There are a lot of things to think about before signing a contract and moving into a rental property. You have to find the right location for your needs and get the best that your money can pay for. You also need to know that your landlord is reputable, and will get things done when they need doing.
And, of course, there are issues with decorating. Some landlords can get funny about decorating your living space, which can cause tensions. This guide will give you everything you need to know about how to approach decorating and upgrading your home.
Choose wisely.First of all, you should have your home decor in mind before you move into a property. If it’s that important to you, then you should find somewhere that you are happy with first. The chances are that you just aren’t going to be allowed to make permanent changes and you may not even be allowed to paint the walls.
The key issues. Your landlord’s property has probably been designed with their target market in mind. That means that everything will be inoffensive and—dare we say it—boring. Beige walls, beige carpets, and well, beige everything. So, if you have plans for painting your walls black, or your outside walls shocking pink, it’s going to cause problems. Also, moving your fixtures and fittings around isn’t going to make them happy. If you make too much of a mess, you run the risk of losing your deposit.
Speaking to your landlord. First of all, don’t expect too much leeway when you first move in. If you prove to be a good tenant, then you may find your landlord starts to become a little more flexible. However, there is no way they will let you do anything if they suspect you are only going to be there for six months—or less. Prove yourself first, before speaking to the about upgrading or decorating.
Making do with what you have. The key to decorating your rental property is to make use of some non-permanent furniture. So, look at free-standing bookshelves and dresser units to add a splash of personality. Most landlords will allow the hanging of a few pictures—although you should ask them before doing it yourself. If you can’t paint your walls, pictures can be a great way of making things more interesting. You could also consider wall drapes or one of these room dividers to break up any blank wall monotony.
Sensible suggestions. None of this is to say that your landlord won’t allow you to decorate. In fact, if you point out the benefits for them, they might be willing to cut you some slack. Take this wooden flooring over at cpsource.co.za as an example. It’s easy to clean and maintain, and will suffer less damage over the years. If you can underline the value, you might be able to persuade the landlord to allow you to go for it. They may even chip in with some cash.
Photo by Terrah Coon
Mia Guerra
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