Making improvements to your rented home
Improvements can be big or small. Examples include:
new curtains or furniture
painting and decorating
replacement windows
a new kitchen or bathroom
building a conservatory
Your landlord is responsible for most repairs in your home.
But they do not usually have to make improvements unless they are needed.
Your landlord might need to make improvements if the council tells them to, or if you ask for certain disability adaptions.
Find out about landlord responsibilities for improvements or disability adaptions.
Get permission before making improvements
Do not make improvements without you landlord's permission or you:
could be charged money to change things back
might not get your deposit back
may be at risk of eviction
For example, in a private tenancy you often need the landlord's permission if you want to paint the walls. You might have to repaint them back to the original colour before you move out.
Always get any agreement in writing before you go ahead with the work.
Private tenants
Think about how long you're likely to live there. Improvements might not be worth it if you will not benefit from them in the longer term.
Most private renters have an assured shorthold tenancy which can often be ended quite easily using the section 21 eviction process.
Your landlord may also decide to increase the rent if the property has been improved.
How to negotiate
Speak to your landlord directly about the work you want to do.
An agent cannot usually agree to improvements without speaking to the landlord.
If you pay rent on time and look after your home, point this out when you speak to them.
Some landlords will agree to the changes you want to make if you agree to put things back the way they were when you leave.
If you have a good relationship with your landlord, you could ask for:
a rent reduction for a set time period
a longer fixed term tenancy agreement
some of your costs to be covered by the landlord
Council or housing association tenants
You need your landlord's written permission for major improvements. For example, if you want to:
install a new kitchen
build a conservatory
put in laminate flooring
Always check what your tenancy agreement says about improvements. You may need permission for smaller changes too.
You could also ask if your landlord is planning any major improvement or refurbishment work in the near future.
Decorating
You do not usually need your landlord's permission to decorate your home but you'll probably have to pay for the materials.
Some landlords offer financial or practical help with decorating, especially to older or disabled tenants.
Last updated: 20 September 2023
