31 Renter-Friendly Tips To Transform Your Outdoor Space

Buzz Feed

14-07-2025

Mount an outdoor bug zapper so your arms and legs don't become a mosquito buffet this summer. It kicks in the second you plug it in and covers up to half an acre without sprays, smells, or concerned inquiries from your landlord. Trust me, your ankles will thank you.
Or if you want a peaceful backyard hang without the constant zapping sound, try a cordless and rechargeable Thermacell mosquito repellent. This tiny but mighty device will create a 20-foot no-bug zone without a whiff of citronella or a single sticky spray, and you can take it with you if you ever move because it's portable!
Turn your yard into a wind-powered light show with a pack of solar-powered garden lights. They charge during the day and glow at night, no plugs or switches required.
If you have a patio or deck with flooring that's seen better days, put down a Western-inspired patio rug that looks like something you'd score at a desert flea market, but it's waterproof, reversible, and made from recycled plastic. The geometric pattern and swoon-worthy colors feel totally unexpected for an outdoor rug, and if it gets dirty, just hose it down and let it dry in the sun like the showoff it is.
Fab Habitat is a small business that sells outdoor rugs and accessories made from recycled plastic. Promising review: "This is the third one of these rugs I have bought over the last 10 years. Not because they wear out, but because I am adding to the stock. I use them on a covered screen porch, and they look so nice and are so durable that they are in place even in the winter." —Ms Lin SewaneeGet it from Amazon for $45.74+ (available in 28 colors and 15 sizes).
Or use a woven patio rug to bring a Moroccan-esque look to your deck without overwhelming the space. This is a great get if you want something that's neutral but not boring.
Promising review: "I'm so happy with this rug! I bought it to freshen up our patio space, and it instantly gave the area a clean, modern look with its light gray and black handwoven texture. The flat-weave construction feels durable yet soft underfoot — perfect for high-traffic areas. We've got kids and a dog, and this rug handles it all like a champ! Spills wipe up easily, and it doesn't trap dirt, which makes it super low-maintenance. I also appreciate that it's stain-resistant and doesn't fade in the sun. When it needs a deeper clean, I just hose it down with a little soap and water and hang it up to dry — so simple. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a practical yet stylish rug for either indoor or outdoor use!" —AlyssaGet it from Amazon for $33+ (available in 18 colors and 27 sizes).
No pool? No problem! Set up an inflatable pool that'll cost less than a beach day and will deliver way more chill. It holds 156 gallons, has a bench for grown-up lounging, and even includes a cup holder, because hydration is key (even if it's via margaritas).
Keep your patio breezy and comfortable — especially during heat waves — with a wall-mounted outdoor fan. It frees up floor space, angles exactly where you want it, and actually makes a difference when the sun's doing the most. Bonus points if it helps keep the bugs away, too.
Make grimy surfaces like new again with a pressure washer that'll be so satisfying to use. From mildew on fences to stained concrete and outdoor furniture, this will help tackle difficult cleaning tasks that you thought couldn't be remedied.
Promising review: "This washer was easy to set up and operate. I bought it to pressure wash the railings on my back patio, but once I saw how well it worked, I ended up doing my patio furniture, stone patio, steps, a stone wall, garage doors, and one side of my house. It took several hours to do all that, but it was really satisfying. Some of it was seven years' worth of grime, and some were only two years. This machine handled it all. I plan to do it all once a year to keep it looking great." —nylon21Get it from Amazon for $199.
Use a pack of natural reed fencing to provide your outdoor space with some much-needed privacy without installing something permanent. Perfect for screening off your patio, balcony, or that spot where your neighbor's window looks directly onto your yard.
Promising review: "I am very happy with this reed fencing. The lovely brown color and tight weave with the string is so much better than ones I've had in the past that were woven with wire, which look shabby and horrible. These are a wonderful quality for the price to make putting up large sections of fencing more affordable. They are not completely private, as people have mentioned, but that's not what I wanted. I wanted to be able to see through a little bit, but they work great to give some sense of separation and privacy." —Lauren S.Get it from Amazon for $63.99+ (available in five sizes and two colors).
Or use an artificial ivy privacy screen if you prefer something that'll add a little bit of greenery.
Promising review: "This is a great product for any outdoor space. It provides extra privacy whilst adding beauty to my balcony. The leaves were all intact and it was easy to install with the zip ties that came in the box. The fence has been stable, never falling down nor loosen up its grip. During rain, I've never experienced the leaves coming off/apart. If you're looking to spice up your outdoor area with faux greenery, this product is a great quality fence and highly recommend!" —C.C. Get it from Amazon for $62.99 (be sure to clip the 10% off coupon).
Get rid of oil stains on your patio and walkways with some Chomp! oil stain remover. Just smear on the thick gel, let it dry, and peel it up. It's heavy-duty help for the kind of stain that you thought was permanent.
Promising review: "I went in skeptical, I'm not going to lie. We had grease spilled on our brand-new paver patio. The grease had been sitting for a few weeks, and I saw an ad for this stuff. I ordered it to try because why not? Well, I'll be damned because this took the spots right off! No evidence we ever spilled anything! I'd buy it again." —SusanGet it from Amazon for $17.97.
Turn your backyard into a whimsical nighttime oasis with some waterproof and shatterproof solar-powered outdoor string lights. Perfect for draping over trees, winding around railings, or highlighting the edges of your outdoor living space, they create an intimate setting that's both magical and inviting.
Brightech is a small business in Los Angeles that sells indoor and outdoor lighting for the home.Promising review: "We have these strung all over our property — they are next-level lights. We have these lights that we hung outside in the summer of 2020, and they are still working as well today as they did back then. That's amazing to me. You can't go wrong with these lights." —OKRAGet it from Brightech on Amazon for $31.99+ (available in warm or soft light).
Hang some bamboo wind chimes to bring some zen vibes to your outdoor space. When it moves, the bamboo produces deep, soothing tones that'll blend nicely with nature's soundtrack. No batteries, no wires, just peaceful background music you didn't have to find via a playlist.
Promising review: "Was actually a little bigger than I expected to be for the price. Beautiful and well worth the money. Sounds beautiful." —Ashleigh Yates Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in two sizes).
Or hang a set of metal wind chimes that'll turn your yard into a peaceful soundtrack. With six precision-tuned tubes, it plays soft, melodic tones in the breeze. It also comes with a strong hook for easy hanging.
Promising review: "I purchased the rose colored chimes. I've been outside daily, working on the yard. Yesterday, I noticed a feeling of calm as a small storm moved in. It was the chimes, without noticing, they played in the background and moved me into a relaxed state." —PegiGet it from Amazon for $27.89+ (available in seven colors and three sizes).
If you have just a sliver of space but still want a nice place to sit, consider a narrow wicker chair to give you all the cozy, cocoon-like vibes of an egg chair. It's just as comfy and stylish as the oversized versions, but way better at fitting into tight spots.
Promising review: "Loved this compact version of an egg chair. It is gorgeous and doesn't take up too much space on the patio. It was very easy to put together, and the instructions were clear and simple to read. This chair is very sturdy and doesn't seem like it will unravel or break. The cushions are very plush, and the covers unzip and can easily be cleaned in a washing machine. Overall, this purchase has been so worth it." —Evelyn Ndidi Get it from Amazon for $145.33+ (available in three styles).
Use a bottle of dog spot repair to fill in those yellow, bare patches caused by dog urine. It's a combo of seed, mulch, and fertilizer that's designed to grow grass in tough, burned-out spots.
If your landlord doesn't pay for yard maintenance, easily remove weeds from your garden or lawn with a weed puller tool. It's the best-selling weeding tool on Amazon, and for good reason! The same family-owned small business has been making these since 1913, and 42,000+ reviewers have given the product 5 stars.
And make your pathways, patios, and driveways aesthetically pleasing and easy to walk on with a crack weeder tool. The uniquely shaped tool fits into tight cracks and grabs weeds by the roots for easy removal.
Set up a fade-resistant, tiltable outdoor umbrella so you can relax without worrying about harmful UV rays. (But remember to always wear sunscreen when your skin's exposed to the sun!) It's got a diameter of 7.5 feet, which can provide shade for a small table and three or four chairs.
Note: The umbrella stand is not included, but this is a good one if you need one. Promising review: "This umbrella was perfect and met my needs. I live in a condo and needed a way to shade the balcony from the intense morning sun. This worked really well. The setup was easy. The crank works well and the tilt is easy to do." —DanielleGet it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in 15 colors and patterns).
Or use a half umbrella that's perfect for small patios, balconies, or anywhere you're working with limited space. The flat back lets it sit flush against a wall while still offering a full nine feet of shade. This proves that compact doesn't have to mean compromising.
Promising review: "I love it! It's perfect for my small apartment patio. A serious game changer. I leave it open all day, and my plants are doing well because of it! They don't get scorched anymore. It also provides the perfect coverage to allow me to relax outside in the shade." —Natalie Get it from Amazon for $40.99+ (available in seven colors).
And add a clip-on light for your umbrella, because sometimes a great day on your patio turns into a great night, and you want to make sure you have the proper illumination.
Use a pack of four plant supporters if some of your yard's plants just need a little extra help staying upright. Bonus points because the metal is powder-coated green, so they camouflage really well.
Clean up your yard's hardscaping with some Scotts multipurpose outdoor cleaner that'll tackle dirt, mildew, and grime without bleach. It's tough on messes but gentle enough for your exterior. Just spray, scrub (if needed), and admire how much less gross everything looks.
Create a vibe with a couple of outdoor Bluetooth speakers that'll double as flickering torch lanterns, because music is great, but music with ambiance is even better. They're waterproof (bring on those sumer showers), sync together for surround sound, and given serious "cozy evening under the string lights" energy.
Promising review: "I ordered waterproof speakers so I could sit outside, and I'm so glad I found these. They're perfect for what I needed because they are similar to tiki torch lights that are already planted. They give off a nice ambiance when sitting out back, and the sound is loud but not too loud to disturb neighbors. Bluetooth connection is easy. So far, so good, and I'm satisfied with my purchase." —applefirGet it from Amazon for $69.99.
Block harmful UV rays while providing you with necessary shade thanks to a triangular sail. A simple and nonpermanent way to create a cool, relaxing area during these hot summer days.
The corners of the sails have D rings so you can attach them to whatever you'd like with your choice of hardware or rope.Promising review: "Purchased this to increase privacy and provide some shade. The color is vibrant, hasn't faded, and the loops are well-stitched. The sail has also fared well in winds, thunderstorms, monsoon rain, and the brutal heat of Vegas. Shade is wonderful, and one can definitely feel the temperature difference from full sun to being under this sail. The look and feel compliments our pool area and will certainly be purchasing an additional one." —VHC MediaGet it from Amazon for $16.79+ (available in a variety of sizes and 16 colors/patterns).
Keep garbage cans and other essentials accessible but hidden thanks to a storage shed. There's also a lockable latch in case you live in an area where night critters try to break into garbage cans.
If your rental has a balcony that gets pitch black at night, use a pack of these 16 solar-powered outdoor lights that clip right onto your balcony's ledge. Warm nights spent out on your balcony will be so much nicer when you have proper mood lighting.
Promising review: "Developed a garden on the apartment patio, and wanted to add some lights along the railing to give it some character. These solar lights are not too bright and were easy to install. All the lights work, which is great. Better than I could have hoped for. 👍" —KMFGet it from Amazon for $25.49+ (available in two colors and also a set of 20).
Deal with problematic weeds with a weed killer kit that'll handle the hard stuff without making you break a sweat. Just pour the concentrate into the reusable pouch, fill it with water using your hose, attach the sprayer wand, and you're ready to go. The fast-acting formula will get to work on weeds, moss, algae, and even unwanted grass in as little as 20 minutes.
Promising review: "My new flowerbed had some Bermuda grass coming up through the weed guard paper, but not anymore. I watched it wilt within 30 minutes of application. I pulled the dead grass the next morning. Other weeds I hit in the flowerbed were much easier to pull than weeds I didn't hit with the weed warrior. It worked better and faster than the other weed killers I have used. Now my flowerbeds can stay grass- and weed-free." –Neeci "This worked as advertised. Love that it's not using harsh chemicals, too. I have kids that love to play outside and wrestle and flip all over the yard, so it's nice knowing they can do so in a safe environment instead of among a ton of chemicals." —Weslee H. Get the kit from Sunday for $27. And with summer's heat fast approaching, consider Sunday's Heat Defense Kit.
Set up a wicker patio set so your outdoor space becomes a cozy little nook where you can sip your coffee and read an important piece of nonfiction...or just zone out while doomscrolling.
Promising review: "I love this loveseat ... when my cat is not hoarding it 😩 I spend so much time sitting longways on it, reading books. It's lightweight but sturdy — I weigh over 200 pounds and feel supported while stretched out on it. It was also super easy to assemble. I normally hire someone to assemble anything that comes in pieces, but I was able to tackle this alone in about 45 minutes." —Brittney-Elizabeth Williams Get it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in beige or blue and 1-, 3-, or 5-piece sets).
Section off a special area of your backyard with some interlocking teak tiles. No tools or glue are required; the tiles just snap together. Teak is also a preferred wood for all outdoor stuff because of its ability to survive through all types of weather. It's one of the few woods around that contains a natural oil that repels water.
Promising reviews: "Living in Hawaii, you have to select wise items that are weather-, salt-, and red dirt–proof, etc... In total, I ordered 11 boxes to complete my yoga deck. I have a few left over to make steps on the back. Very pleased and happy. May order more for an outdoor shower project!" —Adazzle"Bought these in 2016, and with one application of teak oil per year, they still look great in 2023. They have been subjected to full weather for seven years and still look amazing. Lightly power wash them once a year to remove grime, takes about 30 min." —ZGet 10 square feet from Amazon for $77.99.
Set up a giant four-in-a-row game to turn your backyard into the ultimate game night hotspot. Perfect for cookouts, family gatherings, or proving once and for all that you're the reigning champ of dropping discs in a straight line.
Champion Sports is a family-owned and operated small business that's been operating out of New Jersey since 1961. Promising review: "I bought this for the kids to play during cookouts. We have corn hole and other games as well, and I find myself playing this as much, if not more, than corn hole. Great quality, and it comes with a carrying bag to put away for easy storage and clean up." —Alan Rich Get it from Amazon for $119.99+ (available in two sizes).
And deal with unwanted flying insects (I'm talking about you, wasps) without touching them, squishing them, or spraying anything toxic, thanks to a BugZooka bug vacuum. You'll just aim, press, and send them flying into the tube like the gentle, bug-respecting person you are. It'll be oddly satisfying and completely mess-free.