here’s nothing quite like adding your own personal touches to make a house feel like home. Whether it’s hanging your favourite pictures, adding a splash of colour to the walls or putting up some shelves, it’s natural to want to personalise the space you live in.
But if you’re renting your home, what changes can you actually make — and when do you need to ask your landlord for permission?
At Your Home Let, we’re often asked what tenants can and can’t do when it comes to decorating, so here’s our simple guide.
Can I decorate a rented property?
In England, there isn’t a blanket rule giving tenants the automatic right to redecorate their rental property.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduced significant changes to the private rented sector, but it did not create a general right for tenants to decorate their homes without permission.
This means your first port of call should always be your tenancy agreement, which may contain specific conditions relating to decorating or making alterations to the property.
Depending on your agreement, this could include restrictions on:
- Painting or wallpapering walls
- Drilling holes
- Putting up shelves or wall-mounted televisions
- Using nails, screws or other wall fixings
- Making permanent alterations to the property
Even something that seems relatively minor could potentially cause damage, so if you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask before making any changes.
Always ask before making changes
If you would like to redecorate or make a change to your rental property, speak to your landlord or managing agent first.
Many landlords are perfectly happy for tenants to personalise their homes, particularly when they are planning to stay in the property long term. In some cases, a landlord may simply ask that any changes are agreed in advance or that the property is returned to its original condition at the end of the tenancy.
The key is communication.
Getting written permission before starting any work means everyone knows exactly what has been agreed and can help avoid misunderstandings when the tenancy eventually comes to an end.
What about hanging pictures?
Even hanging pictures can sometimes be covered by the terms of your tenancy agreement.
Nails, screws, adhesive strips and products such as Blu Tack can all potentially leave marks or damage walls and paintwork. Before creating that perfect gallery wall, check your tenancy agreement or contact your managing agent.
A quick question now could save an issue later!
Could decorating affect my deposit?
Potentially, yes.
Unauthorised decorating, alterations or damage caused while making changes to a property could result in deductions being proposed from your tenancy deposit at the end of your tenancy.
This is another reason why we recommend getting permission in writing before making any significant changes.
If your landlord agrees to you painting a room, for example, make sure you understand whether they are happy for the new colour to remain or whether they expect you to return it to the original colour before you move out.
Having a clear written record protects both tenants and landlords.
A little communication goes a long way
We understand that your rental property is your home, and it’s completely natural to want to make it feel like your own.
Our advice is simple: check your tenancy agreement and ask before you decorate.
For the properties we manage, tenants can contact the Your Home Let team with any decorating or personalisation requests. We can discuss the proposed changes with the landlord on your behalf and make sure everyone is clear about what has been agreed.
It’s always better to ask first than risk an unexpected issue when it’s time to move out.
Thinking of making a change to your rental home?
If you’re one of our tenants and you’re unsure whether you can decorate, hang pictures or make alterations to your property, simply get in touch with our friendly team.
At Your Home Let, we’re here to make renting as straightforward as possible for both our tenants and landlords.
Your Home Let
Award-Winning Letting Agency & Property Management
Covering Ivybridge, Plymouth & South Devon
