Never one to follow the crowd, you beat to your own drum. You are full of life. Whether you've had a million adventures or your story is just starting, your home should be an expression of brilliant, glorious you. Only one thing stands in the way of expressing your style: a rental agreement that lays down physical limitations for a four-wall white box without character.

But look at this way: It's a blank canvas that awaits your unique touch.

First, let's cover some ground rules:

Rule #1: Do get written permission 
It's you versus the landlord. With your agreements spelled out in ink, chances fare better that the lord of your manor will remember your pact, and you'll move on to your next castle with peace of mind and, hopefully, a deposit fully returned.

Rule #2: Don't bill the landlord 
You might not love the bathroom faucet fixtures circa 1983, but if you have plans to change them out, it’s best to do it on your own dime.   

In the days since the recession, both landlords and tenants look for ways to save money, and The Rental Girl has seen her fair share of negotiations gone awry. Steer clear of this communication mishap by negotiating any reimbursements at the time of signing the lease.

Now that we've covered the basics, read on for a few creative tips to insert your personality into a rental.

Do be thrifty

Your home is neither a youth hostel nor a five-star hotel. If you're on a budget, or temporarily placed, domesticate your rental by mixing quality with frugality. Combine newer, lavish items with secondhand furniture. Show off your creative flair with unique pre-owned accessories. Scour estate sales, garage sales and flea markets for one-of-a-kind finds to adorn your IKEA bookshelves and countertops.   

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