Whether you’re renting out a single property or you’ve an entire portfolio of homes, possessing the skills and knowledge to carry out some basic DIY tasks, like decorating, can be priceless for landlords. 

Not only does being able to tackle common household decoration tasks help to save money, it also means work can be completed much faster than when relying on the services of often busy tradespeople.

If you are a landlord thinking of decorating a rental property, there are a few tips and tricks worth keeping in mind. 

Make use of neutral colours

Keeping things neutral can make it easier for potential tenants to picture themselves living in the space, allowing them to put their own touch on it. Everyone has different tastes, so using simple, light colours and furnishings is the best way to appeal to as many people as possible. 

Keep things light and open

Keeping those neutral colours light, as well as avoiding busy-looking, cluttered rooms will help create the illusion of extra space in a rented property, which is always a bonus. 

Paint versus wallpaper

Paint is generally a better choice than wallpaper in living areas like living rooms and bedrooms. While both are obviously prone to natural wear, painted walls are much cheaper and easier to freshen up should they become marked or damaged. 

Focus on durability

We’re not saying break the bank, but investing in quality does make a big difference and usually always saves you money in the long term. Things like high-quality paint, thick carpets and reliable appliances are all worthwhile investments, and can help minimise any work needed on the property between tenants. 

Catch gaps early

Leaving gaps unattended can be a recipe for disaster. Always check for holes around sinks, showers, baths and windows, as these can lead to bigger issues like leaks or mould. If you do spot any small gaps, use an anti-mould filler to seal them up. 

Plan ahead

Naturally, you’ll want to do the bulk of your decorating work in between tenants to minimise disruption. Plan these works ahead so you know exactly what you can and can’t do yourself within this period, and give yourself time to book in a tradesperson if necessary. 

A large chunk of the work landlords face with their properties falls into simple wear and tear, meaning much of it can be tackled with a basic level of DIY knowhow. 

It is important, however, to emphasise how important it is to not attempt any kind of task that relies on the expertise of a qualified professional. For example, any kind of work that could involve or impact a gas appliance, must be left to a Gas Safe registered engineer. 

Read Suzanne's student story to find out how she gained property maintenance skills to help save time and money on her rental properties as a self-managing landlord.


Able Skills offers a range of introductory courses that can be incredibly valuable to landlords, such as tiling, plumbing and decorating. A more in-depth property development course is also worth considering, helping to build a well-rounded, entry-level knowledge of multiple trade areas.