Top 10 Wildest Ways to Conceal Damages in Rental Properties
Mold Growth on Apartment Wall aEUR" Close-Up View
Renting comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to hiding damage. Instead of always turning to professional repairs, some landlords and tenants get creative, using unconventional and sometimes quirky methods to conceal flaws.
These fixes can be entertaining, effective, and definitely outside the box.
In this article, we explore the ten most bizarre and inventive ways that people have hidden damage in rental properties.
From DIY disasters to artistic expressions, these fixes showcase the lengths some individuals will go to hide or embrace damage. Read on to discover the strangest ways to conceal issues in your rental space.
Turning Holes into Art
One of the most creative fixes for a hole in the wall came from an enterprising tenant who turned damaged drywall into a unique piece of decor.
A Reddit user posted about a substantial hole in their wall, caused by water damage and crumbling plaster.
Instead of attempting a standard drywall patch, they placed several Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figures in the hole, each striking a dynamic pose.
The result was a quirky, comic-book-style diorama, which not only concealed the damage but also turned it into an artistic focal point of the room.
Why it works:
This DIY fix serves as a conversation starter and a clever use of what would have otherwise been an unsightly repair.
By embracing the damage rather than hiding it, the tenant turned a negative into a memorable, personalized statement piece.
Pine-Sol Overkill
A well-known tool in the DIY arsenal, Pine-Sol is often used for its powerful cleaning properties, but one tenant took it to extremes to get back at a landlord.
After being threatened with losing a full security deposit for a less-than-immaculate kitchen, this tenant went above and beyond to clean the space.
Not only did they scrub every surface meticulously, but they also doused the entire kitchen, including the fridge and freezer, with Pine-Sol, leaving a scent so overpowering that the landlord would surely never notice any other lingering odors.
Why it works:
This fix may not solve a real problem, but it highlights a clever form of passive-aggressive DIY. The landlord was left with the unmistakable aroma of Pine-Sol, which was far stronger than any previous smells, serving as an unintended deterrent to further complaints.
The Upside-Down Outlet
Electrical outlet issues can be among the trickier repair problems in any rental, but one tenant posted about a particularly unusual fix left by the previous residents.
Instead of properly installing a new outlet, the old tenants had installed it upside down and left it partially detached from the wall.
To make matters worse, they attempted to cover up the unsightly hole and mess with packing tape, creating an even worse eyesore.
Why it doesn’t work:
This fix may have seemed like a temporary solution, but it ended up making the damage even more obvious. Not only was the outlet still faulty, but the hastily applied packing tape only highlighted the issue. A professional repair or at least a more careful DIY job would have been a much better alternative.
Musou Black
Sometimes landlords can be overly meticulous about repainting, but one renter took it to an extreme when tasked with repainting the walls on the day they moved out.
Instead of simply touching up the walls, they chose the blackest black paint ever created… Musou Black. Covering all the walls with this deep, matte finish created an eerie atmosphere, totally erased any prior damage, and left a strange, almost suffocating aesthetic in the apartment.
Why it doesn’t work:
While the paint covered the damage, the extreme color choice left the apartment feeling oppressive, which likely only added to the landlord’s concerns.
The fix might have technically complied with the lease, but it probably didn’t meet the landlord’s expectations for the space.
DIY Chair Repair with Leather Belts
A broken chair seat can be a major problem, especially in a rental property where tenants don’t want to risk damaging furniture. A clever solution involved using old leather belts to create a new seat.
By weaving the belts together in a crisscross pattern, DIYers fashioned a functional and surprisingly stylish new seat that could support a person’s weight.
While the chair may have lost its original aesthetic, this inventive fix turned a damaged piece of furniture into something unique.
Why it works:
This DIY fix is perfect for those on a budget who need a quick and resourceful solution. The belts are inexpensive and widely available, making this fix both cost-effective and creative.
Cat Scratches Transformed into Fabric Art
If you’ve ever had a cat, you know that their claws can wreak havoc on furniture. One innovative DIY fix involved turning the unsightly scratches on a sofa into an artistic statement.
By using old doilies, lace, and other materials, the damage was covered with intricate patterns and designs, transforming the once-damaged couch into a charming, eclectic piece.
Why it works:
This fix is both functional and visually appealing. It gives the furniture a new life while also creatively addressing the damage. Plus, it’s a sustainable way to reuse materials that might otherwise have been discarded.
Reversing the Damage
One Redditor shared a tale of how their landlord stole their electricity, rigging the wiring to siphon power from their apartment.
Instead of allowing this injustice to continue, the tenants brought in an electrician who reversed the flow of electricity, making the landlord pay for their own usage.
This clever fix not only solved the immediate electrical issue but also helped the tenants recover from the financial burden caused by the landlord’s misconduct.
Why it works:
This fix is both creative and effective, highlighting how tenants can take matters into their own hands when faced with unfair situations. Though somewhat controversial, the fix solved both a technical and financial problem.
A Wasps’ Nest Painted Over
A landlord faced with an unsightly wasp nest in a closet decided to take the easiest route possible: painting over it.
However, this was an incredibly poor decision, as the nest remained active. Holes in the paint suggested that the wasps were still coming and going as they pleased, and the situation remained unresolved, much to the tenants’ frustration.
Why it doesn’t work:
This fix is a prime example of a quick, half-hearted repair that doesn’t solve the underlying problem.
While the paint may have concealed the nest visually, it failed to address the real issue of keeping the wasps out.
Crayon Art Gone Wrong
Children’s love for drawing on walls can be a nightmare for landlords, but one inventive tenant turned this problem into a creative opportunity.
When their child drew all over a section of the wall with a blue crayon, the tenant decided to turn the scribbles into a work of art.
Instead of erasing the crayon, the tenant expanded on the lines, adding leaves, paisley patterns, and other decorative elements to transform the wall into a one-of-a-kind mural.
Why it works:
This fix embraces the damage instead of covering it up.
The tenant took the opportunity to celebrate their child’s creativity, incorporating the damage into the space’s overall decor.
Framing the Damage
Sometimes, the best way to deal with damage is to own it. One Reddit user recounted how their boyfriend accidentally caused a hole in the wall after falling down the stairs.
Instead of repairing it, they chose to frame the hole and display it as part of their home’s decor, complete with a plaque that read: “First Thanksgiving. 2015. Medium: hand, drywall.”
Why it works:
This approach takes a humorous and philosophical view of property damage. Instead of stressing over the damage, the tenants turned it into a memorable, even sentimental, part of the apartment’s history.
Conclusion
Whether through creativity, resourcefulness, or sheer determination, these unconventional fixes show that sometimes the most unexpected solutions are the most effective.
From repurposing action figures to embracing the damage through art, these tenants and landlords have demonstrated that, in the world of DIY home repairs, anything is possible.
