Decorating rented house

Telecaster

Telecaster

Telecaster

Soldato
Joined
17 Jun 2012
Posts
5,951
What is the unwritten/written rule of thumb with this? I currently rent a new build flat, so it was obviously extremely neutrally decorated so I haven't bothered with anything. I'm looking at moving and I've seen a decent house in the right location, decent size and what I'm looking for.

Only problem is it looks like an old couple have lived there and is decorated as such, should they be ok with tarting the place up a bit or what is the craic? I've only ever rented my current place so I'm not really sure what is or isn't frowned on or acceptable. Obviously things like the fireplace and gas fire aren't going anywhere, but the carpets and paint whilst look in very good condition all scream 'old people'.

Whilst I'm here, it looks like they were extremely keen gardeners and the garden is immaculate, it all looks very time consuming and probably not something I'd be able to keep on top of to a similar level, what is the deal there?
 
I've never bothered in any of the rentals. Unless it's basically unbearable.

Just speak to the landlord
 
I typically find that if you leave it better than when you arrived the landlords don't tend to have a problem and actually appreciate to upgrades (why wouldn't they). Last rental we were in, we got a virgin media line run into the flat, drilled and installed curtain rails, replaced the gas and electric meters, added an extra lock to the doors etc. etc.

Obviously get permission from the landlord first, but if you're improving a property they don't tend to mind.
 
If you’ve not moved in yet ask if they’ll do it first.

I wouldn’t do it without asking, I’d personally be annoyed if someone painted the my rented property, especially if they did a sub par job.
 
I redid the carpet in a couple of the rooms when I moved into a rented flat. Previous tenant liked lilac! I asked before signing the agreement or as Lakeland mentions - worth asking if they would do consider.

If moving in, ask beforehand, if it improves the property I doubt they would refuse. Just stick to neutral colours. The garden, I would guess if its reasonably tidy (mow the lawns now and again) I cant see the management company having an issue.

When it comes to the inevitable rent increase - you could negotiate further redecoration then?
 
dLockers said:
Don't waste your money.
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On what, decorating? It's only a bit of paint and some carpet/flooring. Given the current state of the rental market it could be a long time waiting for somewhere to come up that is decorated to one's liking.

Do people honestly live in places they don't like the look of just to save a bit of money on paint etc.?
 
Telecaster said:
On what, decorating? It's only a bit of paint and some carpet/flooring. Given the current state of the rental market it could be a long time waiting for somewhere to come up that is decorated to one's liking.

Do people honestly live in places they don't like the look of just to save a bit of money on paint etc.?
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It's not your house, so yes.
 
Telecaster said:
On what, decorating? It's only a bit of paint and some carpet/flooring. Given the current state of the rental market it could be a long time waiting for somewhere to come up that is decorated to one's liking.

Do people honestly live in places they don't like the look of just to save a bit of money on paint etc.?
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I could agree with paint, you could pick up a pot of B&Q own brand for under a tenner.

Carpets are easily going to cost £100+.
 
413x said:
I've never bothered in any of the rentals. Unless it's basically unbearable.

Just speak to the landlord
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Unless you're planning on spending several years in the property, or you've damaged part of the property then don't spend time and money improving it.

Part of the point of renting is being provided with a liveable and appropriate environment.
 
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Telecaster said:
On what, decorating? It's only a bit of paint and some carpet/flooring. Given the current state of the rental market it could be a long time waiting for somewhere to come up that is decorated to one's liking.

Do people honestly live in places they don't like the look of just to save a bit of money on paint etc.?
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Yes.
Nice paint is expensive. I know everyone is different and if you're planning on spending 5 years in there that's anther matter. But h he never stayed in any rental 2 years
 
yes have a chat with the landlord. sure they'll probably be ok with paint.

as for the garden, if it's not your thing see if something could be agreed with the landlord
maybe get a gardener in? once a month or something?
 
psd99 said:
yes have a chat with the landlord. sure they'll probably be ok with paint.

as for the garden, if it's not your thing see if something could be agreed with the landlord
maybe get a gardener in? once a month or something?
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I don't mind keeping a garden tidy, but this has proper manicured mini hedge/bush things that look like they need clipping with a pair of scissors lol.

It strikes me that it isn't a property bought to let out but maybe someone has inherited it from an elderly relative and is just throwing it straight out to rent.
 
Sounds like you need a chat with the landlord. If the house has sentimental value then even more of a reason not to touch anything without permission.
 
Telecaster said:
I don't mind keeping a garden tidy, but this has proper manicured mini hedge/bush things that look like they need clipping with a pair of scissors lol.

It strikes me that it isn't a property bought to let out but maybe someone has inherited it from an elderly relative and is just throwing it straight out to rent.
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I see, yep you will definitely need a gardener that comes in and takes care of it etc but the question is how much and who pays for that :)

sometimes I feel like I need one also. I spend a lifetime in mine and sometimes miss on family life.
 
I am still interested as when I did my typical search this was only one of three properties that came up with my search criteria and it's a pretty slack set of criteria!

I'll give the letting agent a ring and see what the deal is, houses don't tend to hang around long at the minute and this one has been listed for a month so something is holding it back.
 
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