Wow, only a 7 month rental --- how about that frosted vinyl that you put on the glass -- no destruction!

I'd just fill the holes after I found a sample of paint that matched the existing walls. They are supposed to paint between renters as I understand it.

I was looking for a similar solution and saw someone suggest using Command hooks (that dont' require holes) with a thinner rod that will rest securely on the hook. They have the hooks in metal finish, too.

Gracie

Not a bad idea but the view is a gorgeous waterfront so I was looking for curtains or drapes I could close up when needed.

pjtexgirl: ordinarily yes but this developer is already not happy about renting and not selling!

There are all kinds of tension rods that might work.

Here is a link that might be useful: Here's one

If there is any metal, you could use magnetic rod holders. We used those on the glass exterior door to our sideyard, but the door was metal, so it was our only real choice.

For only seven months, I would go with the temporary Redi-shade available at HD and Lowes. It has a sticky end that you just stick onto the trim, wall, whatever. Take down when leaving!

suero

I love those! Thanks!

olychick--I thought about Command but wasn't sure if they would hold up the weight of 13 feet of even lightweight curtains. I guess if I put up several they distribute the weight. Between those and the ones suero pointed out, I might have a solution!

kgcg: I'll have to look once we move in to see if there is metal or vinyl framing.

Thanks all

Your thoughtfulness towards the person renting to you is a nice one. I commend you for that. I'll argue the point however that you ARE paying stay there. If it weren't for rent money this person,who was unable to sell, would be getting NO money. Things don't always work out like we might hope. I think it's unreasonable to assume a renter won't want standard amenities like privacy from curtains.

pjtexgirl

Logically, yes. But these have been empty--and there are 5 more empty--unsold and unrented since 2007 and the developer isn't interested in renting. The property manager had to talk him into it. Odd. So I don't want to get socked with exorbitant damage fees because I put up curtains.

Robin

I'd take pics of the entire apartment with a time stamp on the pics BEFORE you move in. This guy sounds like a real horses a## and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if when you went to move out he tried to nail you with extra fees for damages you didn't do. First rule in renting is cover your a##.

I agree with Carol.

The Redi-made shades can be stuck onto wood or just sheetrock. Anything and it won't leave a mark. Promise. Its the same as a post it note. I had it in a former home for over a year, LOL!

Its the same as a post it note. I had it in a former home for over a year, LOL!

My neighbors have had them on most of their windows for about 5 years now.

Robin, I hope you have a lease which spells out in clear language that you have the right to normal enjoyment of this property and normal wear and tear is not your responsibility. And I'd take pictures of everything now and before you move out. I hope any security deposit you have had to give is something you would be comfortable with losing because this guy is going to make your life miserable. Don't count on getting any deposit back.

He acts as if he is doing you a favor. He's had 6 units vacant for 4 years and doesn't want to rent them? He's not dealing with a full deck.

Carol and Patty

Good advice and I usually do photo before the truck arrives. Last landlord agreed I left it much cleaner than I found it but charged me $60 anyway (but I got the 1K deposit back). The property managers who are my contacts for this lease seem very decent and seem able to "manage" the developer. They have a bigger stake in keeping people happy since they are the rep for the whole complex.

Robin

We are using something similar to what suero posted, but I bought ours at walmart. I just wanted something cheap and easy that would last 6 months in this rental till the house is finished. They work great unless someone (DD) tugs on the curtain too hard.(She's 15, if it hits her in the head then it's head own fault!) In instantances like those the D doesn't stand for Darling.;)
Ofcourse it's been 6 months and we are probably still at least a month away from moving it.
Bottom line-cheap easy to use unless you have someone or something(dogs-they haven't touched the curtains) pulling on them.

I rent and have installed curtains and quilts due to living in an old drafty farmhouse. I have kids, and they are tough on curtains that hang over a door or are used as dividers. They tend to pull down when pulling sideways. My darling dtr has bent the hanging rod on one.

If you have kids like mine I don't think anything would stay up that's not drilled in.

OK, the landlord has agreed to us putting up curtain rods.

Next question: how much privacy do sheers provide? I've seen some discussion here but I've also been out walking after dark and looked into people's houses (including mine!) that had sheers for privacy and it was like looking in an open window. Do patterned sheers provide privacy?

I've walked around outside and you can see SOME in our LR window, but I haven't been out on the dock--we face the water and I suspect anyone on the dock or in a boat can see in so I want a little something, but with 13 feet of window, I don't want anything heavy!

No, patterned sheers do not provide privacy. Sheers of any kind do not provide privacy.

If you have an Ikea near you, take a look at the Ritva curtains. Great price, long but adjustable length, probably would provide enough privacy, especially when gathered.

Here is a link that might be useful: Ikea RITVA

Sheers provide some daytime privacy, but none at all at night. The fuller the sheers are, the more privacy they provide. But once you turn the lights on inside, all privacy disappears. I have sheers on my bedroom windows for daytime privacy and a plain old roller shade behind them for nighttime privacy. But then, my neighbor's house is about 12 away.

Thanks all. I was hoping the patterned sheers would fool the eye into focusing elsewhere. Maybe muslin or something lightweight -- 13 feet is intimidating