How To Cover Carpet In A Rental Apartment: Simple and Effective Ways

If you landed on this article, you are probably wondering how to cover a carpet in a rental apartment. This may be because your carpet is stained, worn out, or you are just not fond of the color or texture. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to cover carpets without damaging them or violating any lease agreements.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll outline the various ways to cover carpets in rental apartments, from using area rugs and carpet tiles to DIY projects. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to covering carpets in rental apartments.

Reasons to Cover a Carpet in a Rental Apartment

Before delving into ways to cover a carpet in a rental apartment, it’s important to highlight some of the reasons one may need to cover a carpet. These reasons include:

Stains and Wear

Carpets in rental apartments tend to experience significant wear and tear, particularly with high traffic areas. If you’ve been living in your rental for a while, you will probably have noticed some wear and tear, such as flattened pile, bare spots, or even permanent stains.

Allergies

If you or someone in your household has allergies or respiratory issues, you may want to cover the carpet to reduce dust and other allergens.

Personal Style

Lastly, covering a carpet in a rental apartment may be a way to add your personal style and touch to your space. If the carpet doesn’t match your aesthetic or doesn’t reflect your personality, adding a covering will bring out your sense of style.

Multiple Ways to Cover a Carpet in a Rental Apartment

Now that we’ve identified reasons to cover a carpet in a rental apartment, let’s explore some of the various ways you can do it.

Use Area Rugs

Area rugs are the easiest and most popular way to cover carpets in rental apartments. They come in different sizes, shapes, colors, and textures, and you can get creative with the placement to suit your style. You can use a large area rug to cover the entire carpet or use smaller ones to cover specific areas.

Try Carpet Tiles

If you prefer a more customized and creative look, carpet tiles are a great option. They are easy to install and can be assembled in unique patterns or designs of your choice. Carpet tiles come in a variety of styles, colors, and textures.

Use Remnants

Carpet remnants are leftover pieces of carpet that you can use to cover specific areas without having to purchase an entire roll or cut from a large rug. You can purchase remnants from a carpet store and have them cut to your desired size or shape.

Paint the Carpet

If your landlord allows it and you’re looking for a cheaper option, you can paint the carpet. This method will give the carpet a new color, and you can even add a design or pattern. However, keep in mind that this method requires the use of special carpet paint and often requires several coats.

DIY with Drop Cloths

A DIY option is to cover your rental apartment’s carpets with drop cloths. These are typically used to cover furniture when painting or renovating, but they can also be used to cover carpets. Drop cloths come in different sizes and are inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly option. You can even get creative with designs by using stencils or painting freehand.

FAQs About Covering a Carpet in a Rental Apartment

1. Can I use double-sided tape to secure the carpet coverings?

Using double-sided tape is not recommended because it can damage the carpet underneath or violate the lease agreement. It’s best to use non-invasive methods such as placing heavy furniture on the corners of the rug or using a rug pad.

2. Can I cover the entire apartment carpet?

Yes, you can cover the entire apartment carpet with a large rug or different-sized rugs.

3. Will covering a carpet with an area rug affect my security deposit?

This is up to your landlord or rental agency. The best way to avoid any issues is to inform them beforehand and make sure the rug or covering you use does not damage the carpet in any way.

4. How do I clean the carpet coverings?

The cleaning method depends on the type of covering used. Most area rugs and carpet tiles can be vacuumed and spot cleaned as needed. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning guidance.

5. Can I use outdoor rugs for indoor carpet coverings?

Yes, outdoor rugs can be used as indoor carpet coverings as long as they are not slippery and are made for indoor use.

Conclusion

Covering a carpet in a rental apartment is an easy and affordable way to refresh your space, add your style and personality, and ensure cleanliness and hygiene. With the above methods, you can transform your space without violating any lease agreements, causing damage, or breaking the bank. Remember to always check with your landlord or rental agency to ensure you are following the rules and guidelines of your lease.