Quick answer

You can secure furniture and baby gates without damaging walls by using pressure-mounted gates in doorways and anti-tip straps anchored into studs or furniture. For stairs or heavy furniture, hardware mounting is the safer choice—plan for small holes and patch them at move-out.

Why rental safety feels like a trade-off

Renters often avoid anchoring furniture or installing gates because they fear losing a deposit or breaking lease terms. But the risk of a tip-over or a fall down stairs is far greater than a few small holes. The key is matching the mounting method to the location and weight, then using the least invasive option that still meets safety needs.

Pressure-mounted gates: no holes, but know the limits

Pressure-mounted gates hold themselves in place by pushing against the doorframe or wall. They are ideal for doorways, hallways, and the bottom of stairs when you need a temporary or damage-free solution. They are not safe for the top of stairs because a child could push them loose. Check that the gate fits your opening width and that the wall surface is solid enough to hold pressure.

Hardware-mounted gates: small holes, maximum security

Hardware-mounted gates screw into wall studs or a wooden banister. They are the only safe option for the top of stairs and for any area where a child might lean or push hard. The trade-off is a few small holes that you can patch with spackle and paint at move-out. If you cannot drill, a hardware-mounted gate is not the right choice—use a pressure-mounted gate only in low-risk spots.

Furniture and TV anti-tip straps: anchor without wall damage

Anti-tip straps connect heavy furniture or a flat-screen TV to a wall stud or to the furniture itself. Some straps can be attached to the furniture without drilling into the wall, but the strongest hold comes from anchoring into a stud. If you cannot find a stud, use a heavy-duty toggle bolt or a furniture-to-furniture strap that does not require wall attachment. Always follow the strap's instructions for weight limits.

When to stop and choose another option

If your lease forbids any holes and you need a gate at the top of stairs, talk to your landlord about a professional installation or consider a room rearrangement that blocks access. For furniture that cannot be anchored to a stud, use a strap that attaches to another piece of furniture or place the item in a room the child cannot enter unsupervised.

Diagnose your anchoring problem

  • Gate slides or falls when pushed: Pressure-mounted gates need a tight fit and a solid surface. If the gate moves, the wall may be too weak or the opening too wide. Check the gate's width range and adjust the pressure knobs. If it still slips, switch to a hardware-mounted gate or move the gate to a different location. If the gate cannot be made secure with pressure, do not use it at the top of stairs.
  • Furniture tips when child pulls on it: This usually means the furniture is not anchored. Use anti-tip straps that attach to a wall stud or to another heavy piece of furniture. If you cannot drill, choose a strap that connects furniture to furniture, and remove items that tempt climbing. If you cannot anchor the furniture at all, keep the child away from that room or remove the furniture.
  • You are not allowed to drill any holes: Use pressure-mounted gates only in doorways and low-risk areas. For furniture, use damage-free straps that do not require wall attachment, or ask your landlord for permission to install a hardware-mounted gate professionally. If safety requires drilling but your lease forbids it, negotiate with your landlord or find a different solution.

Products that help you secure your rental

  • TV or Furniture Wall Straps, 2-Pack Support: Evenflo® TV or Furniture Wall Straps give you a way to secure your heavy furniture or freestanding, flat-panel TV, helping to safeguard against serious injury. Our sturdy anti-tip straps allow you to customize your attachment method in 2 ways. These straps let you anchor furniture without drilling into the wall if you choose the furniture-to-furniture method, or they can be screwed into a stud for maximum security.
  • Position & Lock Adjustable Wood Baby Gate: The affordable Evenflo® Position & Lock™ Adjustable Wood Baby Gate is a lightweight, standard-size baby gate that’s perfect in a pinch for easily blocking off doorways in your home from little ones or pets. With the width of a standard-sized door, this wood baby gate accommodates openings 26 in. to 42 in. (66 cm to 107 cm) wide and is 23 in. (58 cm) tall. This pressure-mounted baby gate features a simple lift. Because it is pressure-mounted, you can install it without tools or holes—ideal for renters who need a temporary barrier in a doorway.
  • Multi-Use Décor Tall Walk-Thru Baby Gate Support: With the versatility to be used pressure-mounted or hardware-mounted, the Evenflo® Multi-Use Décor Tall Walk-Thru™ Baby Gate is the perfect solution to multiple locations around the house, including top of stairs! A sleek black finish fits a variety of interior styles, to complement your home décor. The hardware-mount attachment option is easy to use, installs in minutes, and provides peace of mind for stairways. This gate gives you the option to start with pressure mounting in a doorway and switch to hardware mounting for stairs, so you only drill where safety requires it.