Thinking of Decorating Your Rental? Read This First

For many tenants, making a rental feel like home means adding a personal touch – a splash of colour here, a few shelves there. As letting agents, we completely understand the desire to personalise your living space. But before you pick up the paintbrush, it’s essential to understand the rules, responsibilities, and best practices when decorating a rental property. Here’s what every tenant should know before decorating a rented property, whether you rent through Silver Oak Property, a private landlord, or any other agency.

1. Always Get Written Permission First

No matter how minor the change may seem, decorating without the landlord’s consent can be a breach of your occupation contract. Always request written permission first, explaining:

• What area you want to decorate

• Which colours you intend to use

• Whether you’ll be restoring it to the original condition at the end of the tenancy

This protects both you and the landlord, and helps avoid any deposit disputes later on.

2. Stick to Approved Neutral Colours

Most landlords will allow decorating in neutral colours such as white, magnolia, or very light grey. These tones typically don’t need to be repainted at the end of the tenancy, although this isn’t always guaranteed.

However, if you want to use darker, bolder, or more personalised colours, you’ll usually be required to repaint the walls back to white or magnolia before moving out – unless otherwise agreed in writing.

3. The Finish Matters

All decorating must be completed to a professional standard. That means:

• Even coats with no visible brush marks

• No paint on skirting boards, ceilings, sockets, or other fittings

• Clean edges and no drips or splashes

If the quality is poor, the landlord may request remedial work – potentially at your expense.

4. Stick with White Ceilings – It’s Just Easier

While you might be tempted to go bold with your ceiling colour, it’s usually best to leave ceilings white. Not only is it the most neutral option, but it also saves time (and cost) when it comes to moving out. Repainting a ceiling can be tricky, and keeping it white avoids any extra hassle or potential charges.

Unless the landlord has specifically agreed otherwise, we always recommend keeping ceilings as they are.

5. Take Before and After Photos

It’s in your best interest to photograph the area before and after any decorating work. Keep these on file along with the landlord’s written consent. This creates a clear record of what was done and helps avoid misunderstandings at the end of your tenancy.

Final Thoughts

Decorating a rental is allowed in many cases, but it’s not automatic. To keep things simple and avoid issues:

• Always ask for permission in writing

• Use landlord-approved colours

• Decorate neatly and to a good standard

• Document your work
  

If in doubt, speak to your letting agent. At Silver Oak Property, we encourage tenants to care for their homes – but always within the boundaries of their agreement.