Decorating a rental house or flat: top tips for landlords

Topics

Key Takeaways

  • Stick with neutral paint colours (white or light grey) so tenants can personalise with cushions, rugs, etc.
  • Use good lighting, especially in kitchens and living areas, to brighten darker properties.
  • Upgrading kitchen cupboard doors or surfaces can refresh the space without full replacement.
  • In bathrooms, install a shower over the bath and use an electric shower to avoid issues if the boiler fails.
  • Use darker neutral carpets or laminate flooring in high-use areas like halls/baths; avoid over-decorating with lavish fittings that don’t influence rent significantly.

 

Decorating a rental property can be quite different from decorating your own home. When decorating a rental you’re trying to create something that suits everyone and anyone, whilst being hardwearing and durable enough to be cost-effective. Nicky Lloyd, Head of ESPC Lettings, offers her top tips on how to decorate a rental house or flat to provide you with some ideas and inspiration.

Living room

Stick with neutral paint colours

Choose white or the popular alternative of light grey throughout your rental property. Neutral paint colours allow tenants to easily personalise their space with colourful touches like cushions, rugs, and wall décor, helping the property feel more like home while remaining appealing to a wide range of renters.

Install good lighting and make the property feel brighter

If your property feels dark, installing high-quality lighting can significantly improve its appeal. Bright and airy rental homes tend to let faster. Pay particular attention to kitchen lighting and living room lighting, as these areas strongly influence tenant decision-making.

Affordable kitchen upgrade ideas for rental properties

Before replacing a dated kitchen entirely, consider budget-friendly kitchen upgrades such as replacing cupboard doors and work surfaces. These affordable improvements can modernise the kitchen and make it more attractive to prospective tenants without a full renovation.

Bathroom tips to reduce maintenance costs

Install a shower over the bath rather than a shower tray, as shower trays are more prone to leaks and can lead to expensive repairs. Consider fitting an electric shower, ensuring tenants can still access hot water even if the boiler fails - a practical feature that increases tenant satisfaction.

Flooring ideas for durable rental properties

If choosing carpets, opt for darker neutral carpet colours to better hide stains and wear. For kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways, laminate flooring is a practical option — it’s easy to clean, long-lasting, and cost-effective when using high-quality laminate.

And remember...

Avoid excessive spending on décor. A rental property should be clean, neutral, and presentable, but lavish fixtures and fittings rarely increase rental income significantly. Focus on durability, affordability, and tenant appeal to maximise your return on investment.

Get in touch

For more information on how ESPC Lettings can help you, please contact us.