How to remodel my shower/tub for cheap cause I rent but its awful

Its not even a real shower connection
I don't know what you call this wall
Like i said not real connection...help! Please
  10 answers
  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Apr 06, 2018

    Are you allowed to paint it? Before you do, you'll have to really clean it. Scrape all of the old caulk off (it doesn't look like they used the caulk that doesn't mildew). Unfortunately, there's not a cheap fix for the weird shower connection. But I would look into a corner shower caddy that is on a spring pole to hold all of your accessories. You could stand it in a corner on the edge of the tub.

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    • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Apr 06, 2018

      Yes, I noticed that, the wall looks like formica. And people paint formica countertops all of the time. I have not painted it, but there are many posts on the hometalk site and others. I'm sure if you google it, you will find plenty of information. Good luck with your project. Let me know how it comes out.

  • William William on Apr 06, 2018

    Before you do anything make sure you get permission from your landlord IN WRITING! You could lose your security deposit and more. This should be something for the landlord to resolve.

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Apr 06, 2018

    Hi Connie,

    It looks like you've got some mildew or mold around the tub. That can be cleaned up but I can't tell what the black marks are on the wall under the window. The super cleaning can be done with baking soda & vinegar, but if those spots on the wall are actually a breakdown of the surface, your landlord should have to fix that. As far as the shower, I know that's a pain. We had one like that at one point because the landlord didn't want to spend the money to rip out the wall, hire a plumber to run the pipes and then replace everything. It almost looks like there was a problem with a shower head (because of what looks like a hole in the wall) and there was no easy access to the pipes to fix it so it was capped of and this was what should have been a temporary fix. You could try asking your landlord to properly fix it or you can look up your local codes to see if this is even allowed. Painting may or may not make a real difference if the wall is not in good condition. Replacing it should a landlord issue. If necessary, you could try the Dept of Health in your area. IDK, but this doesn't look sanitary. Wishing you the best.

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    • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Apr 07, 2018

      Hi Connie,

      No, you shouldn't have to pay to have it fixed. That's your landlord's job. He owns the apartment, not you. If there are capped pipes behind the wall they may not be legal. That's my problem with your situation. My heart goes out to you.


      If you want to paint it, that's up to you. It might work with proper preparation, at least temporarily. To paint, be sure you lightly scuff up the surface with sandpaper, clean it thoroughly, use a good primer, then a good paint. Since it's a shower you might need an oil based paint or use a kit for laminate tubs/showers. You can ask at your local paint store. Also check your lease to make sure that it's in writing that you can paint. If it's not in writing, you don't have permission no matter what anyone said. I really wish you the best.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Apr 06, 2018

    Agree with William. Although you may have best intentions to improve the decor of the rental unit, you could as he said, lose your damage deposit, and perhaps be fined as well, for making 'unauthorized changes'.

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Apr 06, 2018

    speak to your landlord before you do anything

  • Connie Silva Sanchez Connie Silva Sanchez on Apr 06, 2018

    Yeah! I know but he don't want to do anything to fix it or make it look better

  • Helendarack Helendarack on Oct 20, 2021

    have you tried looking for overhead shower partitions on Amazon?

  • Waniciala Waniciala on Oct 23, 2021

    I agree with Helendarack, om amazon you can find some good options.

    • Dobarduff Dobarduff on Oct 23, 2021

      It is convenient if your landlord does not allow you to replace something or make repairs in the house. You can cover the walls with unique films that look like marble, for example. Yes, you will know that the back of this cover is the same as it was, but at least it will be more pleasant for you to take a shower this way. Of all things, I would replace the shower with something like gethai.com; they have reasonable prices and excellent quality. I would also decorate the shower stall with beautiful jars of scrubs, washcloths, maybe even fresh flowers. I hope you will succeed; I wish you good luck

  • Dee Dee on Oct 23, 2021

    Make sure you have permission since your landlord does not want to take care of it. I would then clean it extremely well, get rid of the mold. Then I would get a giani kit and paint the walls. If the plumbing connection is not a good one, tell your landlord to send a plumber.

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Nov 30, 2021

    speak to your landlord to fix it .. that is not acceptable for rental