If you live in a rental property, have you ever had the problem that you don’t like the color of the floor or that the flooring is damaged? In fact, there are ways to change the image of the floor or repair damaged floors even in a rental property.
However, it is also true that changing or repairing the flooring without permission may cause problems when you move out. Therefore, this article introduces some points to keep in mind regarding DIY and repair of floors in rental properties.
We cover a wide range of topics, from simple DIY using cushion floors and floor tiles to the percentage of the cost of replacing flooring. Let’s look together at how to deal with the problem wisely while enjoying creating a room to your liking.
If you are having trouble with your floors, please read the article to the end.
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Reasons why the floor color doesn’t fit in
Have you ever thought, “The color of the floor doesn’t seem to fit the atmosphere of the room…”? There are two main causes for such a feeling of discomfort.
The first is that it does not go well with the furniture. The second is that it does not match the atmosphere of the room you want to achieve.
The floor is the foundation of the entire room. Therefore, if it does not match the furniture or the atmosphere of the room, the entire room will look disjointed. Particular attention should be paid to furniture made of the same material as the floor.
What to do if you don’t like the color of the floor in a rental property
If you are renting, it is not possible to replace the floor. Here are two measures to take when you don’t like the color of the floor in a rental property.
Put down a rug
The first thing you can try is to put down a rug. Rugs reduce the size of the visible floor area and make the floor color less noticeable.
Besides, placing a rug between the furniture and the floor will have the effect of making the color incompatibility less noticeable.
The trick to choosing the color of the rug is to match the color of the furniture. For example, if you are concerned about the combination of a beige table and a dark brown floor, choose a beige rug. This way, you will bring the same color to the floor as the furniture and prevent the furniture from looking like it is floating.
Choose a rug that is comfortable to touch, such as a fluffy shaggy rug, to add a nice accent.
DIY the floor
Another option is to go all out and DIY the floor.
These days, there are many DIY flooring materials available for rent. Some flooring materials, such as floor tiles and cushion floors, are easy to handle even for DIY beginners, so it is worth a try.
Introduction of flooring materials that can be used for DIY in rental properties
There are two main flooring materials that can be used for DIY changes to floors in rental properties. They are cushion floor and floor tile. Let’s take a look at the characteristics of each.
Cushion floor
Cushion floor is a flooring material in sheet form with a printed pattern such as wood grain. It is cut and laid according to the size of the room. Resistant to water. It can be used safely around water.
Cautions
- Easily scratched, dents if heavy furniture is placed on it.
- Easy to deteriorate over time, may lift off the floor over time.
- Moisture can damage the original floor, and you need to be careful about mold and corrosion.
Some cushion floors have stylish wood grain designs and are considered easy to match with interior decor. For more detailed information, please see the following article.
Floor Tiles
Floor tiles are tile-like flooring materials that reproduce the texture of wood or stone. They are smaller than cushion flooring and are laid one by one. They are very durable and do not leave marks on furniture.
Cautions
- Seams can form, and dust can enter through them, so care should be taken.
- More expensive than cushion floor.
Which one to choose depends on the use of the room, your budget, and your preference. Cushion floor may be better for the water area and durable floor tiles for the living room. For more detailed floor tile information, please see below.
What to Consider When DIYing Floors in a Rental
DIY flooring in a rental sounds fun, doesn’t it? However, there are a few points to be aware of.
Obligation to restore the original condition
Floor coverings for rent are simply placed directly on the floor or with tape that does not leave marks, so the risk of damaging the original floor is low. But if they are handled carelessly, there is a possibility of scratching them during installation or removal.
There is also a possibility of mold and rot due to moisture.
In particular, PVC materials such as cushion floors do not have good air permeability, so if there is a gap between the floor and the original floor, mold can easily grow due to moisture.
As a countermeasure, it is recommended to take care of the floor by laying down moisture-proof sheets or removing them from time to time to dry them out.
Choose a flooring material that can be layered (overlay).
When DIY flooring is used in a rental apartment, it is not recommended to remove the existing flooring. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a floor covering that can be overlaid. If you strip the original floor, the restoration cost will be ridiculously high when you move out. This is something to keep in mind.
Flooring materials that can be overlaid include floor tiles and cushion floors that can be removed cleanly, and wood carpets and joint mats that can be simply laid down. You can use these materials with peace of mind.
Garbage disposal costs when moving out
If you DIY only one part of a room, it is easy to dispose of the rest. However, if you cover the entire room with flooring, you may have to pay for the disposal of bulky trash when you move out.
If the flooring can be disassembled, it may be disposed of as regular trash. But some DIY floor coverings are made of PVC, and many of them are larger than 30 cm in size. This may be treated as oversize garbage or industrial waste, so please be careful.
Garbage separation methods vary from region to region, so if you are in doubt, the best way to be sure is to ask at a garbage disposal center or municipal office. Some floor coverings cannot be disposed of as household trash, so it is a good idea to check the disposal method when you buy them.
Costs and Rates for Changing Floors in Rental Properties
Replacing flooring is quite expensive.
When a large scale re-covering is done in a rental property with the original floor removed, it becomes a bit complicated as to who pays how much. On the other hand, in the case of re-covering on the premise of restoring the floor to its original condition, the tenant bears the entire cost.
Market price of reupholstering expenses
| Replacement Target | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Floor Only | From ¥100,000 |
| 1 Room | From ¥200,000 |
| 2 Rooms | From ¥280,000 |
| 3 Rooms | From ¥360,000 |
When replacing flooring in a one-room apartment in a rental property, it will cost approximately 100,000-200,000 yen. This includes the cost of labor, materials, and transportation.
However, it may cost more for a stylish designer property or a renovated property. This is because special materials and construction methods are used.
To prevent problems, it is recommended to check the unit price of repair when you sign a contract. It is hard work. It would be best to use it as carefully as possible and avoid damaging it more than necessary!
Recommended contractors for renters who want to change their floors
For those who want to change the floor in their rental, here are some recommendations for contractors!
renovy (Remodeling that can be returned)
REUM (free redecoration even for renters)
Pet Remodeling Laboratory
SUMMARY
This article has looked extensively at the treatment of floors in rental properties. We have introduced solutions to various problems, such as the floor not matching the color or being damaged.
We also introduced cushion floors and floor tiles as DIY ways to change floors. By understanding the characteristics and precautions of each, you should be able to choose wisely.
Even if you think “I want to change the floor,” you should not give up because you are renting a house! You don’t have to give up just because you are renting a house.
However, avoid making any unnecessary changes. Please consult with your landlord or real estate agent and enjoy creating a space that is unique to you while observing the rules.
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