Following a ton of home reno and inspo pages on socials?
Feeling they don’t apply to you because you’re not a homeowner?
You’re not alone, says Lizzie Hayman.
I’m a long-standing interiors enthusiast and editorial writer, without a property to call my own. There, I’ve said it. If this resonates with you, read on.
As a family, we have rented more than we have owned.
In the early days, we loved the flexibility of living in homes that we would unlikely ever be able to afford.
This lifestyle gave us an opportunity to explore different locations, offering a diverse range of styles of homes, from renovated barns with masses of land, to modern new builds where everything is sparkly and perfect.
That said, there comes a time when you want to be a “proper” grown-up, so we did manage to get on the property ladder. We extended and fully renovated our potential forever home in West Sussex, involving huge volumes of blood, sweat and tears, not to mention extensive decision making (and inevitably, loads of arguments!!)
Then Covid-19 hit, and things went drastically pear-shaped financially. So we found ourselves at the mercy of the rental world. Again!
We are luckier than most and unluckier than some. Isn’t everyone?
We found an amazing agent, who found us our current home. Our landlord is a dream, and we are in a village we love! Happy days!
Yes, it’s a pain not to be able to make major changes to the property. However, subtle changes can make all the difference to the look and feel of a place.
Every penny you spend can seem like you’re lining somebody else’s pockets. I hear my dad’s words as I write – this was his mantra. Remember, a little spend goes a long way.
Putting your own stamp on a property changes the whole lived experience.
My family home is living proof that a little flair and some beautiful furniture (FB marketplace is great) can turn any space into your happy, cosy space. You can make a rental house a home for the time that it is yours.
How to best navigate the rental game? The good, the bad, and the ugly front door!
Change up the space
If you feel restricted because you can’t do anything drastic structurally, switch up individual room layouts. This is a big one – an easy way to give a space an entirely new look. Big impact, with relatively little
Turning the position of a dining table from horizontal to landscape can make a massive difference, creating much more space.
Don’t be afraid to ask for change
Speak to your landlord and ask for permission to update. If finances allow, and you absolutely can’t live with the bathroom flooring or the knackered kitchen taps, see if the landlord is amenable to change. It’s a win-win. Small, affordable tweaks can make tenants appreciate the space more, and the landlord can provide an upgrade they haven’t funded.
Of course, not all wishes can be granted. The front door we hated from the off has remained. The thousands required to replace it couldn’t be justified. Instead, we replaced the exhausted hall carpet. We also added a new kitchen sink and taps. What is the first thing visitors comment on when entering the kitchen? The sink. It’s brightened and lightened up the space no end.
Two bed flat in Herne Hill, furnished by tenant. Images by Oaks Estate Agents.
Small, affordable changes are so effective. Just limit what you spend, at the end of the day, it’s someone else’s house! And again, as annoying as it is, get permission.
Be proud! Or at least fake it!
There is a lot of shame attached to renting, especially at my age, where one would assume to be practically mortgage-free, and looking forward to retirement. The fact is, anyone can find themselves in need of a rental property.
Do I love renting at my age? Not especially, there is always the fear that this year might be the last, and you’re constantly on the lookout for your next potential “home”. The fact is, I’m in this position, so try to embrace the nomadic life that has become my norm. Mostly, I’m proud of the latest home we’ve made our “own” (for now)
Honesty is the best policy
We were in dire straits when we found this place. We were never going to pass the routine checks, and we didn’t have a guarantor or a massive deposit, so I did the only thing I could do. I spilled our life story to the agent, warts and all. Although on paper we were far from the desirable applicants, the honest approach worked.
We had nowhere to hide, so what’s the point in fibbing?
By being up front, you are showing humility and vulnerability, and that can go a long way with landlords.
Rental estate agents are the gatekeepers for landlords. Think doctors’ receptionists! Getting past them is a mission, and as soon as you mention adverse credit or even worse bankruptcy, it’s Goodnight Vienna! The door is shut firmly in your face!
We were lucky, we landed ourselves with an amazingly emphatic estate agent, who agreed to give us a chance and put us forward to his client.
We knew we were trustworthy and could afford the rent, but they didn’t.
Deposit, what deposit?
Finally, be prepared to lose your deposit. I consider myself a respectful tenant; we have always had professional end-of-tenancy cleaners, and yet we have never had a deposit refunded. Why? Again, those pesky gatekeepers! They employ inventory people who could almost always pass as prison officers. They go through the entire property with a fine-tooth comb, and believe me, when I say they will find something. So my advice would be, don’t overthink it, that money is gone from the get-go.
Listen, if I’m wrong and you get it back – Bonus!
Be insured
When we lost our home, the main thing that kept me awake at night was that our children had lost their home and any potential inheritance. I have navigated this in some part by taking out life insurance to ensure that they have something when I pop off!
Be great tenants
It’s not rocket science, but as a renter, your reputation is GOLDEN. It goes without saying, but pay your rent on time, keep up with all the utilities, and maintain the property to a decent standard. Be the tenant you would like to see.
Keep in regular contact with your agent/landlord. Renting goes both ways. If you have issues within the property, report them promptly so they can be dealt with. A harmonious relationship, in what is essentially a business transaction, is a winning combination; they need us as much as we need them.
BOX OUT
Take-away options… Small, affordable updates can make a world of difference, plus you get to take them with you when you leave.
Rugs
Rugs can wake up a tired-looking carpet, cover any existing marks and make the room look bigger and brighter.
Habitat Archive Diagonal Stripe Flatweave 120×170 £75
TV Art Frames
Kill two birds with one stone with the Samsung Frame TV, which turns a regular TV into a piece of art at the click of a button. You can find all sorts of surrounds on line. I found this fabulous gilt frame on Etsy, and it now sits in pride of place on my kitchen wall.
Samsung The (2025) 55″ QLED 4k Art Mode Smart AI TV with slim wall mount Frame TV £999 Currys.
Chandeliers by commission, Roast Designs
Good, functional lighting is crucial in any home, but we are not talking strip lights here. If you are lucky enough to have tall ceilings, a contemporary chandelier will make a dramatic feature, but flush ceiling lights can just be as stunning, and transform the room it’s in.
Chandeliers by commission only at Roast Designs
Curtains or blinds
Rarely do rentals come with curtains or blinds, and if they do, they may not be to your taste. Choosing coordinating fabrics to dress your windows can make a room look finished. Made-to-measure can be more expensive, so if you are looking for a budget-friendly approach, look for ready-made options.
Liberty Stripe Blind from a selection at Blinds2go.
Mirrors make small rooms look bigger
It’s an obvious one, but Mirrors really are the multitaskers of our home, from making small rooms look bigger, dark rooms lighter, not to mention serving the purpose that they are designed for!
Green Art Deco Mirror £160 Oliver Bonas.
A stylish Mirror Frame designed by Valentina Marini. Sold by Creations Atelier.
