Landlords: Should You Let Tenants Decorate? 5 Things To Consider
Should you let tenants decorate?
That is the question for many landlords, as long-term tenants often start to question whether they are allowed to turn their rental property in Brixton 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 Your Home Managed, we find that allowing your tenants to decorate can have its benefits.
Marketability
The number of people renting in Brixton 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.
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 rental 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, enjoy living there, and want to look after it as best they can. Ultimately, this will also help you when it comes to the maintenance of your rental property.
How to Safely Let Tenants Decorate Rental Properties
Set Boundaries
Stipulate very clearly in the tenancy agreements what you will and won’t allow. For example, you’re happy for them to paint, but they can’t rip down any walls. Or they can put up shelves and units if they fill in the holes at the end of their tenancy.
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.
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.
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?
Your Home Managed are your local property experts in the Brixton area.
If you would like more advice on how to manage your property, please give our friendly team a call today on 0208 125 7780 or send us an email at info@yourhomemanaged.com to learn more about what tenants in Brixton want from you.
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.
For no-obligation advice on property management in Brixton, please contact our expert property team at Your Home Managed on 0208 125 7780 or email info@yourhomemanaged.com.
