Making your home your own

A home should feel like yours, and pictures, plants and a splash of colour all help. Most changes are easy to agree, so the simple rule is this: ask us first, and we'll usually help.

Why asking first helps you

Shelter, the housing charity, suggests getting your landlord's agreement in writing before you start on changes. That protects you: you both know what's been agreed, including whether anything goes back as it was when you move on. A quick email, text or WhatsApp to us is all it takes.

Things worth a quick word

• Pictures, shelves and mirrors. Tell us what you'd like to put up and where, and we'll talk it through.
• Decorating. Fancy a different colour? Let us know what you have in mind before you start. Shelter suggests asking your landlord whether they can help with decorating, so do ask.
• Fixtures and fittings. Anything fixed to your home, such as lights, curtain poles, flooring or kitchen units, is worth checking with us first. Please always ask us before anyone works on gas, electrics or plumbing. Our safety checks guide explains why these matter so much.
• Satellite dishes and aerials. Ask us before you buy one. The Planning Portal, the government's planning website, says to check whether you need planning permission, listed building consent or permission from the landlord or owner. Rules are tighter in conservation areas and National Parks, and in a block of flats the limits apply to the building as a whole, not to each flat.
• Locks. Please ask us before changing a lock. If a key has gone missing or you're worried about security, tell us straight away and we'll talk it through with you.
• Pets. You have a legal right to ask, with its own simple process. See Asking to keep a pet.

If you have a disability

If you or someone you live with needs changes to your home because of a disability, the law gives you extra rights. See Your rights if you have a disability.

When you move on

Everyday wear from normal living is fair wear and tear, and a landlord can only claim for wear that goes beyond it. If we agreed that something would go back as it was, sorting that before you leave helps your deposit come back smoothly. Our moving out guide has more.

Find out more

• Making improvements to your rented home (Shelter)
• Satellite, TV and radio antennas: planning permission (Planning Portal)
• In disputes, be fair: wear and tear (Deposit Protection Service)