As buying continues to be out of reach for many people across the UK, renters are turning to DIY and home improvements to turn a rental property into a long-term home. 

Home and Garden on Female First

Home and Garden on Female First

Nearly a quarter of UK renters have approached their landlord or management company about making changes to their property, and nearly one in ten renters have paid for the changes themselves according to Gumtree.com.

Showing that designing the ideal home, choosing what colour to paint the walls, and embarking on renovations is no longer the reserve of just home owners, some of the most common changes made to rental properties are:

1.       Redecorating to their tastes

2.       Changing the garden

3.       Structurally changing the property

In a more low-cost bid to put their personal stamp on their home, 64 per cent of renters have bought their own furniture for a rented property, and 68 per cent have hung pictures to help make the home their own.

Kevin Mathew, Head of Housing at Gumtree.com added:  “The recession has hit the economy - and would-be buyers - hard. With the cost of buying a new house still out of reach for many people, it’s no wonder that people are looking to spruce up their homes by putting their personal mark on a place.

“With more than 190,000 properties currently listed, Gumtree is the perfect place to start when it comes to finding a great home – be it a temporary pad or something for the long-term.”

Kevin Mathew’s tips for agreeing changes to your property

  • Be transparent from the start. This is the key to a good landlord/tenant relationship. Speak to your landlord or management consultancy about any changes you’d like to make, however small, as early as possible.
  • If your landlord allows you to make changes, agree these before the tenancy agreement is signed if possible. Once you have confirmed what is possible, make sure this in the tenancy agreement – or get it in writing elsewhere. This way you have peace of mind that your landlord or management agency will stay true to their word.
  • Be realistic about changes. The chances are most landlords will be happier for you to paint the odd wall and put up a few pictures as opposed to laying new flooring or knocking a wall down!
  • Be willing to pay towards the charges – but don’t be taken advantage of. It can often be a sticking point as to whether the tenant or landlord should pay for changes. While the landlord isn’t under any obligation to make changes that aren’t legally required, ideally they should be willing to contribute a little towards positive property changes that could add value to their property. 

Taryn Davies

by for www.femalefirst.co.uk
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