Changing up your window coverings is one of the fastest ways to upgrade your living space and make it feel more personal. However, while it might feel like a small detail to swap out your landlord’s tired and old drapes for a window treatment that’s more chic and stylish, it isn’t always that straightforward.
Window coverings impact more than just the aesthetics of a room. They also influence natural light, privacy of other tenants where applicable, and even energy savings. That’s why it should be clear who is responsible for blinds in a rental before making any modifications or replacements. Read this guide as we discuss what you need to know before making those changes or breaking your lease.
Primary Use of Window Coverings
Privacy
Before diving into what may or may not fly with changing your window covering, it’s essential to know why they’re so important in a home. For starters, curtains, blinds, or shades are one of the first fittings you install when you move into a new home because they provide privacy. The last thing you want is strangers peering into your home, especially at night when the lights are on, or if you live in one of those buildings facing a busy street. In other words, by controlling visibility, window coverings give you respectable privacy and even safety.
Comfort
Another benefit of window coverings is the comfort they provide by allowing you to regulate the amount of sunlight that enters the room. If you’re a night owl, blackout shades can be extremely useful for blocking the early morning light when you’re trying to rest, improving your quality of sleep. On the other hand, if you need natural light to keep you up and moving while maintaining your privacy from the outside world, adjustable blinds can offer that flexibility.
Energy Savings
Installing the right window treatment can help you keep your home from overheating during the peak of summer or losing too much heat during winter. That’s because thick curtains or insulated shades act as an extra barrier to keep warm air inside the house during cooler months, and block excess heat from entering when it gets hotter. This approach reduces your apartment’s reliance on the heating and cooling system for temperature regulation, which reduces the work on your HVAC system. Thus, having the right blinds can be an incredibly useful investment for tenants managing their utility bills.
Common Restrictions Tenants Should Know
Safety Codes for Apartments
That said, not all window coverings are created equal, and landlords have to ensure the ones in their apartments align with local safety and building codes. It’s why Bay Property Management Group reminds tenants to document window conditions before and after occupancy. They need to ensure the window treatments are fitted properly to pass local safety checks. For example, some jurisdictions require property owners to install flame-resistant materials, especially in multi-unit apartments.
Childproof Regulations
Another major consideration before swapping out your window covering is child safety. Blinds with easily accessible cords and other trimmings are often a strangulation risk for children, and are even prohibited in some regions. As a result, local laws may require landlords to install cordless blinds or safety devices to keep them out of harm’s way. As a tenant, you may face restrictions on the type of curtain you can swap to, especially if it presents a safety hazard to your children.
Tenant-Friendly Options for Window Coverings
Tension Rods
Opt for the most popular tenant solution for hanging curtains with tension rods. These work like a spring-loaded shower curtain rod because they fit inside your window casing and stay in place. This feature makes them perfect for lightweight curtains, sheers, and even mid-weight drapes. Alternatively, you can also go for command hooks, which are easy to stick to the wall and are quite sturdy as long as you don’t exceed their weight recommendation.
Window Film
If tension rods and command hooks aren’t practical, you can go with window films. They’re a lot more practical in spaces where you can’t use the more common option because your windows are arched or have no brackets. Window films eliminate that hassle, while also providing you with the privacy and comfort you need. You can even still get the benefits of energy savings by going for heat control films that block up to 70% of solar heat. There are also decorative films with frosted patterns that enhance your home’s aesthetic by creating beautiful light patterns when the sun hits them.
Conclusion
Sprucing up your home shouldn’t come at the expense of your security deposit, especially when it comes to something as sensitive as your privacy and comfort. Beyond those two, window coverings can also help you with energy savings, which could be beneficial if you’re trying to lower your utility bill.
That’s why we recommend checking your lease agreement for any restrictions on window treatments, particularly those pertaining to child safety and building codes. With that in mind, and your landlord’s permission, you can install your curtain of choice with tension rods or opt for decorative window films.
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