One in Five Tenants Would Pay More Rent if Allowed to Decorate

Landlords are at risk of missing out on more than £850 in rental income a year by not letting their tenants decorate their homes.

New research has found that one in five renters (20 per cent) would pay extra, an average of £72 per month, if they were able to decorate to their own taste and standards. 

The study conducted by British wallpaper brand Graham & Brown for International Wallpaper Week (1^st - 7^th October) found that one in five (19 per cent) renters currently aren’t allowed to decorate at all – with strict bans on home improvements within their rental agreements. 

This comes as the research reveals that over a fifth (22 per cent) admitted that not being able to decorate is the hardest landlord rule they have to live with.

In showing a strong desire for decoration, the poll of 1,000 renters also found that more than four in 10 (43 per cent) would stay in a property for longer if they could make their own mark on it.

Meanwhile, 44 per cent admitted that being able to redecorate would mean they would take extra care of the property, and almost a third (30 per cent) would invest money from their own pockets into making sure it looked its best – even though it would only be temporary.  

In terms of what they’d like to be decorate, the vast majority (85 per cent) of renters in the UK would consider wallpapering their homes if their landlords would allow it and the most popular trend for decorating amongst renters is feature walls.

Alan Kemp, Head of Brand Marketing at Graham & Brown, said “The UK’s rental generation is increasing fast, with young professionals, new families, and over 50s amongst the largest groups opting to rent rather than buy. We have found that landlords discourage decoration, leaving Generation Rent lagging behind in the home style stakes. It shouldn’t just be homeowners who are able to put their own stamp on their home – especially as there are so many easy ways to do this which aren’t permanent, including strippable wallpaper, rugs and statement artwork.” 

Graham & Brown’s research also found that not decorating at all has proven to be costly to landlords, as nearly four in ten (38 per cent) have been put off renting a property – and avoided it entirely – because of its poor, or lack of, décor. A quarter of renters (24 per cent) have been put off by plain walls and too much magnolia and almost a third (32 per cent) by coloured bathroom suites.

Meanwhile, almost eight in ten (78%) landlords polled say they wouldn’t let their tenants decorate their properties with paint or wallpaper. Not having the time to organise it, or not believing the style would suit all renters were among the top reasons why they openly discourage home improvements.

Despite this, there is some appetite for change. When it comes to what landlords are comfortable with in the future, a third (32 per cent) would consider decoration if tenants paid for it, the same amount (32 per cent) would if professionals were hired to complete the work, and 31 per cent if they were able to choose the décor themselves.

Sarah Burgess, Lettings Manager at estate agent, KFH, said:“The value of a well-presented and decorated property is underappreciated. In the current market, landlords have to do more than simply make a property liveable. The cold reality is that purchasing in London is not accessible for everyone, so people are renting for longer and are more inclined to want to live in a property that feels like a home rather than student digs.

“There’s no question a property presented to its highest standard will command a higher rent, but that doesn’t mean landlords can simply slap on some emulsion and pump-up the asking price. The rental market in London is price sensitive and properties still need to be priced competitively. That said, a well decorated property at a competitive price will secure tenants much quicker than one that’s scruffy or in need of maintenance. This will cut down the void periods that landlords have to endure when properties are vacant, and tenants are likely to remain in the property for longer. A win-win for landlords.”

Graham & Brown’s Superfresco Easy wallpaper range has been specifically designed to help people make the most out of small rental spaces, and its non-woven technology means it’s easier than ever to hang and remove.

Top reasons why landlords don’t allow tenants to decorate their properties: 

Visit www.wallpaperweek.com for more information.

Source : Insight DIY Team and Graham & Brown

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