Four out of ten tenants would be happy to pay more rent if their landlord allowed them to decorate, a new survey has found.
As it becomes increasingly difficult to get on the property ladder, tenants are living in rented accommodation for longer periods, so it will come as no surprise that many are looking to personalise their property.
According to insurance provider Endsleigh, 43% of renters would be prepared to pay an additional £150 a year to make home improvements.
The survey, which interviewed 1,000 tenants, found that only three out of 10 (29%) had the freedom to decorate their property as they wish.
It also revealed that one in five tenants would be “likely” or “very likely” to avoid inviting relatives round their home if they were embarrassed about the décor.
Even though it might be against the tenancy agreement, tenants should definitely ask their landlord if they are looking to add a new lick of paint.
The survey found that of the three out of ten tenants that asked permission to redecorate, a surprising three out of four landlords were more than happy to let them do so.
David Hadden, manager of landlords and lettings at Endsleigh, said: “With it being so difficult to get on to the property ladder, people are now renting for longer, so naturally they are going to want to decorate the property they are living in long term.
“Landlords who allow tenants to personalise their property could be favoured over those who don’t and may be able to command a higher rental price. If tenants feel at home in their property they may also have longer tenancies.”
Here are the top five things tenants want to do to their property, but aren’t allowed to:
1. Paint the walls with colours (19%)
2. Hang pictures or mirrors with screws (17%)
3. Hang wallpaper (10%)
4. Blue-tack pictures to the wall (9%)
5. Hang a TV on the wall (9%)
