We’ve put together five things you can do to add personality to your rental house or flat, without putting your deposit at risk.
Just because you live in a rental property, it doesn't mean you can't give it that personal touch.
But while some landlords are happy for you to redecorate, others will prefer you not to make any permanent changes.
We’ve put together five things you can do to add personality to your rental house or flat, without putting your deposit at risk.
If in doubt about what’s allowed, check your rental agreement, or ask your letting agent or landlord before doing anything that could jeopardise your deposit.
1. Wall art. Paintings and photographs can really make a difference to the ambiance of a room and are a great way to bring your personality into an empty space. Most landlords will allow you to hang pictures, as long as you repair any damage to walls at the end of your tenancy. Use a hanging kit to minimise nail and screw holes – picture hanging adhesive strips will eliminate damage altogether.
2. Removable wallpaper. These days, you don’t need to make permanent changes to switch up your décor. Removable wallpaper will simply peel off at the end of your tenancy, leaving everything just as it was when you moved in!
3. Accessories. A ready furnished house or flat will save you money on buying furniture, but the items supplied by your landlord may not be your taste. Adding your own accessories will make all the difference – cover a boring sofa with colourful cushions and throws, put plain rugs over scratched tiles or worn carpets, and put decorative handles on kitchen cabinets ready to change back again when you leave.
4. House plants. Bringing in greenery will add colour, warmth and vibrancy to a property. Grow herbs in pots along your kitchen windowsill – as an added bonus, you can use them to perk up your cooking.
5. Lighting. If your property is lacking in natural light, bring in lamps to illuminate dark corners and add atmosphere. You could also change supplied lightbulbs for softer or harder light, depending on what works best.
