Three quarters of private renters would like to decorate their home, Shelter research has revealed.
Almost a third would be more likely to invite family and friends over there if they could add personal touches to their house.
Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “Every day our team of specialist DIY skills advisers see the difference that even modest home improvements can have on people’s happiness levels.
“So, it’s not surprising to us that so many private tenants want to make their rental feel more homely.
“It might not seem like a big deal, but something as small as a fresh lick of paint really does go a long way towards helping families who’ve experienced bad housing or homelessness to feel settled in a new place.”
Holly Holder, senior evidence manager, Centre for Ageing Better, felt older tenants need more guidance on dealing with landlords who don’t allow them to make improvements.
She said: “It isn’t just a fresh lick of paint that could really improve people’s experience of renting. Many older tenants could benefit hugely from small adaptations to make their home safer and easier to move around.
“From grab rails to improved lighting, small and low-cost adaptations can be life-changing.
“But with financial support from local governments only available to people on longer contracts and a complex system facing those who need adaptations, many aren’t able to make these changes.
“There needs to be much more guidance and support for landlords to understand and meet the needs of their older tenants.
“Similarly, older tenants need greater protection to deal with landlords who unfairly refuse their requests.
“With more and more people renting in later life, it’s in the interests of both tenants and landlords to ensure that older renters feel safe and comfortable in their homes.”
