The pandemic has led to a change in the cost of buying and renting a home across the UK. Renting a property is now cheaper than buying a home for the first time in six years , and google searches for 'houses to let near me' have increased by 377% - but for most renters, their biggest pet peeve is how to make the rental house feel like home?
If you’re new to renting, it can be difficult to understand what is and isn’t permitted. So, it’s crucial to check the terms of your tenancy agreement and get permission for any changes you wish to make, such as decorating.
Whilst you can't go about remodelling the kitchen or restructuring the property, you can surely put your stamp on it to make the space feel unique and personal - without breaking the bank or annoying your landlord.
Kirstie Batty, Head of Merchandising at GTSE , says, “If you get permission to make changes, make sure you have this written as an agreement with signatures from relevant parties.
“However, when viewing a property, you wish to rent, it’s always best to flag parts of the property you’re unhappy with before signing a contract as you may be able to negotiate to get new carpets, or walls painted, etc, before moving in. This could save you time and money. Also, carefully check the inventory report and dispute anything you don’t agree with or consider adding additional photos to avoid any disagreements at the end of the tenancy,” she says.
Here are the top tips, coming straight from our property experts, to help you spruce up your rental pad:
1. Paint your blues away
Many landlords will let you paint walls in your home, and this is a great way of really making the property feel yours, all you need to do is ask them first. Whether it’s a statement wall in the bedroom or a pop of colour in the living room, painting is a great way to add your touch to a rented property and make it feel like it’s your space.
Helen Hollingsworth, Lettings Partner at Bramleys says, “Always seek the landlord’s permission before starting any paintwork. Some may allow you to paint as long as it's to a good standard, whereas others may ask you to return the walls to their original colour before you leave.”
Chris Salmon, Operations Director at property law specialists, Quittance adds, “I’d advise renters to opt for lighter colours or oil-based paint as this will make it easier to repaint walls if needed.”
2. Add drama with accessories
Adding home accessories is the easiest way of updating and making a rented property feel like your space. Adding flowers and plants will help brighten it up while purchasing larger items such as ottomans, new chairs and side tables will help update your rented property and make it more your style.
Adding pictures of friends and family is a great touch too – just remember to use non-damaging hanging strips when hanging your pictures, canvases, and wall decorations.
“Sometimes you may be expected to pay for repairs for any holes that you drill in the wall, either directly or through your deposit. We would therefore recommend that you opt for non-damaging strips or hooks and if you have to make holes in your wall, make them as small as possible to minimise any costs accrued,” explains Chris.
3. Funk up your floors
Completely changing the flooring in your rented property is a costly job that may go against the terms of your tenancy agreement, but a good way of changing up the flooring is by adding a statement rug to your space.
This will transform your room, and as many rented properties have wooden flooring, it helps to make it feel more cosy and homely too.
4. Revamp existing furniture
You don’t always have to buy new furniture to help make a rented property feel like home. If your flat is furnished, there are many non-permanent changes you can make to update the furniture to your style.
Try adding throws and scatter cushions to existing sofas, add new lampshades and update curtains to transform the space and add your personal touch to the property.
“Usually, you can’t remove furniture, as you have taken the property knowing it’s fully furnished. In this case, the best thing to do would be to securely store the landlord’s items until you vacate the property and then put the items back in their original place,” says Helen.
5. Update the outdoor space
If your rented property comes with a garden or balcony, there are many things you can do to update it.
An outdoor seating area means you’ll be able to enjoy the outdoor space while adding plant pots will make the space bright and colourful. Fairy lights are a popular addition to balconies and will help make your space feel cosy and homely.
6. Wow with glass splashbacks
You can add a lot of character to your kitchen without splashing money with just one secret ingredient — a glass backsplash. It will bring a spark of creativity to your rented kitchen, making it look both luxurious and functional.
These chic alternatives to tile or paint are heat resistant, easy to install and clean and look great behind your stove, sink or hob.
Nima Ghasri, Director at GoodMove says, “Renting property is an increasingly popular way of living for many Brits, who may not want the commitment of buying a property or could even be struggling to get on the property ladder. But instead of moving into a rented property and living in the space, there are many changes you can make to really make the property feel like your space. After all, a rented property is your home and it’s important to have a space to come home to at the end of a busy day that feels like yours.”
