Can You Mount a TV in an Apartment?

After recently moving into a new rental apartment, you will want to install your appliances, including your TV. But hold on, can you mount a TV in an apartment, particularly on the wall? 

Since the landlord will re-rent the apartment, you must discuss it with them and get their permission. To know what’s allowed or not, our technicians will discuss everything in this guide:

Wall Mounting a TV in Your Apartment: Is it Doable?

Mounting a TV in a rental apartment will depend on the landlord. Before you do anything, it would be good to speak with your landlord to avoid violating your lease or upsetting them. 

If they allow you, your landlord might also be able to tell you if the walls are sturdy enough to support a TV, which might help you avoid wasting a ton of time, money, and possible harm.

Are You Permitted to Wall Mount TVs in Your Rental Space? Is it Considered an Alteration?

If you’re a tenant in a rental apartment, you can mount a TV on the wall. However, you’re required to follow your landlord’s restrictions and rental agreement. Most landlords won’t allow you to mount other items, such as televisions, on the walls. 

tv mounted on wall facing the bed

And if you ask if that’s considered an alteration, it depends. This is because making holes for TVs and other heavy objects are not considered normal wear and tear. The landlord is required to fix the holes when you vacate.

We suggest you mount the TV in drywall-covered studs (vertical 2x4s). The most regular drywall stud spacing corresponds to the screw holes of many flat-screen TVs mounting brackets.

How About Your Neighbors?

Is it a nice idea to build a wall against the TV if thin walls separate your apartment and your neighbors? 

The sound may be much louder for the folks next to you if it comes directly from the speaker rather than being on the floor! You can use external speakers to resolve this, but it’s always polite to get their input first to minimize acrimony.

How to Determine if Your Walls Can Support a TV

When renting a space, you may notice some areas where the structure is less solid. 

wall mount brackets

It’s common for large homes to be divided into multiple apartments, which means cheap partition walls can be erected to create new rooms. These are perfectly adequate for everyday use, but they may fail if you try to mount a television on them. 

If you are unsure, speak with the landlord and inquire about the maximum weight limit of the wall. If they’re unsure but believe it is risky, the best option is to leave and choose another spot, preferably one made of brick!

What are the Best Spots to Mount the TV?

Once everything is in place, you must decide where to mount your TV. The room’s layout will determine the best location, including the furniture’s placement, electrical outlets, and the spot where it can be viewed from the room’s four corners. 

Your television should be mounted at a height just above eye level. The distance from the floor must be at least 45 inches but not more than 60 inches. However, this may vary based on the size of your room and the distance between your TV and the furnishings.

tv mounted on the wall

What Types of Wall Mount Can You Utilize for Your Apartment TV?

Various wall mounts are available for hanging your TV, which vary depending on your TV’s make and model. Some flat screens come with mounting kits and brackets compatible with that brand.

If you need to purchase separately, make sure you know your TV’s weight and check if it has a curved back or not. If so, you need to find a wall bracket and TV mount that supports the TV with curved backs. 

For instance, wrong mounting brackets that cannot sustain the weight of your television increases the likelihood that it may fall. We highly advise getting a sturdy mounting kit big enough to mount a TV without breaking anything.

How to Mount a TV in Your Apartment Safely and Securely: 7 Steps

Step #1: Locate the Wall Studs

Use the stud finder to locate two studs so you may install the television there. After that, mark each the end and center of the studs with a pencil. 

Step #2: Mark the Bracket Holes

After that, lean the mount against the room wall and use a pencil to make light lines on the bracket holes. You may fix it to the walls by following the marks. 

The mounting kit gives instructions on where to put the screws. Make sure to mark the holes along the wall in a straight line. This is simple to accomplish using a level.

locate and mark studs

Step #3: Start Drilling

Then, you need to drill holes using a drill bit. Get a drill bit slightly smaller than the screws you’ll be using to mount the TV.

Step #4: Secure the Bracket

Utilizing the hardware, fasten the bracket to the wall. Double-check if the mount has leveled out before moving on to the next step.

Step #5: Attach Your TV to the Bracket

A portion of the bracket needs to be attached to your television. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the mounting kit’s manual to carefully mount it to the TV bracket. 

Also, don’t forget to safeguard your TV. Make sure your TV faces are down on a cushioned surface.

attaching the bracket to the tv

Step #6: Secure the TV

Then, mount your TV to the additional mounting bracket you had affixed to the wall. You’ll need a partner to help you hold the television to accomplish this. 

You won’t run into problems like your TV unintentionally falling while installing it if you have a helper.

Step #7: Hide the Wires (Optional)

Although it’s not required, doing this gives the area or space a cleaner, more orderly appearance. Concealing the cords won’t require much time because it’s a simple task. 

We recommend using cord channels to hide the wires. 

What are My Options if I Can't Drill in My Apartment?

Mounting With Adhesives

If you’re not allowed to hang your TV in an apartment by drilling, using wall adhesives is one of your best alternative options. 

grab adhesives

It is also a simple way to mount your TV without drilling holes. High-quality adhesives can support bulky objects including a TV, and can give you a nice viewing experience. 

However, you must first measure your TV and mark the spot on the wall where you intend to wall-mount it. Fix the adhesive to clean walls, then carefully attach the TV there. 

Hybrid Stand

You may mount your TV on the wall using a hybrid TV stand. You’ll have more space while safeguarding the wall from damage. You can store your AV equipment in the additional space provided by this TV stand.

A hybrid TV stand features a simple immovable TV mount, allowing you to place your TV wherever you like. Also, you can pick a color for the hybrid TV stand that will go with your decor and walls.

Rails

The rails you use to hang your pictures could save your back. With it, you may move and wall mount your TV to any desired angle or place at any moment.

Since the rails come in various hues, you can choose one that complements your room’s decor to provide harmony.

wood rails

How to Clean the Damage on the Wall

If you have to move out of your rented apartment, you should clean the damage on the wall. Clear out any debris and dust in the holes with a cloth, soft brush, or even a vacuum cleaner with a small nozzle. Use a wall filler and pack it into the drill holes.

Use sandpaper to smooth it out, so the raised filler around the hole is hidden. If possible, repair the damaged area using paint that matches the walls. You can ask your landlord about the paint that you can use. 

FAQ

Is it possible to hang a flat-screen TV on an apartment ceiling?

Yes, it is possible to hang a flat-screen TV on an apartment ceiling as long as you have the landlord’s permission, or if the rental agreement states that you can do so. 

Conclusion

Whether or not you can wall mount a TV in an apartment depends on the landlord. If your landlord permits you, lucky you, but if not, don’t lose hope yet. You can still have a mounted TV in your place without drilling holes, using hybrid stands, rails, or adhesives.

If you can wall-mount freely, make sure to do it carefully to prevent damaging both the wall and your TV. This way, you can have your security deposit [1] safe and your money (to buy the TV) worth it! 

Writer

Willie Greer
Willie Greer
Willie Greer is the founder of The Product Analyst. A cinephile, he has made it a personal quest to achieve the awesomest home theater possible. He now shares what he has learned through the years on the site, and has enlisted the help of tech-savvy colleagues in providing more insight about today’s most sought-after gadgets.