How to Refresh a Rental Property Between Tenants — Without Blowing the Budget
When one tenant moves out and another is waiting to move in, landlords face a familiar challenge: how to make a rental look clean, modern, and appealing, on the smallest budget possible.
The good news? A professional-looking refresh doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Strategic cosmetic upgrades can elevate your property’s appeal, reduce vacancy time, and justify stronger rental returns.
1. Start With the First Impression: Floors That Lift the Whole Space
Flooring is one of the first things prospective tenants notice. Worn carpet, marked tiles, or peeling vinyl instantly make a rental feel older or uncared for, even when the rest of the property is tidy.
Budget-Friendly Flooring Options That Work
Hybrid flooring: A favourite among Australian landlords because of its durability, water-resistance, and suitability for almost any room.
Laminate flooring: Affordable and modern, laminate offers the look of timber without the price tag.
Carpet for bedrooms: A fresh, neutral carpet adds warmth and improves comfort (and tenants love it in cooler climates).
Two Quick Wins Between Tenants
Professional steam clean existing carpets to eliminate odours and restore softness.
Replace damaged planks or tiles only where needed instead of redoing a whole room.
These simple changes impress upon prospective tenants that the property is well-taken-care-of without the need for a full renovation.
2. Fresh Paint = Maximum Impact for Minimum Cost
If you're looking for the highest return per dollar spent, a coat of paint is still undefeated.
Tips for a Fast, Impactful Paint Refresh
Stick to one neutral tone throughout the home to create flow and brightness.
Semi-gloss on trims hides future scuffs.
Avoid feature walls — they date quickly and limit styling.
Avoid the ‘landlord special’ and take the extra time to paint around outlets, light switches and fixtures, and window casings.
Painting is also a job that can often be completed in a single day for small properties.
3. Update Fixtures for Instant Modernisation
You don’t need a new kitchen — you need new hardware.
Affordable Fixture Swaps
New tapware
Modern handles on cabinetry
Fresh LED light fittings
Sleek window furnishings (roller blinds are the best low-maintenance option)
Each of these offers a surprising visual lift without structural work.
4. Refresh the Bathroom Without Renovating It
Bathrooms can be make-or-break for tenants, but you can dramatically improve them without ripping out tiles.
Low-Cost Bathroom Upgrades
Redo the silicone around showers and tubs
Replace showerheads
Install new toilet seats
Deep clean grout or regrout where necessary
A sparkling, well-maintained bathroom shows attentive property management.
5. Cleanliness and Scent: Non-Negotiable Essentials
Even the most affordable property must feel fresh.
Prioritise These:
Steam clean carpets
Wipe walls and ceilings
Treat any lingering odours
Clean windows and tracks
Pressure wash balconies and courtyards
These tasks cost little, but they heavily influence tenant decision-making.
6. Add a Few Strategic Styling Touches for Inspection Day
Unlike home staging for a sale, rental staging should be minimal — but it can still elevate perception.
Try:
A modern doormat
Fresh greenery near the entry
Neutral curtains or blinds
Simple, clean lightshades
These small touches soften the space and help tenants visualise it as home.
7. Know When a Bigger Update Saves Money in the Long Run
Some fixes aren't worth patching anymore. If your flooring is beyond repair, if old vertical blinds are constantly breaking, or if the property still has original 1980s kitchen handles, a small investment now can prevent ongoing complaints and constant turnovers.
The Bottom Line
Refreshing a rental between tenants doesn’t need to be expensive. With the right combination of flooring touch-ups, fresh paint, modern fixtures, and deep cleaning, you can quickly boost its rental appeal without blowing the budget.
Want a speedy quote for your next tenant changeover? AMS Flooring Melbourne is your one-stop solution to get back on the market as quickly as possible. In addition to offering painting and installation of blinds, AMS specialises in durable, rental-ready flooring solutions that look great and stand the test of time. Reach out now to secure one of the final installations this side of Christmas.