One of the toughest things about living in a rental property is the inability to make permanent changes. Sure, the occasional kind-hearted landlord will allow you to make some small tweaks here and there. But if you’re stuck with a particularly dark and dim space that has no life, it can be pretty disheartening, to say the least.

So how can you get around this issue? How can you make a significant change without, well, making a significant change? The answer: never underestimate the power of plants.

Indoor plants and greenery are popular for a reason, especially for the average renter. Think about it for a second. Haven’t you seen a shop selling succulent plants on every block? The beauty of indoor plants is that unlike other design changes, you don’t have to paint a wall or hammer anything into it. All you have to do is assemble a collection of plants that can brighten up your rental. And wait until you hear about some of the benefits.

Health First

Using plants as a design element in your rental is a fantastic idea, but did you know they actually have hidden health benefits as well? Plants release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, helping purify the air in your home. If that isn’t enough, they can also remove up to 87% of volatile organic compounds every 24 hours.

Indoor plants have also been linked to improving mental health. Eyeballing the colour green has been found to promote emotional stability while the presence of bright-coloured flowers can provide an instant mood booster. This is especially important for people living in large downtown cores surrounded by concrete. 

Something to See

Most of us can probably remember a time when we saw a particularly beautiful plant outside and thought to ourselves, “Wow, that’s pretty!” Plant beauty is all around us every day on park strolls and garden visits. Why wouldn’t you want to bring that same aesthetic into your home to liven up your space?

Another misconception about adding indoor plants is that they have to be green. Well, there’s no rulebook that confirms this, so you can let your imagination run wild. Perhaps you love bright pinks and purples or blues and reds. It’s a way to add colour to your rental without painting any walls or buying new furniture. All you’re doing is adding an additional element into the existing space that can be moved around at any time.

Peace & Quiet

If you live in a busy downtown core, you’re no stranger to the sounds of a bustling city. That doesn’t mean you’re necessarily a fan. Strategically placing your indoor plants in your rental can even help reduce noise. We’re not saying they’ll work like a recording studio with a soundproof barrier surrounding it — but you’ll still get some peace and quiet. 

It’s definitely helpful for people living in apartments, townhouses, or any kind of unit that is close to a neighbour. A good tip if you want to use plants for noise reduction is to have about one plant for every 100 square feet of space. 

You bring the plants, and we’ll get you the rental. Visit our residential listings page to find the best rental properties on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.