of drilling into a wall] are hitting an electrical wire, water pipe, or gas pipe,” explains Issabel Williams, a crew member with Fantastic Handyman UK. “All of these scenarios can lead to electrocution or flooding.”

7. Should You Fill Holes in Walls When Moving? Again, unless your contract specifies that this must be completed, it's mainly up to you to decide. If there is a “make good of any damage” clause in your contract, then you may be legally expected to fill any holes.

To find a safe spot to drill into, you need to move the device across the wall with equal pressure. Always keep in mind that you should only move it along the x-axis. So, if you are moving the device horizontally across the wall, you should grip the device from below.

Holes and cracks may let wind, construction residue, insulation, pests, and moisture into your home. Drywall damage also makes your home less energy efficient, as heat and air conditioning escape through damaged regions of drywall.

Ultimately, no legal obligation requires the tenant to paint the property, with the consequence that the landlord won't be able to impose it. According to Art. 1590 cod. civ., the tenant, when returning the property, must leave it in a normal state of use and certainly not deteriorated or visibly damaged.

Leaving any nails sticking out from the walls is even worse, so the only good option for you will be to patch up all nail holes before you move out. With enough time and confidence, you can use the proper way to cover nail holes when moving out – using spackling paste, sandpaper, and paint.

Every legal framed wall has studs, unless it is made from concrete blocks or bricks. Apartments that are built with building permits and framed timber have studs, generally no more than 16 inches apart. An illegal apartment created inside an old house may not. But the studs are not necessarily wood.

A: Wall cracks are fairly common in both new and older homes and are often the result of normal house “settling” that can quickly, inexpensively be remedied by re-taping the joints—the seams where the drywall panels meet.

What fills holes in walls? ›

Tiny nail and screw holes are the easiest to fix. Use a putty knife to fill them with spackling or wall joint compound. Allow the area to dry, then sand lightly. Anything larger must be covered with a bridging material for strength before patching compound can be applied.