Can you decorate rented houses?

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Editorial Team
Published:
August 30, 2023
Last updated:
April 23, 2024
A living room with a fireplace and chairs.
Guidance
Tip & Tricks

Renting is on the rise and it's the reality of modern living. Both the cost of living and property prices are steadily rising. Saving money for a down payment on even a modest starter house feels like a long-term endeavour for most individuals.

A group of cups on a fireplace.

Introduction

Renting is on the rise and it's the reality of modern living. Both the cost of living and property prices are steadily rising. Saving money for a down payment on even a modest starter house feels like a long-term endeavour for most individuals.

However, living in a rental property isn't always the best option, especially when the furnishings might be excruciatingly boring. Many rental homes have beige carpet and cream walls, giving the impression of a magnolia symphony. For those who wish to liven up and add some flair to their leased property, this might be discouraging.

Fortunately, there are several actions you can take to firmly establish your uniqueness on a space you don't quite own.

A couch with pillows and a lamp on the wall.

Can you decorate a rented house?

Your landlord is the only one who can respond to this query because it is contingent upon how accommodating they are with the decorating.

They are not required by law to let you to make improvements to the rented home, and some tenancy agreements will expressly prohibit it. Adding a pop of colour to your landlord's monochromatic apartment can make you feel as like you are doing them a favour, but that isn't always the true.

Magnolia is unprejudiced as it appeals to most people and/or at the very least does not upset them. Future tenants may be deterred by any garish colour choices or décor.

Ask your landlord if they think it's a good thing that you're remodelling since it spares them from having to do it themselves. You may certainly recommend a short-term modification if they initially appear hesitant. Offer to paint the house a neutral colour before you leave and offer to reward your landlord with a freshly painted, vacant property after you vacate.

If your landlord agrees, be careful to obtain their written consent. If you don't, your money can be at risk if they subsequently decide otherwise; they might even claim that you violated the terms of the contract.

Decorating is not always limited to just painting the walls a different colour. Don't jump into making significant changes right once. You could want to add fitted furniture, storage, new drapes, or even new interior doors. Any changes to the property that would have a long-term effect, such as screws in the plasterwork would still require your landlord's permission. Consider your options carefully because it might be expensive. Will you be residing in the house long enough to get the full rewards of your investments?

If you do determine that a customised house will be rewarding enough, continue reading for some straightforward suggestions on how to inexpensively design rental properties.

A coffee table with plants on it.

How to decorate a rented house or flat

It's not necessary to make significant or long-lasting improvements in order to decorate a rental home. A plain rental room may nonetheless be transformed into a warm, joyful home by subtly adding colours, textures, and even light.

Here are some rental home decorating tips to help you make your rental a place you're happy to call home:

  • Add carpets to the flooring
  • Install temporary louvers
  • Put some pictures on the walls

Conclusion:

Despite not having many liberties to customize the rental property as a tenant, it is still possible to lighten up your rooms, with many subtle and harmless accommodations to make the living space feel personalized. Granted many of these modifications require the discretion of the landlord, it doesn’t to propose an idea to change away from the standard options.

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