There are many ways to cover a ceiling on you rental property.

Another way to cover a popcorn ceiling is by installing tongue and groove planks. Most of what you'll find in home centers and lumber yards is 1 by 6 or 1 by 8 pine or spruce, although you can special order other kinds. And if your working solo, it's a lot easier to handle than 4 by 8 or 12ft. sheetrock. The cons of tongue and groove planks is wood isn't cheap A single 1 by 8 pine plank costs about $7 so covering a 12 by 12 ft. ceiling will cost at least $175.