I need some cost effective ideas to make low water usage, low pollen level back yard in a rental house.?

will the owner of the house ok this? if so put down plastic sheeting or the fabric that goes under mulch and then go look at colorful gravel choices and have that put about 2 inches deep all over the area, its what we do here in las vegas. then you can plant some cactus if you like or just leave it with no plantings, however the neighbors pollen will still get to you. its not all that cheap but it looks nice when finished. you can even put up plastic lawn edging and use a pattern like a wave or something and put down two distinct patterns of gravel. you could add some fake plants if you like for a little color.

Planting in pots is a good idea when renting- You could plant out any original container-like apair of preloved boots no longer used, can be painted(try metallic paint like cooper or silver for good effect) then use succulents like calanchloe to pot in. I got great reward from wine barrels with veges in. Things like rainbow chard have great coloured foliage, look great and you can eat them too.No troubles with pollen there. Have fun!