Below, experts at regulated property buyers, GoodMove have revealed the top five ways to renovate a rented property to make the space feel like yours while advising on top tips to remember when moving into a rental.
Painting
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.
Make a statement with the floor
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 or even Lino. This will totally transform your room, and as many rented properties have wooden flooring, it helps to make it feel more cosy and homely too.
Add 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 really 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.
Make non-permanent changes to 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 really transform the space and add your own personal touch to the property.
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.
And if you’re moving into a rented property or looking to make changes, remember these four important top tips:
1. Do an inventory
It’s super important to do a detailed check of the property’s inventory as soon as you move into a new property. An inventory documents all the possessions the property comes with, including furniture and appliances, and records their condition too. Make sure you fully check everything is in the property that’s on the inventory before you sign it. Fail to do so, and you may find it harder to get your deposit back when you move out.
2. Take photos
One of the best things you can do when you move into a rented property is take photos of the state of the property, including the state of the furniture, windows and flooring. Taking photos means that you are covered if your landlord tries to take money from your deposit when you move out, so is one of the best things you can do.
3. Get permission before making any adjustments
Before making any adjustments on your rented property, make sure you have permission from your landlord first. Most landlords will let you make small changes to the property, but you could end up spending money on renovations and losing your deposit for making them later on. Always check the terms of your tenancy agreement before making permanent changes and ask for your landlord’s permission in writing before carrying them out.
4. Flag any signs of damage with your landlord
If you do cause any damages to the property once you’ve moved in, flag with your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible. The majority of repairs are your landlord’s responsibility, and they will want to fix them as soon as they can.
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 really feels like yours. We hope these tips will help renters do just that.”
