If you can't Paint and you can't add electrics then stick up battery operated lights (hardware store) and mirrors are your only options.

What is the one light in the photo? Can you increase the size of the light it produces safely & try placing a securely hung mirror opposite the light. Then you will have at least twice the light.

One more thing .... if it were my space, I would try hanging one large piece of artwork on the tall skinny wall directly facing the door ... something bright and eye catching. Or an interesting collection of objects. Just think it would brighten things up and make it a surprise art gallery, non just a dark, foreboding passageway down to the basement..

Maybe putting like a mirror strip inside the door frame? I don't know, I'm in the same situation as you also.

Add battery operated candle/lanterns at the bottom of the stairs. They could be hung as a fixture or used as an accessory on a table at the bottom of the stairs. Most have timers that can be set to go on/off as needed.

Hi. Am I wrong or can't an inexpensive light be installed, with help if necessary, and then removed when you leave?

I think the mirror idea is good, but depending where it's placed....seeing a reflection unexpectedly could scare someone too. :) You could put a light downstairs, close to the bottom of the stairs and use a plug in/ remote to turn it on from upstairs. They have small remotes (mine actually has a key chain attached, purchased at Target) and you could put a small hook to hold it at the basement entry. I also think some nice artwork could make it a bit more relaxed and not so dark. Hope this helps, good luck! :)

I would also suggest a 3 light fixture that allows you to direct a small "spotlight" down the stairs, up to the ceiling and towards the top stair. If you hung a mirror on the wall directly opposite that fixture, it would reflect a general light around as well.

Most building codes require a light at the top and bottom of a staircase, usually with 2 way switch to boot! Your landlord should accommodate your needs for safety sake. It is not unreasonable to expect him to fix this.

Most building codes are the same thing as the International Residential Code. Keep in mind that the suggested illumination for a kitchen countertop is 80 foot candles, and that the exception to the code is more often the norm.

R303.7 Stairway illumination.
All interior and exterior stairways shall be provided with a means to illuminate the stairs, including the landings and treads. Interior stairways shall be provided with an artificial light source located in the immediate vicinity of each landing of the stairway. For interior stairs the artificial light sources shall be capable of illuminating treads and landings to levels not less than 1 foot-candle (11 lux) measured at the center of treads and landings. Exterior stairways shall be provided with an artificial light source located in the immediate vicinity of the top landing of the stairway. Exterior stairways providing access to a basement from the outside grade level shall be provided with an artificial light source located in the immediate vicinity of the bottom landing of the stairway.

Exception: An artificial light source is not required at the top and bottom landing, provided an artificial light source is located directly over each stairway section.


http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/irc/2012/icod_irc_2012_3_par089.htm

Try stapling fabric in one of the graphic prints available- your choice of hue..... the staples can be spaced around the corners- and leave no marks behind

you really need to hang a large framed mirror on an angle dirrectly overhead.you can buy them for 100-200 at home sence. another mirror opposite wall with a new light fixture will do wonders. Lights from ikea would be nice

Maybe use the remote controlled devices that plug into a power socket, with a light of your choice in the basement. Maybe fairy lights. You can then switch them on before you go down and make it look inviting as soon as you open the door.

Have you fixed the problem yet?

Not yet but thank you all for your advice :)