Renters want a place to call home

Photography: Getty Images

A quick scan of my local newsagent's 'homes' magazines shelves and one thing is clear; glossy cover after glossy cover is dedicated to the homeowner - while tens of thousands of tenants are missing out!

It's a similar story in the blogosphere; home articles and opinion pieces abound about how to renovate, improve or build your dream home, with very few words dedicated to the masses of tenants. I'm guilty of this myself - my posts regularly include tips for how to use a mortgage or other finance products to improve your home.

But when I came across some interesting research from rent.com.au, which revealed that Australian tenants are increasingly looking for a place to call 'home', I was eager to dedicate this week's post to advice for renters.

According to the findings, about one third of Australians who rent really want to personalise their home; with hanging artwork, family photos and owning a pet all scoring high on the wish list. A good kitchen was the highest demand.

While replacing a kitchen may be a steep request, there is no end to the number of ways to transform a rental property into a homely environment without sending your landlord into a spin (and without breaking the bank!). Here are some of my favourites:

Rather than wall-mounting artwork with fiddly, temporary hooks (which, less face it don't hold for long) I love to find oversized frames to hold artworks, photos and even mirrors, which I lean up against the wall or atop furniture.

Got a green thumb? Potted plants, outdoor rugs and furniture, hanging lights and lanterns are affordable, temporary ways to brighten your outdoor space with minimal impact on the property.

If it's whitegoods that your home is lacking - we'd all love a dishwasher - then there are ways to get your wish. Bench-top dishwashers are not only stylish and portable, but often more eco-friendly than their built-in namesakes.

For advice about how to get the best finances for the project - whether it is a credit card, personal loan or even high-interest savings account - look online at comparison sites such as RateCity to explore your options and love your rental home!

What will you do with the rate cut?

Band-Aid for a budget blowout

User comments

To many, your home is an emotional aspect of your life, whether you are renting or you own it. Having the financial ability to alter the interior is important so you can make it your own. To be in a position to own a property is a 'dream' for some Australians, somewhere to settle down and create a home for the family as well as the investment appeal. However, renting can have it's advantages, and if renting property is the suitable option then there's plenty of potential to make it an ideal family home. We looked at the benefits of owning a home compared to renting, highlighting the benefits of both market. www.rams.com.au

Great to read your article about the lack of representation of renters in lifestyle mags. I'm from Green Renters. We are a not for profit organisation providing sustainable living advice specifically for those living in rental accommodation. Green Renters was established as we were sick of attending sustainability events and expos and finding that most information was targeted at people who owned or were building their own home. Renters are a growing part of the community (over 30% of Australians live in rental accommodation, a number which increases to 70% in the inner suburbs) and we believe their involvement is vital and possible. As the only organisation specifically for renters we deliver workshops, host events and run projects. We have a website full of tips, tutorials and product reviews and inspiring stories, www.greenrenters.org We're always very happy to assist with articles and research into the needs of renters! cheers Cate

Having rented houses for some 30 years plus, i have always made it a point to keep the flower garden tidy, and installed a vegetable garden when possible. Narrow minded landlords are a dime a dozen unfortunately, and some will prevent you doing this if the place is already landscaped. But unless they do the maintainance, I dont see why they dont allow this to happen if yourea long term renter and looks presnetable. Sme levity must be allowed. Most homes arent homes unless pictures are hung, and depending on how old a home is should be allowed. Short term rentals units should have existing rails or spots where pictures are hung already with hooks, and the tenants told their limits. But as most places are in need of a paint job every ten years or so, putting in a few hooks can easily be patched if needed, ready for a new tenants assorted art works. .

Finally! As a Property Manager, tenant and landlord I think there should be many more articles, tips and photos of how to make a rental property a home. There are many reasons people rent- no matter what the house, it should always feel like home. Bring on more ideas.....

My best tip for landlords with great rental properties - if you were to install a gallery rail (think about the ones used by art galleries across Australia that are fitted at ceiling height) - your tenants could hang their artwork without ever putting a nail, hook or hole in your walls. Art hangs from strong stainless steel or gut hanging lines with solid hooks attached and can take a certain load per metre. A small investment to make your tenants happy at "home" for years to come.

Not only is it magazines that take a blind eye to how Renters live, Its the lifestyle TV programms as well !! We all have to live somehow whether owning or renting, Why don't lifestyle magazines and TV Programs cater for both style ??

No wonder people can't afford to own a home when you are encouraging them to get a credit card or a personal loan to put up some photo frames and a bench top dishwasher. Cut up the credit card and put that money towards savings for home loan where you can stick as many nails in the wall as you want.

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