I find this argument thoughtless. Those of us who don't own our own homes are often prohibited from making these kinds of modifications.
You can always suggest this improvement to the landlord. And if it keeps you there safe and happy, (s)he will invest easily in any electrical modifications improving your quality of life. Then it becomes an improvement at "no cost" to you!
yeah, or you could ask the landlord. As long as it is done correctly they probably wont care. Or you could use your stove outlet (40-50amp 240v) or if you have a gas stove tell your landlord you want an electric stove and you will pay for the outlet to be installed. Keep the gas stove and use the juice. same could go with a dryer.