// BBC BUSINESS NEWS — FINANZA
Experts' five tips to make a rented property feel like home
It can be a balancing act making a rented property feel like your own.
You want somewhere that feels warm and personal but without spending a fortune changing a flat or house owned by someone else and making alterations that put a deposit at risk.
Higher average mortgage rates and hefty deposits mean buying a home is out of reach for many, who are renting for longer.
The good news is that transforming a rental doesn't have to mean a major renovation.
With a free weekend, a relatively small budget and a few clever changes, even a bland or tired-looking place can be spruced-up.
We asked B&Q chief executive Graham Bell and interior designers Lara Clarke and Lydia Lloyd for their top tips that won't break the bank or annoy a landlord.
Before making anything permanent, check what your tenancy agreement allows.
Bell, of DIY chain B&Q, says many landlords may be open to sensible improvements, particularly where something is being upgraded rather than fundamentally changed.
But getting permission first avoids an expensive argument when you move out.
Bell also says it is important to take time to prepare properly.