More and more Brits have turned to rented homes in the past decade or so. The Office for National Statistics states that the number of households in the private rented sector increased by 63%between 2007 and 2017 — and the letting trend shows no signs of letting up.
With a higher number of us residing in accommodation we don’t own; it might seem like renovations are out of reach —but there are ways you can make your rented home your own.
You’ll need to get your landlord’s permission for any significant alterations, so if you’re only renting in the short-term it might not be worth the effort. However, if you are planning on sticking around for a while, here are four steps you can take to increase your chances of refreshing your rented home:
Get specific
The change(s) you want to make could be as simple as adding a lick of paint or as complex as fitting a new kitchen. What’s important is that you’re specific to your landlord about what you want to achieve. Vague requests such as ‘I need more storage’ are less useful than ‘I’d like to put up a cabinet in the bathroom’.
If your problem is only a vague one at this stage, take some time to carefully consider your options and weigh up what will work best for you, before you mention it to your landlord. Doing so will improve your chances of getting exactly what you want, and will help you with the next step, too.
With your ideal improvement in mind, it’s time to get a quote. If you’re planning on making the change yourself, you’ll need to create a shopping list of materials and get your landlord’s approval before you buy them, rather than simply sending them the bill afterwards.
If the changes are beyond your skillset, you’ll need to factor in getting quotes from professionals, which could require some handy budget management from your side. It’s a good idea to shop around and find a range so that your landlord can choose the contractor they prefer, rather than the one they’re stuck with.
Prepare your pitch
Landlords are more likely to approve a change to their property if it adds value in the long-term. If your proposed change is significant — such as adding energy efficient doors and windows – do your research and see how it could improve their prospects as well as your own.
Even small changes such as adding a garden shed can add appeal, so see what you can put together that could swing their decision in your favour.
Ask for a meeting
Even if your relationship with your landlord is a healthy one, face–to–face communication always helps. Meeting at the property gives you a chance to demonstrate your current issue (if there is one), run through your proposal and negotiate how it will all work.
If you can’t pin them down to an answer at the time, make sure you get their permission in writing before you go ahead.
Are you getting tired of your surroundings? By following these four steps, you could secure the revamp your rented home needs.
