If you love your apartment, but hate the old flooring that came with it, it may seem like your options as a renter may be limited. Generally, tenants don’t want to spend a lot of money on flooring for a temporary home, but they still want their living space to look nice. If you’re looking for ways to cover older, worn carpeting or vinyl in your apartment, here are a few cheap flooring options for your Philadelphia home.

Area Rugs

Area rugs cover any type of flooring, hardwood, vinyl, and even existing carpeting. Rugs also serve as protection over hardwood flooring if your apartment does have hardwood floors. Cheap area rugs come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and styles. Many are also machine-washable. Flat weave area rugs work well if you’re moving furniture and toys over them. They’re also easy to clean — often just shaking them out removes dirt, crumbs, and other debris. If you prefer more cushion, try a low-pile area rug. Another option is to purchase a carpet remnant and have the edges bound. Before placing area rugs, don’t forget to also use a non-skid rug pad underneath to prevent sliding.

Vinyl Plank Flooring

If you want to completely cover an existing floor in your apartment, consider adding vinyl plank flooring. Cheaper than hardwood or laminate, plank-sized and -shaped vinyl is gaining in popularity due to its durability and versatility. The material combines the water resistance of traditional vinyl with the easy installation of a laminate floor while mimicking the look of hardwood. Some planks are adhesive, while others click and lock together and float over the subfloor. Like all vinyl flooring, these planks are low-maintenance and easy to clean. Just keep in mind that your landlord may ask you to disassemble the flooring prior to move-out, so it’s best to discuss adding plank vinyl with your property manager prior to purchase.

Talk to Your Landlord

If you’d like to upgrade the permanent flooring in your apartment, remember to check your lease agreement before making any changes without the landlord’s permission. Renters skilled at home improvement may offer their services to help lower the installation costs. Landlords may also be willing to purchase materials such as laminate, tile, or wood flooring if you agree to split the cost. If you plan to stay in the rental unit for several years, a good landlord will be happy to work with you and ensure that you are happy.

The completely replacement of flooring is a large expense for landlords and not easily accomplished while a tenant is living in an apartment. Cheap flooring options are available to improve the look of your apartment or to protect the original flooring from damage during the lease. But if you really prefer to upgrade your flooring, it’s always best to speak with your landlord before making any permanent changes.

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