A complete guide for renters on how to safely mount your TV without losing your security deposit
Everything you need to know in 60 seconds
Mounting a TV in an apartment can be achieved with careful planning and the right tools. Start by identifying your wall type, choose a suitable mount, and gather the necessary tools for installation. Double-check for wiring, and consider the lease agreement to avoid any lease violations.
If mounting isn't allowed, explore alternative options like freestanding TV stands or adhesive mounts. Cable management solutions will help keep things tidy, and when it's time to move, be prepared to patch and restore the wall if needed.
With these tips, renters can create a stylish, safe setup without risking damage or extra costs.
According to the Census Bureau and Pew Research Center, there are 20 million rental properties in the United States. A majority of rentals are apartments, located in a complex or a large building with multiple units, but some landlords opt to rent out a single home, leasing individual rooms or floors.
Regardless of the setup, the average size of an apartment is 882 square feet, and the smallest apartments in the country are located in Seattle, Chicago, and New York. So it should be no surprise that when it comes to storing larger items like TVs, shelving, and storage units, renters look to their walls as a space-saving solution.
Free up valuable floor and tabletop space in small apartments
Optimal height and angle for comfortable TV watching
Keep electronics away from children and pets
The first step to mounting a TV is understanding what type of walls you're working with. Apartment walls can be made from various materials, each with its own installation requirements.
The most common wall type in apartments. Drywall is easy to work with and suitable for many TV mounts, but you'll need wall studs for a secure hold.
Best Practice: Always locate and drill into wall studs for maximum support. Use a stud finder for accuracy.
Found in older buildings, plaster walls can be more challenging to work with. They're brittle, so extra care is needed.
Caution: Drill slowly and use masking tape over the drilling area to prevent cracking. Consider toggle bolts for extra support.
Some apartments have brick or concrete walls, which can securely support heavier items. However, they require masonry tools for drilling.
Tools Needed: Masonry drill bits, hammer drill, and appropriate anchors. This may require professional installation.
Pro Tip: Knowing your wall type helps you determine the tools and anchors you'll need for the installation.
Once you've assessed your wall type, it's time to choose a mount that fits both your TV and the wall.
These mounts keep your TV close to the wall. They're simple, affordable, and good for rooms where the viewing angle doesn't need to change.
These allow slight adjustments to the viewing angle up and down, which is helpful for reducing glare.
Also known as swivel mounts, these allow you to pull the TV out and angle it in different directions.
Check the size and weight specifications of each mount to ensure compatibility with your TV model. Look for VESA mounting pattern compatibility (the distance between mounting holes on the back of your TV).
Proper tools are essential to safely mount your TV. Here's a list of the most common tools you'll need.
Essential for creating anchor holes. A masonry bit may be needed for concrete walls.
A stud finder helps locate wall studs, which provide the necessary support.
Ensures that your TV mount is installed evenly and straight.
For securing bolts and screws into the mount. Phillips and flathead recommended.
Helps position the TV at an ideal height and center it properly.
For marking the mounting points on the wall before drilling.
Before drilling, it's crucial to check for electrical wiring behind the wall. Accidentally hitting a wire can cause significant damage, not to mention safety hazards.
Wire detectors are often included in stud finders, making them handy for finding both studs and hidden wires.
Consider where power outlets are located and plan your TV's cable routing accordingly.
Concealed cable channels can be easily installed along the wall to keep cords organized and out of sight.
Plastic channels can be painted to match your walls and hide the cords seamlessly.
For a more polished look, in-wall kits let you route cables through the wall.
These can sit below the TV and keep all the power strips and excess cords organized.
Taking these precautions helps avoid electrical mishaps and keeps your setup safe. Never drill into a wall without first checking for electrical wiring, pipes, or structural supports. When in doubt, consult a professional.
With the right mount and tools, it's time to install! Here's a step-by-step guide for mounting a TV in an apartment.
The first step is to check with your landlord. As unpleasant as it may be, giving your landlord a heads up will go a long way. Start by asking about the building's policy on TV mounting. Your landlord may agree to let you mount your TV as long as you pay to have any damage fixed.
Tip: Ask what color paint they used in the room so you can patch and paint holes before moving out.
Before you start drilling, pick the right wall. Measure the dimensions of your television and mark them on the wall with a pencil. You can use painter's tape to create the outline of your TV to visualize the placement.
Use Our TV Height CalculatorUse the stud finder to mark the studs, ideally where you want the mount to be. You can also test by knocking lightly along the wall with your knuckles to hear for any hollow spots — these are spots to avoid. Once you've confirmed you've found studs, mark the stud's center with a pencil.
You may need a partner for this step. Hold the bracket's slats over the marks and place your bubble level on top of the bracket to ensure it sits level. Verify this before drilling because once you start creating holes, it can be very difficult to troubleshoot without causing additional damage.
Drill at the marked points. For concrete or plaster, use appropriate bits and take it slow to avoid damaging the wall. Typically, a ¼" drill will work, but this can vary depending on the unique specs of your TV mount. Measure twice, drill once!
Clear the drill dust out of your freshly-made pilot holes, add washers to the end of your screws, and secure the bracket to the wall. Attach the TV mounting plate to the back of the TV and, with a partner, line up the TV mount with the bracket on the wall according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Important: Always have someone assist you with lifting and securing the TV to avoid accidents.
Our expert technicians can handle everything from start to finish, ensuring a perfect installation every time.
Book Installation ServiceAnchoring is crucial for keeping your TV stable, especially on drywall where studs might not align perfectly.
Good for drywall and plaster. They expand behind the wall for extra support.
Ideal for brick or concrete walls. These anchors provide a secure hold even in dense wall materials.
If possible, always attach the mount to wall studs for maximum support.
Securing the mount properly is vital for stability, especially if you have a heavier TV or full-motion mount. Always use the appropriate anchoring method for your wall type and TV weight.
Since apartments are rented spaces, it's important to review your lease or check with your landlord before mounting a TV. Many leases have guidelines about wall modifications.
Some landlords allow wall mounts, but it's wise to get written approval beforehand.
Ensure you know the policy for wall damage, as some landlords may charge for repairs if you leave holes.
Be clear about what needs to be restored upon moving out, including filling holes or repainting.
Ask your landlord what paint color was used so you can patch and paint holes when moving out
Take photos before and after installation to document the condition
Get permission in writing via email or letter for future reference
Ask neighbors how they handled their TV mounting for local insights
By clarifying these details with your landlord beforehand, you can avoid issues down the road and protect your security deposit. Most landlords appreciate tenants who communicate openly about modifications.
If wall mounting isn't feasible, there are several alternative options that don't require drilling.
Sturdy stands offer adjustable heights and can be moved without modifying walls. Pillar standing TV mounts mimic the space-saving solution of wall mounting.
Some mounts use adhesive strips or are secured with nails instead of large drill holes, which may work for lighter TVs.
Renters can utilize each square foot of their apartment with corner-storage solutions that maximize space efficiency.
Wall anchors and rail systems let you mount on a single bracket without multiple holes, minimizing wall damage. These systems are ideal for renters who want the wall-mounted look with minimal commitment.
These options allow flexibility while keeping the wall damage to a minimum, making them perfect for apartment living.
If you plan to move out, you'll need to either reinstall the mount or remove it completely, especially if your landlord requires restoration.
Safely lift the TV off the mount with assistance from a partner. Store the TV safely.
Remove the screws and take the mount off the wall carefully.
Fill any holes with spackling paste, then sand smooth once dry.
Apply matching paint color to blend the patched areas with the wall.
For filling screw holes and anchor points
Fine grit (220) for smoothing patched areas
Touch-up paint in the wall's color
Damp cloth to clean dust and debris
A tidy removal job can help ensure you don't lose your security deposit over wall damage. Taking the time to properly patch and paint shows respect for the property and demonstrates you're a responsible tenant.
Whether you've recently moved in or have been living in your apartment for a few years, making a rental your own requires some creativity. Projects like hanging artwork, painting walls, and upgrading hardware could cost you your security deposit and cause you to pay a hefty price for some small improvements.
Luckily, with a little elbow grease and a plan, any rental can be transformed into a more permanent-feeling space without sacrificing the security deposit. Mounting your flat screen on the wall frees up tabletop space that's essential for other storage in a small rental.
If you rent, there's no need to feel discouraged about working within the limitations of your lease. There are plenty of ways to make your temporary living situation feel more like a permanent home.
Not confident about drilling into your rental walls? Our professional installation team knows exactly how to mount your TV securely while minimizing wall damage. We work with renters every day and understand the importance of protecting your security deposit.
Serving Denver, Houston, and Austin