More than three-quarters of private renters in England
(77%) – equivalent to 6.6 million adults – would like to make
small improvements to their home, new research from Shelter and
B&Q shows.
Given more people rent privately now, including over a
million families, the YouGov study for Shelter and its partner
B&Q, shines a light on the important relationship between our
wellbeing and the place we call home. With renters across the
country wanting to make a combined total of 17.5 million home
improvements, it also challenges the idea that renters are not
interested in putting down roots.
A staggering 72% of private renters, the equivalent of over
6 million people, said they would feel happier in their homes if
they could decorate their home as they wished, highlighting the
positive impact small home improvements can have on mental
health. And 29% said they would be more likely to invite family
and friends over if they could add personal touches to their
home.
Pulling the curtain back yet further, the Shelter and
B&Q research reveals the top four home improvements private
renters are most keen to roll their sleeves up for:
-
Painting (51%)
-
Putting personal items up on the walls, e.g. pictures,
photographs and mirrors (50%)
-
Changing or putting up curtains or
blinds (37%)
-
Tidying up the garden (25%)
However, before personalising their rented pads, both
Shelter and B&Q are keen to stress that private tenants must
seek the permission of their landlord first. Many landlords do
allow tenants to make small changes, in fact 41% of renters say
they already know their landlord permits small improvements and
more may do so if asked.
The findings support the
ongoing partnership between Shelter and B&Q, who are working
together because of a shared belief that everyone should feel
happy and safe in their home. Funded entirely by B&Q
donations, Shelter’s DIY Skills Adviser Service provides
practical help and basic DIY training to people who are
struggling with bad housing or settling into a new home after
being homeless.
Covering London, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield,
Merseyside, Dorset and Bristol, Shelter’s team of trained home
improvement specialists have helped over 2,500 people, with tasks
ranging from decorating to gardening, since the partnership
launched in 2017.
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.
“With B&Q’s ongoing support, we can continue to provide
hands-on help and basic DIY training to even more people –
equipping them with the confidence and skills to create a home
where they feel happy and safe.”
Graham Bell, chief executive of B&Q,
said: “We believe that everyone should
have a home they feel good about, which is why B&Q fund
Shelter’s DIY Skills Adviser Service. Painting a room or hanging
a favorite photo may seem like small changes, but these changes
can be transformational in helping people feel settled in their
surroundings. What’s more, empowering people with the
practical skills they need to make these small changes can be
life changing.”
Case Study: Matty (aged 43)
from Birmingham, was helped to settle into a new home following a
period of homelessness by Steve Franklin, one of Shelter’s DIY
Skills Advisers.
Matty said: “The main thing
I got from working with Steve to improve my flat, was confidence.
I guess it’s hard to appreciate how much your home can change how
you feel, but I’d never had anywhere I could shut the world out
and feel settled before, having lived in some pretty bad
places.
“Steve taught me how to fit my curtain rails and blinds. He
also got some colour charts and helped me to decide which shades
of paint I wanted in each room. Throughout this process I had to
speak up and say what I would like lots of times, and that isn’t
something I’ve had the chance to do until now. When we were done
decorating the place it really felt like it was my home.”
- ENDS -
Home improvement tips, for renters wanting to add
personality to their home, without risking their deposit. From
Denise Milnes, a Shelter DIY Skills Adviser, in
Sheffield:
1. ALWAYS Speak to your landlord first
Before ‘lifting a paintbrush’ always get your landlord’s
written permission ahead of making any changes to your rented
home, regardless of whether the changes are permanent or
temporary. Whatever you do, don’t risk losing your deposit, so it
pays to check.
2. Pull your room
together with colourful curtains
Brighten up any room with a new set of curtains. Use
tab-topped or pencil pleat curtains where poles or tracks already
exist, and where they don’t you can avoid drilling into walls by
using tension rods. Curtains are a great way to add colour and
texture, eliminate draughts and provide privacy. Don’t forget to
save the original curtains and any hooks or rings, so you can put
these back as you found them before moving out.
