Ramona Depares wonders whether it is possible to turn a rental house into a stylish home without over-investing. Architectural and interior designer Rosanna Carbonaro points her in the right direction.

The bedroom is one of the places where you can easily experiment with bolder colours.The bedroom is one of the places where you can easily experiment with bolder colours.

What kind of features should you look out for when renting?

To start off, when looking for property to rent, it is always ideal to carry a camera and take notes on what you are seeing, as after the umpteenth property you are very likely to forget what the first one looked like altogether.

Make sure to ask as many questions as possible about the property, what is included in the price, if there is any existing damage, and who is responsible for any breakages. Check for any malfunctions, flip switches and check power sockets, flush toilets etc... Make sure there is water, and hot water in mixers and showers, and that all appliances are in good working condition (fridge, washing machine, hob and oven are the basics).

Depending on the agreement, also check that if the place is rented out as fully furnished, you have proper crockery and cutlery, pots and pans, ironing board and iron, buckets, brooms and so forth. One point that is often glossed over is that a rented place should be equipped with fire safety equipment.

When viewing the place, do not be shy to open cupboards and drawers; after all, this could be your future dwelling, and it is in anyone’s interest that it functions properly and there are no infestations or any creepy crawlies.

Never economise because ‘it’s only for rent’

Check windows and doors – whether they open properly, and whether they are water tight. Check the walls and ceilings for any cracks. If the property is situated just underneath the roof, make sure that it has been treated properly with sealing compounds and that there are no water leaks. Do point out in writing any malfunctions and breakages.

If you think that a property has good prospects, get hold of an agreement, take it home and read between the lines. Make sure it is straight to the point, and if there is anything you do not understand, discuss it.

Add on anything you think should be in the contract. Ideally, it is always a good idea to show the agreement to a notary or a lawyer, to make sure it falls within rules and regulations. Some deals are made between property negotiators and the lessee, but do ask to meet the landlord – in this way you will have a better idea whom you are dealing with.

A few points that should be included in the agreement include:

• The beginning and expiry of the contract

• Rental price

• Reasons for which the landlord could terminate a contract

• A minimum of three months’ notice to move out

• Check if subletting is possible

• Insurance

• Whether pets are allowed

• Responsibilities for repairs

• Possibility of painting walls

Ideally, a contract should be renewable every 12 months, but check the fee you are asked to pay should you want to terminate your contract for your own valid reasons.

It could also be a good idea to have a chat with the neighbours and see what they are like.

Finally, negotiating on a price is always worth a shot

Would you say renting has become more popular with younger people?

Like any other Western country, local youngsters are no longer interested in hanging on to mummy’s apron. Nowadays, they are more interested in getting their own pad, their own life and their own independence. At that stage, buying a property can be a huge responsibility and too big a burden on the pocket, therefore, it is a good idea to rent before plunging into a lifelong commitment. Rentals nowadays perhaps represent the ideal way to start out life, taking on personal and financial responsibilities.

What about changing the look and feel of a rental home without going so far as to change the furniture?

It is amazing what a pot of paint can do sometimes. Creating a feature wall is another good idea, as are new paintings or photography that makes it look more like home. You can also create your own space by changing or adding on a few curtains – you don’t need to spend the earth. Nowadays, you will find ready-made curtains that are of decent enough quality. Add a few throwovers, some cushions, change the light fixtures... and hey presto, you have a new look.

When it comes to actual furniture, you can always add on some pieces. With the landlord’s consent, you could revamp some tatty furniture, creating a shabby-chic composition.

Finally, there is always space for a plant. Plants automatically gives a sense of space, freshness and cleanliness.

And if you cannot afford to keep the real thing alive, opt for a beautiful silk plant – plastic is a no-no. It is tacky, and more often than not, throws the whole composition away.

Rental homes are usually smaller – can the choice of decor make them appear more spacious/make life easier?

Less is more, particularly if you lack space in a room. When the size is on the smaller end, you can easily make do with bare essentials; avoid stacking hundreds of ornaments and filling every little corner with furniture.

Keep things light, perhaps by using more glass. Keep the colours neutral, with touches of a vibrant shade like orange or a lime.

Avoid heavy colours like burgundy, and bear in mind that dark colours make a space look even smaller. Keep it light and cheerful, and make sure you have the right amount of light; otherwise you’re in for a claustrophobic experience.

On the other side of the fence, what advice would you give to those who would like to rent out their homes? Decor-wise, what is the best way to increase rent value?

Everyone wants to be proud of his domain. No one wants to walk into a grimy, old, stained, insect- and bacteria-infested shack, let alone live in it. The bottom line is that if it’s not good enough for you, it’s not good for anyone. The good news is that you do not need to invest your life savings to get a property in shape. It’s all about first impressions: freshly-painted walls, crisp sheets, clean curtains, a dust-free environment...

Keep your properties in ship-shape condition; it is only natural that in a rented place, you tend to get more wear and tear, so make sure you do a good maintenance job from time to time.

If you do not have an eye for design, get someone in to give you a hand and some expert advice. Do look upon your tenants once in a blue moon; see if they need anything and make sure they do take good care of your property.They care, if you care.

Investing in a property and keeping high standards always pays off in the end, so it’s always worth spending that little bit extra and making a bit more effort.

You’re still going to end up with double your initial cost in your pockets. Never economise because ‘it’s only for rent’.

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