4 Things about decorating a condo before renting
Last updated: 3 Aug 2025
331 Views
Decorating a condo for rent is already difficult, but decorating a condo for rent is even more challenging. Decorating it well is expensive, and decorating it cheaply is difficult to rent out. So I didn't know how to properly decorate it to get the most out of the rental fee.
At first, I thought I could rent it out simply by moving things around and organizing my things. But in reality, the floors and walls were dented, and some even cracked due to wear and tear. This meant I had to prepare some money for repairs.
___________________________________________
Research before decorating
When I seriously decided to rent out my condo, the first thing I did was research rental prices. I checked websites listing condos in the same project and found a wide range of rental rates, depending on the options available, such as river views, city views, room size, and floor level. These were all included when I bought the unit. However, some features could be adjusted to increase the rent, such as air conditioning, water heaters, refrigerators, televisions, desks, and sofas.
However, when I looked at the listings and comments from condo renters, I found that people wanted different options. For example, people who moved out of their parents' homes to a condo near their workplace often preferred fully furnished condos that they could move right in. Rent is a bit high, but if you're moving from another condo or apartment, you'll likely have some furniture and appliances with you, so you tend to prefer a condo that's lightly decorated. Just the basic amenities like air conditioning and a water heater are sufficient. Other furniture and appliances, like refrigerators, microwaves, etc., are usually already there, having been purchased when you moved into your previous unit.
___________________________________________
Decorate Your Condo Before Finding a Tenant
After learning about the diverse range of tenants, I decided to decorate my condo, focusing on only the essentials, such as painting the walls, repairing silicone seams, and replacing laminate flooring. These items deteriorate with time and use, and require several weeks of renovation, so it's important to do so before finding a tenant.
The cost for these items is usually based on the square meter of the room. However, it's best to ask the condominium juristic person or neighbors about the recommended contractor. If they've already worked on other units in the same project, they'll understand the limitations and be able to provide an accurate quote. Existing furniture, such as curtains, air conditioners, and water heaters, are in good working condition; they can be brought in and used by the tenant.
As for other furniture and decorations, you don't need to immediately decorate them. Simply take photos of various parts of the room and post them for renting. Set a moderate, affordable rental price to attract potential buyers. If you rush to decorate your condo, it could take longer to find a tenant, potentially requiring additional renovation and repair costs.
However, be careful not to set the rental price too low, as rent levels act as a filter for renters' income levels. If the rent is too low, you could attract tenants with similar usage patterns that could lead to damage.
___________________________________________
Adding Decorating Once You've Got a Tenant
When someone contacts you with details about the room, explain the original details and ask the tenant if they'd like anything else. If you're lucky enough to find a tenant who doesn't need much and just wants a reasonable rent, you might be able to close the deal.
Or if there's something the tenant wants, consider how much it will cost, such as a desk, TV, refrigerator, microwave, etc. Then, estimate how many months' rent you'll need to earn to justify the extra cost. If it's worth it, negotiate with the tenant to see if they'll be willing to put down a deposit or sign the contract immediately. This way, you can use the deposit to purchase additional furnishings right away, potentially without having to spend a single cent of your own money. Plus, the tenant will feel like they've got something new and stylish, which could potentially help you increase your rent.
___________________________________________
Want to fully decorate your room, but don't have the funds?
If you're looking for a high-rent, well-off tenant to minimize the potential for problems, consider fully furnished, so the tenant can move in with just a suitcase. However, the cost of decorating is also high. Taking out a loan to renovate the house was a difficult decision. I recently got a loan for my new house and I'm still paying off my old condo. Applying for another loan would be difficult. So, I researched various loan options from banks and found a few potential ways to get a loan for decorating. I'd like to share some of these options in case anyone is interested.
___________________________________________
Refinancing your home loan to another bank
Using the difference between the new and existing loans to renovate your condo. This method requires checking the terms and conditions of the existing loan agreement. Typically, if you've been paying off your current loan for more than three years and then refinancing, there's usually no penalty. This option can be complicated, requiring documentation and contacting both your new and existing bank. However, it offers a lower interest rate than other options.
Applying for a loan with your existing bank
You may be able to get a maximum amount equal to the difference in the condo's appraised value from your existing loan to renovate your condo. This method has the advantage of being straightforward, requiring only the bank you're currently paying off your condo. The documentation is minimal, but the interest rate may be higher than the first option.
Using your condo as collateral for a bank loan
For those who have already paid off your condo. Condos can also be used as collateral for bank loans. Please check with your preferred or regular bank first.]
Ultimately, condo decorating should be done appropriately to avoid overspending and incurring significant debt. Decorate your condo to meet your rental targets. Another important point is that rental income is income that requires income tax filing.
___________________________________________
Personal income tax filing is divided into two phases:
1. Half-year personal income tax filing: This is the filing of a taxable income tax return for income categories 5, 6, 7, or 8 received from January to June, regardless of whether other income types are included. This filing is made by September of the tax year. This tax owed can be used as a credit against the year-end tax.
2. Year-end personal income tax filing: This is the filing of a taxable income tax return received during the tax year, and is made by March of the following year.
___________________________________________
Article source: DD Property
At first, I thought I could rent it out simply by moving things around and organizing my things. But in reality, the floors and walls were dented, and some even cracked due to wear and tear. This meant I had to prepare some money for repairs.
___________________________________________
Research before decorating
When I seriously decided to rent out my condo, the first thing I did was research rental prices. I checked websites listing condos in the same project and found a wide range of rental rates, depending on the options available, such as river views, city views, room size, and floor level. These were all included when I bought the unit. However, some features could be adjusted to increase the rent, such as air conditioning, water heaters, refrigerators, televisions, desks, and sofas.
However, when I looked at the listings and comments from condo renters, I found that people wanted different options. For example, people who moved out of their parents' homes to a condo near their workplace often preferred fully furnished condos that they could move right in. Rent is a bit high, but if you're moving from another condo or apartment, you'll likely have some furniture and appliances with you, so you tend to prefer a condo that's lightly decorated. Just the basic amenities like air conditioning and a water heater are sufficient. Other furniture and appliances, like refrigerators, microwaves, etc., are usually already there, having been purchased when you moved into your previous unit.
___________________________________________
Decorate Your Condo Before Finding a Tenant
After learning about the diverse range of tenants, I decided to decorate my condo, focusing on only the essentials, such as painting the walls, repairing silicone seams, and replacing laminate flooring. These items deteriorate with time and use, and require several weeks of renovation, so it's important to do so before finding a tenant.
The cost for these items is usually based on the square meter of the room. However, it's best to ask the condominium juristic person or neighbors about the recommended contractor. If they've already worked on other units in the same project, they'll understand the limitations and be able to provide an accurate quote. Existing furniture, such as curtains, air conditioners, and water heaters, are in good working condition; they can be brought in and used by the tenant.
As for other furniture and decorations, you don't need to immediately decorate them. Simply take photos of various parts of the room and post them for renting. Set a moderate, affordable rental price to attract potential buyers. If you rush to decorate your condo, it could take longer to find a tenant, potentially requiring additional renovation and repair costs.
However, be careful not to set the rental price too low, as rent levels act as a filter for renters' income levels. If the rent is too low, you could attract tenants with similar usage patterns that could lead to damage.
___________________________________________
Adding Decorating Once You've Got a Tenant
When someone contacts you with details about the room, explain the original details and ask the tenant if they'd like anything else. If you're lucky enough to find a tenant who doesn't need much and just wants a reasonable rent, you might be able to close the deal.
Or if there's something the tenant wants, consider how much it will cost, such as a desk, TV, refrigerator, microwave, etc. Then, estimate how many months' rent you'll need to earn to justify the extra cost. If it's worth it, negotiate with the tenant to see if they'll be willing to put down a deposit or sign the contract immediately. This way, you can use the deposit to purchase additional furnishings right away, potentially without having to spend a single cent of your own money. Plus, the tenant will feel like they've got something new and stylish, which could potentially help you increase your rent.
___________________________________________
Want to fully decorate your room, but don't have the funds?
If you're looking for a high-rent, well-off tenant to minimize the potential for problems, consider fully furnished, so the tenant can move in with just a suitcase. However, the cost of decorating is also high. Taking out a loan to renovate the house was a difficult decision. I recently got a loan for my new house and I'm still paying off my old condo. Applying for another loan would be difficult. So, I researched various loan options from banks and found a few potential ways to get a loan for decorating. I'd like to share some of these options in case anyone is interested.
___________________________________________
Refinancing your home loan to another bank
Using the difference between the new and existing loans to renovate your condo. This method requires checking the terms and conditions of the existing loan agreement. Typically, if you've been paying off your current loan for more than three years and then refinancing, there's usually no penalty. This option can be complicated, requiring documentation and contacting both your new and existing bank. However, it offers a lower interest rate than other options.
Applying for a loan with your existing bank
You may be able to get a maximum amount equal to the difference in the condo's appraised value from your existing loan to renovate your condo. This method has the advantage of being straightforward, requiring only the bank you're currently paying off your condo. The documentation is minimal, but the interest rate may be higher than the first option.
Using your condo as collateral for a bank loan
For those who have already paid off your condo. Condos can also be used as collateral for bank loans. Please check with your preferred or regular bank first.]
Ultimately, condo decorating should be done appropriately to avoid overspending and incurring significant debt. Decorate your condo to meet your rental targets. Another important point is that rental income is income that requires income tax filing.
___________________________________________
Personal income tax filing is divided into two phases:
1. Half-year personal income tax filing: This is the filing of a taxable income tax return for income categories 5, 6, 7, or 8 received from January to June, regardless of whether other income types are included. This filing is made by September of the tax year. This tax owed can be used as a credit against the year-end tax.
2. Year-end personal income tax filing: This is the filing of a taxable income tax return received during the tax year, and is made by March of the following year.
___________________________________________
Article source: DD Property
Related Content
