These cabinets are modern compared to what we used to have. Unless they are damaged or warped, I wouldn't replace them.

If you are renting then you are not allowed to do anything with them either ,except to keep them clean and fix up the loose screws on them , or have the landlord tend to it . We use to have the same cabinets in our previous home and they are strong in comparison o some made with MDF of now days, so just wash them down with TSP rinse them well and enjoy them ,just ad new towels and a few new dishes around ,even a new valance for the kitchen window if you have one and be happy with them.

Maybe it's just me, but I wouldn't do anything to them since it's a rental. Have you looked into new kitchen decor?

I'd use Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations 1 Kit Pure White to paint, which works for laminate cabinets. Buy from HD only $74.48 for small kitchen. Good luck.

That dark wood trim is what is dating them. If you have permission, I would paint them out all white or off-white. Then add some up to date hardware. Big difference.

Instead of altering cabinet doors, try removing them instead. Not only will removing cabinet doors create an open and airy feeling, but doing so will get rid of ugly cabinetry and allow you to display your dishes. Consider attaching decorative paper in the back of each cabinet for another decor idea. Tape it in place to avoid the hassle of wallpaper. Make sure that dishes are always clean and organized. Maintaining an organized space may seem like a high maintenance idea, but if your apartment's cabinetry is particularly unsightly, removing cabinet doors may be your only option. Just be sure to keep the cabinet doors in storage so you can reattach them at a later date.

Read more: What Can I Do to Update the Kitchen Cabinets in My Rental Apartment? | eHow http://www.ehow.com/info_8007457_can-kitchen-cabinets-rental-apartment.html#ixzz2VRd1m5xs