Sometimes, tenants choose to decorate rented flats.
As long as landlords give permission, it’s fine.
After all, it can be a win-win for both parties: tenants feel more at home, and landlords are saved work.
However, there are pitfalls and best practices to consider.
Read on to learn more.
Can I make permanent changes to a rented flat?
No, you can’t permanently change a rented flat without written permission.
The property belongs to your landlord. You can only make permanent changes if they explicitly approve of it.
In most cases, they’ll want:
- Details of what you plan to do
- How much it’ll cost
- Who the installer will be.
Your rental agreement will often address this subject. You should also speak to your landlord to be sure.
Any permanent changes you make without permission usually result in your landlord demanding that they be reversed.
Composition for rental property damage will usually be taken from your rental deposit. These matters can sometimes end up in court.
Decorations you can add to a rented flat without needing permission
You should remember that there’s no ‘one size fits all’ answer to this question.
There are many different types of flat, after all. So, decorating a small, for example, is different to decorating a large one.
That said, small decorations are usually allowed without checking with the landlord.
These are items that are easily removable. And they don’t affect the permanent appearance of the flat.
Floor lamps
Lamps that are fixed to the ceiling or wall may need permission first.
But if it’s a floor lamp that isn’t fixed to anything, then you can usually add it without permission. This is a great way to brighten up your flat.
Rugs
Soft furnishings like rugs are a great way to decorate a rented flat. They are easy to remove but also add colour and warmth.
Unlike carpets, they are easy to remove and don’t dramatically alter flats’ appearance.
Plants
You can place plants on your windowsill to add a bit of life to your flat.
Place these in a flowerpot that doesn’t damage the walls or windowsill.
There also shouldn’t be a permanent smell or health problem because of your chosen plant.
Temporary wall art
Art is allowed in your rented flat, as long it’s temporary.
This means you attach it using removable hooks, which don’t damage the property.
Some landlords may have rules about the type of art you display, although this is rare.
It’s only likely to draw complaints if it is offensive and visible to neighbours or viewers.
Candles
Candles are a harmless way to decorate your rented flat.
Don’t knock these over – they may damage the walls or floors.
Many people place these by the bathtub, or in your bedroom. It can create a lovely ambience.
Bookcase
Not everyone considers a bookcase a decorative item.
But the truth is, it can add real beauty to your flat, if you furnish it with colourful books.
A bookcase should be fine if this isn’t permanently attached to the wall and sits on the floor.
Make sure it doesn’t cause marks on the floor, either.
Do decorations in my rented flat belong to the landlord?
When you first move into the rented flat, any decorations already there when you arrive usually belong to the landlord.
This means you’ll need to give them back when you move out. Your rental agreement should confirm this.
Any decorations you add yourself typically belong to you. This means you can take them with you when you move out.
The only exception is the permanent decorations you add, which are fixed to the property’s structure.
These may belong to the landlord, especially if you don’t get permission. Make sure to double-check.
Can my landlord use photos featuring my decorations when advertising the flat?
Yes, unless it violates your privacy, or you haven’t consented.
Generally, landlords advertise a rented flat when tenants still live there.
They don’t ask you to move out. So, the photos feature all your belongings, with personal photos hidden.
This means that your decorations are likely to appear.
You should write this to your landlord if you don’t want them to. However, the rental agreement may have already covered this subject.
