How to make a rented home feel like yours without losing your deposit

A little planning can make a huge difference

The good news is that a major makeover is not necessary. Experts who spoke to the BBC say a bit of time and a sensible budget can be enough to make a rental feel much more personal.

Before doing anything, however, tenants should go through their rental agreement and check what they are actually allowed to change. B&Q chief executive Graham Bell said landlords can often be open to improvements, particularly if they are simply making the property better rather than altering it significantly, but asking for permission is still the safest option.

Once that is sorted, the next step is to have a clear plan. Decide what you want to achieve, take measurements and get all the necessary materials before you start.

Start with what your tenancy agreement allows in a rented home

For renters who do not want to sink money into a property they will eventually leave, experts suggest choosing upgrades that can move with you. Bell recommends options such as peel-and-stick tiles, bathroom storage that attaches with suction and blinds that can be installed without putting holes in the walls.

The main idea is to keep everything easily removable. Once you move out, you can simply take these items down, pack them up and use them again elsewhere, meaning you are not constantly paying for improvements that only benefit one landlord or one property.

Choose changes you can take with you

For renters who do not want to sink money into a property they will eventually leave, experts suggest choosing upgrades that can move with you. Bell recommends options such as peel-and-stick tiles, bathroom storage that attaches with suction and blinds that can be installed without putting holes in the walls.

The main idea is to keep everything easily removable. Once you move out, you can simply take these items down, pack them up and use them again elsewhere, meaning you are not constantly paying for improvements that only benefit one landlord or one property.

Artwork is the fastest win

If you want a rental to feel less temporary, interior designer Lara Clarke says the walls are a good place to start. Adding artwork can quickly make an otherwise plain room feel more finished and lived-in, without requiring any major changes to the property.

She recommends looking for cheap vintage paintings, exhibition posters or framed sketches at antique markets, while Command strips can be used to put them up without drilling into the walls or leaving permanent marks.

It is one of the easiest changes a renter can make, and it does not have to cost much. You may not be able to completely transform a property you do not own, but a few personal touches can stop it from feeling like somewhere you are simply waiting to leave, while still keeping your deposit safe.