When does a house become a home? For some, it might be the moment they move in while for others it’s when they can put their stamp on the place. But, if you live in rented accommodation it can be much trickier to decorate as you would like because the place isn’t your own.
Our homes are where we spend our downtime and, more frequently, where we also work so it needs to be an environment we enjoy being in.
Most rental homes are neutrally decorated to appeal to potential tenants when on the market but once you move in are there any rules to say you can’t decorate to suit your tastes? Let’s look at how much you can change about the decor of your rental home.
Improvements versus repairs
It’s important to distinguish between making home improvements and repairs in rental accommodation. Your landlord is responsible for the majority of repairs in your home for things such as electrical wiring, heating and hot water, cooking facilities and hygiene essentials such as clean water, toilets, sinks and showers.
Once notified of the problem your landlord must complete the repairs in a reasonable amount of time. These repairs differ from improvements, which can help enhance a property, adapt it for the better or even improve the property’s value. Typically, home improvements are focused more on aesthetics and functionality rather than simply keeping things working.
Can you make improvements in a rental home?
Some rental agreements won’t explicitly say one way or another whether tenants can undertake home improvements or not. Instead, it is often down to the landlord and how they wish their property to be lived in. Most are certainly happy for their tenants to add a coat of paint to the walls and freshen things up but few are willing to accept sweeping changes without being consulted first.
If you make alterations without asking for permission you may be charged money to restore the home to its original condition (even if you believe you are improving the property). Similarly, you can put your deposit at risk for unauthorised improvements and some landlords may even threaten eviction based on a breach of contract.
Before making any changes it is worth arranging for a photographic schedule of condition, which visually records how the property was kept before a new tenant moves in. This can protect both tenant and landlord as there is a record to show precisely what was changed and how to reverse the changes if there is such an agreement in place.
Private and council tenancy differences
Whether you are a private tenant or council or housing association tenant can also determine your ability to implement home improvements.
Private tenants can have more scope to implement changes but they must make their decision based on how long they are going to stay. Improvements might not be worth it if you won’t be there long term and your landlord may even increase your rent if you increase the value of their property.
Council and housing association tenants can make both minor and major improvements but must get the written permission of their landlord. However, if you are still in the ‘introductory tenancy’ phase then home improvements are not permitted.
Furnishings
Most landlords will advertise whether they are offering their property furnished or unfurnished, and the degree to which they will provide items is laid out in the tenancy agreement. This may include the like of a table and chairs, curtains, sofas or beds. It’s important to understand what your landlord’s attachment to these items are.
For instance, you may wish to buy a new sofa but check with the landlord whether they are okay with this as they may need to arrange for storage for their own, or ask you to put it in storage until your tenancy is over – an expense few will wish to take on.
Walls
Tenants don’t typically need permission to undertake light redecoration projects, such as changing the colour of the walls. You are unlikely to get your landlord to agree to help with the cost of redecoration however and before you start, check to see whether you must restore the walls to their original colour before your tenancy ends.
Adding shelves or artwork on the walls can be another obstacle to overcome, particularly as landlords often don’t like their tenants putting nails into their walls. Instead, consider floor-standing units that incorporate space for shelves, mirrors and artwork to ensure you stick to your agreement.
Windows and doors
If your windows and doors need replacing then your landlord should be notified because this is seen as an essential, not just for safety and security reasons but also for health and comfort. Your landlord may offer to ask for your input when replacing doors or windows, particularly if you are a long-term resident, so consider something versatile and cost-effective to brighten up your space.
Carpets and flooring
Rather than installing new carpets, which you may be prohibited from doing, you can still change the look and feel of your rental home with area rugs. These rugs cover large spans of a room and can be transformative to the visual appeal of your home, particularly as some rental homes can be prone to tired carpets. You can go the whole hog and replace the carpet or flooring if your landlord agrees but always bear in mind, it is at the risk of personal cost and a request to restore the room to its original condition.
Gardening
If you are fortunate to have a garden then it’s important to treat it similarly to how you would the interior. You are free to make small changes without notifying your landlord but any landscaping or shed installation plans will likely require permission before you make them happen.
Consider instead livening up the garden of your rental home with fun furniture and plant pots that you can take with you if you move elsewhere and aren’t a permanent fixture that you may have to pay to remove.
Report essential repairs to your landlord
Landlords are also responsible for the health and safety of their tenants so must make repairs if this is put at risk. This can cover issues such as damp and mould, fire safety or pests.
Tenants do have a responsibility to look after the property they rent, ensuring that homes are kept clean, are well ventilated and issues reported to the landlord but the owner must ensure their renters are looked after.
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