Should you let tenants decorate?
That is the question for many landlords, as long-term tenants often start to question whether or not they are allowed to turn their rental property in Tower Hamlets into a style that suits them.
Since the number of people renting long-term is growing, more tenants are finding themselves wanting to ditch the plain décor and make a rental feel more like home. However, letting your tenants decorate a rental property is a relatively new concept for many landlords.
As a landlord, knowing how to respond to the decorating trend is tricky. There are downsides to letting your tenants decorate, but there are many benefits, too.
If you are considering whether you should let your tenants decorate, here is our advice on what the benefits are and how you can safely allow decorating.
Benefits of Letting Your Tenants Decorate Their Rented Property
Letting your tenants decorate shouldn’t always be met with a feeling of fear and dread. At City Realtor, we find that allowing your tenants to decorate can have its benefits.
1. Marketability
The number of people renting long-term is growing, so more and more tenants are looking for somewhere they can make a home. Depending on who your target market is, allowing your tenants to decorate a rental can easily make it more attractive to long-term renters. And long-term renters are the goal of many landlords.
2. Return on Investment
Decorating costs money. Even if your tenants are only buying a tin of paint or a few rolls of wallpaper, that can still be a few hundred pounds they’re spending on your property. Not only can this mean your property stays looking fresh, but you could even see a better return on investment for it.
Plus, if your tenants want to spend money on your property, it’s a good sign. It means they take pride in living in your rental and want to look after it as best they can.
Read our maintenance tips for landlords here
How to Safely Let Tenants Decorate Rental Properties
3. Set Boundaries
Stipulate very clearly in the tenancy agreement what you will and won’t allow. For example, you’re happy for them to paint, but they can’t remove any walls! Or they can put up shelves, TV brackets, and units as long as they fill in the holes afterwards.
Setting boundaries around letting your tenants decorate means you can retain a level of control over what happens with the property. This puts you in a better position if you need to re-market it in the future.
4. Discuss Plans Before New Tenants Move In
If you have a new tenant moving into your property, it doesn’t do any harm to ask them if they have plans to decorate.
Getting a feel for their style and what your tenant wants to do to the property can help reassure you that you’re not going to end up with a bad paint job or something you’d consider distasteful. It can also help you make up your mind about whether you want to let them decorate or not.
5. Take Pictures
Taking pictures of the property and undertaking an inventory before a new tenant moves in is an essential part of the onboarding process – whether you plan on letting tenants decorate or not.
If you’re allowing tenants to decorate, taking pictures is especially important. Not only will you have a record of how the property used to look (in case you want to change it back to how it was afterwards), but you can also check during inspections that the tenants haven’t renovated outside of the boundaries you set.
Need More Landlord Advice?
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As property management experts in Tower Hamlets, we’re on hand to make your life as a landlord easier and more profitable!
If you’re a landlord thinking about working with a letting agent to help manage your property, our friendly team at City Realtor would love to hear from you.
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In the meantime, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions on this topic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laying Ground Rules for Tenants Painting Rented Property
Can tenants freely paint their rented property without any restrictions?
No, tenants must adhere to the guidelines specified in the tenancy agreement. If tenants paint, restrictions may apply, ensuring the property is maintained appropriately.
Are tenants allowed to hang pictures or shelves in a property they rent?
Landlords typically set guidelines in the tenancy agreement. While some may permit hanging pictures or shelves, it’s essential to check and seek approval to avoid potential issues.
Do many rental properties in the private rental sector allow tenants to decorate?
The flexibility varies among landlords, but an increasing number in the private rental sector recognize the benefits of allowing tenants to decorate within predefined boundaries.
How does setting boundaries on tenants’ decorating activities benefit future tenants?
Clearly defined boundaries in the tenancy agreement help maintain property standards, ensuring a well-preserved space for future tenants. It also facilitates smoother transitions between tenancies and protects the tenants’ deposit.
