Pride of home
Cleaning up around the house isn't just for homeowners. Renters can take pride in their home too.
A few simple chores on a weekend or in spare time after work can yield significant results helping a house to feel more like home, even if it's a temporary home.
First talk to the landlord to see what, if anything, he or she will let you do.
Chances are they'll be more than happy to get free labor out of you, especially once you're established as a good worker.
Split costs with the landlord or manager wherever possible or work for free in exchange for materials if you can.
Other costs such as sprucing up the yard with annuals are probably best born by you as the renter. Perennial plants should be cleared with the owner or manager and costs shared appropriately.
Also, if the landlord has his or her own equipment, should it be needed, it's wise to ask for it.
A bag of grass seed and fertilizer can go a long way to livening up the yard just spread it by hand or spreader if available and keep it wet. Don't spread it before a heavy rain and check the forecasts.
Pressure washing front steps and walkways will rid concrete, bricks and mortar of stains caused from the winter's rains and runoff. Use high pressure and a wide, 40-60 degree tip and use caution not to send chunks flying off. Keep the tip moving and hold it six inches or so away and systematically work manageably-sized areas.
Again using that pressure washer, only this time with a 90 degree tip and lower pressure, clean the siding and windows. Start from the bottom up to prevent stains even though it seems counterintuitive. Again use caution not to blow through windows or rip paint off the house. Start at a comfortable distance about a foot or so and wet the surface. Then get more aggressive with it when you find the rhythm.
If nothing else a broom, rag and some cleanser can do wonders.
Use the broom to catch spider webs and dust windowsills. Glass cleaner and a rag will have those windows spotless easily. I prefer an aerosol can of foaming cleaner, but anything will work.
Use some degreaser and a hose to wash out window screens.
After these measures a house is more than just a building. It shows you take pride in your home. Plus you'll have some meditative time to yourself. It's good for the soul.