Making your rental house feel like home (Responsibly)

There's nothing quite like that feeling of stepping into a space and instantly envisioning it as your own. Whether you've just moved into a charming terraced house or settled into a modern apartment, the desire to personalise your surroundings and truly make it feel like home is natural and exciting. Moving into a new home is about creating a haven where you can relax, express your style, and build happy memories.

The good news is that transforming your rental into a space you adore is absolutely achievable! With a little creativity and, crucially, open communication, you can inject your personality and make your rental a place you genuinely love coming back to.

First and foremost, it's vital to remember that while it's your home during your tenancy, the property itself belongs to your landlord. They have entrusted you with their investment, and respecting that is the cornerstone of a positive landlord-tenant relationship.

This brings us to the golden rule of rental renovation: Always get your landlord's permission before undertaking any alterations, no matter how small they may seem.

While you might be brimming with ideas for painting a feature wall, installing shelves, or even changing light fixtures, proceeding without consent can lead to breaches of tenancy, potential disputes, and even penalties down the line.

Building trust: Approaching your agent with your ideas demonstrates respect for the property and their decisions. This fosters a more trusting and collaborative relationship.
Understanding limitations: Your landlord might have valid reasons for not allowing certain modifications. Understanding their perspective upfront saves you time, effort, and potential disappointment.
Finding mutually beneficial solutions: Often, landlords are receptive to reasonable requests that enhance the property's appeal or your quality of life. They might even have suggestions or preferred methods for certain improvements.
Avoiding future issues: Getting approval in writing protects you when your tenancy ends. You'll have clear documentation of what was agreed upon, preventing disputes about the condition of the property.

The desire to customise your rental comes from a positive place – wanting to create a comfortable and enjoyable living environment. Landlords often appreciate tenants who take pride in their rented home and want to make it a pleasant space to live in.

Another important consideration to note would be to check your contents insurance policy for the amount of cover included for 'Tenant improvements'. This helps protect you

When approaching your agent with your ideas, frame them in a positive light. Explain how the changes you envision will:

Enhance the aesthetics and feel of the property.
Potentially add value or appeal (even if it's just in terms of a well-cared-for space).
Improve your quality of life and make you a happier, longer-term tenant.

Sometimes, landlords will approve customisation under the condition that the property is restored to its original condition when you come to leave the property. This is important to keep in mind when planning any alterations. For example, if you asked to paint a feature wall a vibrant, strong colour. Whilst it may be easy to paint over eggshell white, painting over strong colours is notoriously tricky.

Customisation ideas that often get the green light:

Non-permanent wall decor: Things like damage-free adhesive hooks for artwork, picture ledges that require minimal drilling (and can be easily filled), and removable wallpaper for a pop of personality.
Window treatments: Replacing basic blinds with your own curtains or adding decorative layers can dramatically change the feel of a room.
Freestanding furniture and rugs: These are your best friends for defining spaces and adding your personal style without altering the property itself.
Strategic lighting: Introduce lamps or fairy lights to create ambience and highlight specific areas without altering light fixtures.
Plants and greenery: Bringing the outdoors in with houseplants to add life, vibrancy and colour.

Making your rental truly feel like home is the next most exciting step after securing your new home. By prioritising open communication with your agent and focusing on customisation ideas that are respectful of their property, you can create a space that reflects your personality and enhances your enjoyment of your time in your rented home. So, dream big, plan thoughtfully, and always remember to ask.

If you have any questions about altering your rental property, connect with our team via the Live Chat on our website!

Posted By

Sophie Ombler