10 Inexpensive Privacy Fence Ideas That Are Renter-Friendly And Still Look Amazing

Privacy is essential to your sense of comfort and security, and a fence tall enough to keep out intruders, stray animals, and prying eyes from next door is almost a necessity. It's also an easy way to mark off your property to avoid disputes over space with neighbors. However, if you're renting the property, you can't put up a permanent fence without your landlord's permission first, and they have the legal right to deny your request. Also, you may want a solution that doesn't require excessive spending. 

Therefore, you should consider an inexpensive renter-friendly privacy fence — one that's easy to erect and take down if needed. These fences can consist of different materials like wood, fabric, plastic, or plants. You can get creative and use the fence for other reasons besides privacy, like holding potted plants or adding splashes of bold color that may be too much for the home structure. Not sure where to start? Find inspiration in the following unique and affordable renter-friendly privacy fences.

When building the perfect fence, you want to find a material that looks good from both sides. With bamboo, you can have an aesthetically pleasing and ecological choice for your rental fence. Bamboo can add style and texture to your backyard while supplying complete privacy. It's one of the easiest types of fencing to install and can last as long as 20 years. If the bamboo begins to split or crack, applying a sealant can help protect it. 

What's the difference between reed and bamboo? Reed looks slightly similar to bamboo and is a natural material that's just as easy to install as a fence coverage. However, reed is thinner than bamboo, so it provides a different aesthetic and usually costs less. If you have to move to a new home, simply roll your reed panel back up and carry it with you. 

If you live in a warmer climate and love using fabric, consider curtains for added privacy outside. While curtains are usually used for adding privacy to windows, installing curtain rods and hanging some pretty curtains on them can also provide an easy and inexpensive outdoor shield. You can also hang curtains over see-through fences like chain-link or maneuver them through gaps in fences with large panel openings.

If you prefer to surround your yard with green instead of wood, that can be a challenge if you don't have hedges already planted. Luckily, you can use artificial ivy screens and hedge panels. At least these panels stay green year round and don't require trimming. Some options to consider include Nolruo Artificial Hedge Boxwood Panels or the NETAP Artificial Grass Wall Panels. Note that these green panels and screens also work for interior decor.

You don't need a green thumb to use this option, as you can always buy a few fake plants to create a visual barrier. Light or brightly color pots are a simple addition that makes a privacy fence consisting of plants more visually intriguing. When using real plants, stick to ones that are tall, have dense foliage, and will thrive in a pot. You can attract pollinators like butterflies with ones that bloom.

Are movies nights a common bonding event in your home? Putting up a movie screen in a strategic location in your yard or on the patio can block prying eyes and provide outdoor entertainment for family time or parties. The SKERELL Outdoor Projector Screen costs $49.99 on Amazon. A movie screen is super portable to move around the property, and you can easily bring it with you to your next home.

Have you considered bringing that room divider outside? Depending on the material, how you prep it, and the climate, it can also work as a freestanding outdoor partition. Aluminum and vinyl are excellent materials if you're concerned about weather resistance. If you use a wooden divider, remember to clean it off and treat it with waterproof stain or sealant per the manufacturer's instructions. 

Do you have some old box crates lying around? Stacking them into a DIY fence is perfect for wine lovers who want to repurpose their crates creatively. You can buy some new ones cheaply at places like Walmart, where a set of Drevy 3 PC Wood crates costs $38.39. Stack come of these crates and fasten them together with screws or wood glue to create a freestanding barrier that can also hold items like plants or tools. When you move, you can take the crates apart and recycle them or bring them with you. 

If you don't mind having a peek-a-boo element to your fence, consider one with a classic trellis design. With the MyGift Solid Wood Expandable Plant Trellis for Climbing Plants, you have a versatile privacy option that can hold blooming climbing plants and expands to over 50 inches in length. This fence is lightweight, and you can easily adjust it without using tools. 

As you can see, a metal privacy screen is just as capable of serving as decor as it is of ensuring privacy. Many panels come with cut-out shapes like leaves, flowers, or lines. Metal is a perfect privacy fence material option if you live in a climate with extreme weather, as metal stands up to moisture and temperature swings quite well. Metal panels are easy to install and can be used as fences or dividing partitions in your backyard, swimming pool, patio, or indoors.