Can You Hang Things in an Apartment? Decorating Rules for Renters

Yes, you can often hang pictures and other decorations in an apartment, but what you're allowed to do depends on your lease and the property's rules.

Some rentals allow small nails or picture hooks, while others restrict holes, screws, anchors, adhesives, or other changes to walls. You may also be responsible for repairing renter-caused damage before moving out.

Before making holes or permanent changes, check your lease or ask your landlord or property manager what is permitted.

Can You Hang Pictures in an Apartment?

Usually, but check your lease first. Some landlords or property managers allow small picture nails or hooks while restricting larger screws, anchors, or other hardware that can cause more substantial wall damage.

Before hanging pictures:

1. Check your lease for rules about wall holes and alterations.
2. Use a hanging method permitted by the property and appropriate for the item's weight and wall surface.
3. Ask your landlord or property manager if the rules aren't clear.
4. Follow any move-out requirements for renter-caused wall damage.

Avoid drilling into walls unless you're permitted to do so and know it can be done safely.

Can You Use Nails in an Apartment?

Whether you can use nails depends on your lease and the property's decorating rules.

Some rentals allow small picture nails or hooks while restricting larger screws, anchors, or holes. Check your lease before making holes and use a fastener appropriate for the item's weight and wall type.

Don't assume that small nail holes will automatically be considered normal wear and tear. Lease terms and applicable requirements can vary.

Can You Use Adhesive Hooks or Strips in an Apartment?

Adhesive hooks and strips may be an alternative to nails if your rental rules permit them, but they aren't completely damage-proof.

Depending on the wall surface and product, adhesives can peel paint, damage wallpaper or other finishes, leave residue, or fail to hold an item securely.

Before using adhesive products, make sure they're permitted and suitable for the wall surface and the weight of the item. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation, weight limits, and removal.

A product marketed as removable can still damage certain paints, wallpaper, or finishes.

Can You Mount a TV in an Apartment?

Check your lease and get permission if required before mounting a TV on an apartment wall.

TV mounts generally require screws, bolts, or anchors and can create larger holes than ordinary picture hooks.

If mounting is permitted, use hardware appropriate for the wall and TV and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions. Also check whether you'll be required to repair or restore the wall before moving out.

If wall mounting isn't permitted, a suitable TV stand or other freestanding setup may be an alternative.

Can You Paint Apartment Walls?

Check your lease or get permission before painting apartment walls.

Some properties allow painting, while others require approval, restrict colors or finishes, or require the walls to be restored before move-out.

Confirm the property's rules before painting rather than assuming you'll be allowed to repaint the walls later.

Common Apartment Decorating Rules

Apartment decorating rules can cover more than pictures and artwork. Check your lease before making changes that could alter or damage the rental.

If the lease doesn't clearly address a decorating change, ask your landlord or property manager before making it.

How to Decorate an Apartment Without Damaging the Walls

If your rental restricts holes or permanent alterations, you can still personalize the space with options that require fewer changes to the property.

Consider:

• Freestanding artwork or framed photos.
• Freestanding floor mirrors.
• Freestanding shelves and storage.
• Rugs and decorative furniture.
• Plants and planters.
• Floor and table lamps.
• Removable decorating products permitted by your lease.

Even products marketed as removable can damage certain paints, wallpaper, or finishes. Follow the manufacturer's installation and removal instructions.

What if You Damage the Walls?

You may be responsible for renter-caused wall damage, depending on your lease and applicable requirements.

Damage from decorating can include excessive or large holes, peeled or chipped paint, torn wallpaper, adhesive residue, or damage caused by screws and anchors.

Before moving out:

• Carefully remove pictures and other decorations.
• Follow product instructions when removing adhesives.
• Check the walls for holes, peeled paint, residue, or other damage.
• Follow your property's instructions for required repairs.
• Photograph the walls after removing your decorations.

Avoid making repairs you're unsure about without first checking the property's move-out requirements.

Bottom Line

You can often hang pictures and decorate an apartment, but the rules depend on your lease and property. Before using nails, screws, anchors, adhesives, paint, or wall-mounted fixtures, check what's permitted and understand any move-out repair requirements.