When you rent a home, it’s easy to feel like you’re just passing through, especially if you’re not allowed to drill into walls, repaint, or make big changes. But even with a few restrictions, you can still turn a rental into a space that feels like yours.
It’s all about working with what you’ve got and adding thoughtful touches that reflect your personality without risking your deposit. Whether you’re renting for a year or planning to stay long term, here are some practical, creative, and landlord-friendly ways to make a rented property feel like home.
1. Start with the Senses
Smell, sound, and lighting can instantly change the mood of a room.
- Use diffusers, essential oils, or fresh flowers to add familiar scents.
- Play your favourite playlists through a Bluetooth speaker to bring a sense of calm or energy, depending on the day.
- Swap harsh overhead lights for soft, warm-tone lamps or string lights (no drilling required!).
Tip: Command hooks and adhesive strips are your best friends when it comes to temporary fixtures.
2. Style with Soft Furnishings
Nothing says “I live here” like a comfy sofa covered in cushions.
Layering soft textures and textiles can make even the plainest room feel warm and inviting. Try:
- Cosy blankets in your favourite colours
- A rug to break up a big space (and hide cold or tired flooring)
- Curtains that soften the light (just hang them over existing rails or use tension rods if needed)
These can all move with you when you leave, making them a smart investment.
3. Get Creative with the Walls
There’s no need to repaint or drill holes to add a bit of flair.
- Use removable wall or tile stickers, decals, or peel-and-stick wallpaper to add colour and pattern.
- Lean larger framed prints or mirrors on furniture or shelves for a relaxed, layered look.
- Create a gallery wall using washi tape or removable hooks.
Even just one large print or wall hanging can shift the whole feel of a room.
4. Add Life with Plants
Plants can make a space feel more cared-for, and they’re good for you, too.
If you’ve got green fingers, go wild. If not, start small with:
- Low-maintenance options like snake plants, pothos, or peace lilies
- A mix of real and realistic faux plants
- Hanging planters or window boxes (great for kitchens or balconies)
Plants are also a great way to introduce colour and break up a beige backdrop.
5. Personalise the Practical Stuff
Make everyday items feel more like yours.
- Switch out cupboard knobs or light shades (just keep the originals to swap back later).
- Pick bedding, towels, and bathmats in colours that lift your mood.
- Use attractive storage baskets or crates to bring order and style to open shelving or utility areas.
These small upgrades can help you feel more organised and settled, without making permanent changes.
6. Create Little “You” Moments
Making a rented property feel like home isn’t always about décor; it’s about how the space makes you feel.
Think about how you move through your day and build in mini rituals:
- A favourite mug beside the kettle
- A reading nook by the window with a blanket and lamp
- A shoe rack by the door that signals you’re “home” when you step inside
The more you weave your daily life into the space, the more it becomes your home.
7. Check What’s Allowed and Don’t Be Afraid to Ask!
It’s always worth reading your tenancy agreement carefully before making any changes, even if they’re minor or reversible.
If in doubt:
- Speak to your landlord or property manager before making alterations
- Offer to return things to their original state when you leave
- Keep receipts or product details for anything you add (just in case)
At Able Property Trust, we’re always happy to have a conversation. Many landlords are open to reasonable requests, especially if it makes a good tenant feel more at home.
8. What If You Have a Pet?
Bringing a pet into a rental property can be one of the biggest sticking points for tenants, but we recognise how much an animal companion can make a space feel like home.
Currently, some landlords have a strict no-pet policy, while others are open to negotiation, especially if the pet is small, quiet, or well cared for.
(It’s worth noting that the Renters’ Rights Bill, likely to come into effect late 2025/early 2026, includes steps to make it easier to have a pet in a private rented property – you can read more about this here).
Here’s what we suggest:
- Check your tenancy agreement first. Some contracts include a clear no-pet clause; others are silent on the issue, in which case you’ll still need written permission.
- Start a conversation. If pets are important to you, be honest and upfront. Share details about the type of pet, how you care for them, and how you’ll protect the property. (The Renters’ Rights Bill will allow landlords to require insurance covering pet damage.)
- Offer reassurance. Some tenants offer to pay a higher deposit or agree to more frequent inspections to show they’re taking responsibility.
- Suggest a trial period. If the landlord’s unsure, this can be a good middle ground, especially if the alternative is losing a great tenant.
And if your tenancy does allow pets? Brilliant! Add a comfy bed for your dog or a sunny perch for your cat, and make space for their things in a way that blends into the rest of your home.
A Final Thought: It’s Still Your Home
Just because you don’t own the bricks and mortar doesn’t mean you can’t create a space that reflects you. Whether you’re here for a short stay or planning to renew year after year, you have the right to settle in properly.
Home is about comfort, familiarity, and belonging, and that’s something you can build, one small decision at a time.
Need a Property Manager Who Gets It?
At Able Property Trust, we understand that tenants want more than just a roof over their heads. We work closely with landlords and tenants to create homes that work for everyone – comfortable, well-maintained, and full of life.
Got a question about what’s allowed in your rental? Just ask. We’re here to help.