Landlords should not waste money on top-of-the-range finishes or luxury upgrades to standard equipment in a rented home, according to a new survey.
Renters are more concerned about the space they have to live in and value for money, says landlord insurer Simply Business.
The insurer asked 500 renters for their opinions on what’s important to them in a buy-to-let home and came up with a room-by-room list of key features landlords can check against their rental properties.
What landlords need to know
In the bedroom, tenants are most concerned with size and natural layout. The top priorities are:
- Space for a double bed (67 percent)
- Natural light (46 percent)
- Built-in wardrobes (45 percent)
In the kitchen, instead of high-end, premium finishes, tenants look for a functional workspace with plenty of room. Most important are:
- Lots of worktop space (50 percent)
- Ample storage (41 percent)
- Natural light (40 percent)
In the living room, the structure and overall feel of the room matter most, with a focus on brightness and relaxation. Popular features include:
- Large windows (43 percent)
- Space for a corner sofa (27 percent)
- French doors or direct outdoor access (26 percent)
Upstairs, bathroom functionality, hygiene, and comfort take priority over luxury extras, with tenants looking for:
- Good ventilation (41 percent) – crucial for preventing damp and mould.
- Good water pressure (40 percent)
- Having a bathtub (35 percent)
Whose job is decorating?
Landlords have the job of maintaining and decorating rental properties. Housing law clearly states landlords must make sure buy-to-let homes are safe and fit to live in before they can be rented out.
Tenants must look after their homes and return them to the landlord in the state they found when they moved in, although fair wear and tear is allowed.
Beyond these obligations, housing law does not lay down a timeline for redecoration, but here are some general guidelines:
Paintwork and walls
- How often: Every five to six years.
- The details: A full repaint typically holds up for around half a decade. However, high-traffic areas like hallways, staircases, and kitchens may require minor touch-ups between tenancies. If you have long-term tenants, keep in mind that redecorating while they live there can be highly disruptive. Always negotiate a convenient time and seek their permission before commencing work.
Carpets and flooring
- How often: Every five to 10 years.
- The details: There is no “carpet replacement law” in the UK, so you should review flooring condition every five years or so. The lifespan depends heavily on quality and occupancy. A budget option in a student let might wear out in three to five years, whereas high-quality carpets in a professional let can comfortably last a decade.
Kitchens and bathrooms
- How often: Every 10 years.
- While you may need to make urgent repairs to appliances like ovens or fridges during a tenancy, major fixtures and fittings usually have a longer lifespan. According to market research, tenants highly value functional space—such as counter storage and natural light in kitchens, and solid ventilation and water pressure in bathrooms. Upgrading these rooms roughly every decade adds significant long-term value to your asset.
