RenterFriendlyTM
2025 Trends Report

The Rise of Renter-Friendly Living

How renters are driving the fastest-growing home improvement trends in 2025 and beyond.

+29%

YoY growth

74K

Monthly searches

73%

Prefer reversible

Data Insights

Year-Over-Year Growth

Tracking the rise of renter-friendly search interest from 2019 to 2026

81x growth since 2018

Search Interest Over Time

Google Trends data for "renter friendly" (normalized 0-100)

Peak interest Aug 2025 (100)
Data: Google Trends
Top 5 Categories

Fastest Growing Categories

Year-over-year growth by product category

Highest Growth
Emerging
Platform Insights

Where Renters Get Ideas

Content distribution by social platform

TikTok42%
Pinterest28%
Instagram18%
YouTube12%
TikTok dominates renter content discovery
Related Searches

Trending Related Topics

Data: Glimpse, Google Trends

TikTok Leads Renter Content Discovery

With 42% of renter-friendly content consumed on TikTok, the platform has become the primary source for rental transformation inspiration. Pinterest (28%) and Instagram (18%) follow as key discovery channels.

Category Deep Dives

Trend Spotlights

The categories driving renter-friendly growth in 2025

Peel-and-Stick Everything

+47%
Jan 2024Dec 2025

The peel-and-stick category has evolved far beyond basic wallpaper. Renters now have access to tiles, backsplashes, flooring, and even cabinet covers—all designed for damage-free removal.

What it enables

  • Full room transformations in hours
  • Zero tools required
  • No landlord approval needed

Removable Wallpaper

+41%
Jan 2024Dec 2025

Modern removable wallpapers now rival the quality of traditional options. With designer collaborations and premium materials, renters no longer have to choose between style and security deposit.

What it enables

  • Accent walls without commitment
  • Pattern experimentation
  • Seasonal updates

Temporary Flooring

+38%
Jan 2024Dec 2025

Vinyl plank and peel-and-stick floor tiles have revolutionized what renters can do with outdated flooring. These solutions now come in realistic wood and stone finishes that install over existing floors.

What it enables

  • Cover dated carpet or tile
  • Waterproof bathroom upgrades
  • Realistic wood aesthetics

Adhesive Lighting

+34%
Jan 2024Dec 2025

LED strips, puck lights, and battery-powered fixtures mean renters can add layered lighting without touching electrical systems. Smart home integration has made these solutions even more appealing.

What it enables

  • Under-cabinet task lighting
  • Ambient mood lighting
  • No electrician needed

Cabinet Transformations

+29%
Jan 2024Dec 2025

Peel-and-stick cabinet covers and removable hardware upgrades let renters modernize outdated kitchens and bathrooms. This category has seen explosive growth as work-from-home continues.

What it enables

  • Kitchen makeovers under $200
  • Modern hardware swaps
  • Color without paint

How We Track Renter-Friendly Trends

  • Data sourced from real search behavior across major platforms
  • Trends analyzed across Google, Amazon, and Pinterest intent signals
  • Categories validated against renter-specific and apartment-related queries
  • Projections based on sustained multi-year growth patterns and seasonal adjustments

Data partner: Glimpse. Analysis period: January 2019 – January 2026.

Why Renter-Friendly Is More Than a Trend

The shift toward renter-friendly home improvement reflects a fundamental change in how people think about living spaces. With more Americans renting longer—and many choosing to rent by preference rather than necessity—the demand for personalization without permanence has reached an inflection point.

This isn't just about peel-and-stick products. It's about a generation that values flexibility, sustainability, and the freedom to make a space feel like home without sacrificing their security deposit. From removable wallpaper to temporary flooring solutions, renters are proving that "temporary" doesn't mean compromising on style or quality.

Economic factors play a role too. With home ownership becoming less accessible in many markets, renters are investing more in their current spaces. The result? A booming market for products and ideas that bridge the gap between rental restrictions and the human desire for a personalized home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about renter-friendly home improvement trends.

What does "renter-friendly" mean?

Renter-friendly refers to home improvement products and techniques that can be installed without permanent alterations to a rental property. These solutions are designed to be removable without causing damage, ensuring renters can personalize their space while protecting their security deposit.

Why is renter-friendly home decor trending?

The renter-friendly trend is driven by several factors: more people are renting longer (the average renter stays 3+ years), homeownership is becoming less accessible in many markets, and product innovation has made temporary solutions look as good as permanent ones. Social media platforms like TikTok have also amplified DIY rental transformations.

What are the most popular renter-friendly products?

The most popular renter-friendly products include peel-and-stick wallpaper, removable tile stickers, temporary flooring solutions (like vinyl plank), adhesive LED lighting, removable cabinet covers, and tension rod solutions. These products have seen 30-50% year-over-year growth in search interest.

Will renter-friendly products damage my walls or floors?

Quality renter-friendly products are specifically designed to be damage-free when removed properly. However, results can vary based on surface type, product quality, and installation duration. Always test products in an inconspicuous area first, follow manufacturer removal instructions, and consider factors like humidity and wall paint type.

How long do renter-friendly upgrades typically last?

Most renter-friendly products are designed to last 3-5 years when properly installed. Peel-and-stick wallpaper typically lasts 2-4 years, temporary flooring can last 5+ years, and adhesive lighting solutions can last the lifetime of the LED components. Longevity depends on environmental factors, surface preparation, and product quality.

Covering renter-friendly living?

We're happy to share data, insights, and visuals for editorial use. Our team is available for interviews and expert commentary.

Contact Press Teampress@renterfriendly.com