We've all been there. Dream flat ✅ Perfect location ✅ But once you're in, the magnolia overload is just too much. All those walls of creamy white blandness. Ugh...

Most people are desperate to put their own stamp on a new place - but here's the thing… are you actually allowed to get decorating as a tenant? The good news is that the answer is usually yes, but there are a few things to think about first. 

Neutral paint schemes are a smart choice for rented homes. Sweatpants, by @whistleknot on Insta 

Because this is a tricky topic, we gave Adam Kingswood a call. As Director of a Lettings and Property Management company he knows all there is to know about rented property. There's a lot of confusion around questions like can you decorate a rented house? so we quizzed Adam on all the dos and don'ts of painting a rented property. 

DO I NEED TO ASK MY LANDLORD'S PERMISSION IF I WANT TO PAINT MY RENTAL PROPERTY?

'Yes, definitely,' says Adam, who's the Director of Nottingham Lettings company, Kingswood Residential. 'We would strongly advise requesting permission for any decorating work at a rental property. It will probably be a stipulation of your tenancy agreement anyway. And if the decorating work is going to improve the property, the landlord will usually consider it.'

Most landlords will allow painting if it improves the property. Flawless Neutral Shades by @yas.wyatt.home on Insta

CAN I DO THE PAINTING MYSELF OR SHOULD I USE A PROFESSIONAL DECORATOR?

Adam says: 'We recommend you use a professional, insured decorator to minimise damage to the property and ensure a professional finish. But if you're competent, then you can do the painting yourself.'

We say: Why not? Decorating isn't rocket science. And it'll save you  some cash if you do it yourself. With the right materials, some quality COAT paint and the tiniest bit of know how you'll soon be good to go.

Neutral colour schemes are easier to get right. Sweatpants here, by @the_brixton_home_boys on Insta

Take a look at our amazing range of highly-pigmented, easy-to-apply paint colours, read up on the pro tips on our website, and you'll be transforming your gaff in no time 👊

WHAT COLOUR SHOULD I PAINT MY RENTAL PROPERTY?

When it comes to colour choice, it's probably best to stick to neutrals rather than going for darker, moodier tones. You know us, we usually LOVE a bit of drama 💃 but it's best to play it safe when it's not actually your own pad. COAT neutrals are legendary, after all.

Neutral colours can be beautifully accessorised. Pampas by @charlotteasquith

Adam agrees: 'Neutral tones generally work best in a rented property because bold colours are not to everybody’s taste.' 

The man's got a point. You want universal appeal while still creating a warm and welcoming vibe. So we think the best paint colours for a rental property are earthy neutrals like our trusty favourites Good Intentions or Mindful. They bring warmth and interest to a room without overwhelming the space with colour. Perfect.

DO I HAVE TO PAINT IT BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL COLOUR WHEN I LEAVE MY RENTAL PROPERTY?

It depends. Over to Adam: 'When you ask your landlord for permission, you should also determine what will happen when you leave the property. That way you'll have agreed either to leave the new paint colour in place or repaint the walls back to the original colour.'

Muted Greige Sunday Soul is a luxe all-rounder, by @studio.lawrence on Insta

We reckon if you get it right with a pale but ever so interesting neutral like Sunday Soul or Pampas there will be no need to repaint on move out day. You can just close the door, hand over the keys, and get on with decorating the next place! 

Grab yourself some Peel & Stick swatches to get an idea of which of our neutrals is going to work best on your walls. You can even show them to the landlord or agent, if you want. Then if you like what you see, order your paint for delivery the very next day and get cracking!

We love a pale Greige, like Good Intentions here by @thenorthernhome_ on Insta 

Shop COAT Neutrals now for a calm and welcoming look which will keep both you and your landlord happy 👍