Ask Tenants blog
Everybody needs privacy, no matter what kind of property you currently reside in. In fact, social scientist and researcher Dr. Bella DePaulo explains that as many as 85% of adults indicate that alone time is crucial for their overall health, with the home being the most important place to switch off. After all, no one wants to live in a fishbowl, and privacy is a necessity that many people need to ensure in their homes.
So how do you know if you are getting enough privacy in your rented property? Here are some factors you need to consider when assessing the privacy in your home.
Keeping nosey people away:
For starters, large windows are great for letting in much-needed sunshine and warmth, but can also pose a privacy and security issue, especially if you happen to find yourself in a rental property in an unsafe home. This is #2 in Ask Tenants’ list of top mistakes renters make, and is a problem you can help alleviate by installing blinds or adding shades. For those who prefer a touch of green in their homes, plants can also do the trick by filtering the view while stylishly allowing light to fill the room.
Depending on your tenancy agreement, you can also opt for more advanced window upgrades like privacy glass installation or window tints. Both options prevent the outside world from peering in while still giving you the luxury of a view and ample natural light. Just make sure to check with your landlord about whether you’re allowed to do this, and who will shoulder the costs. Because it certainly will not be cheap!
Depending on your tenancy agreement, you can also opt for more advanced window upgrades like privacy glass installation or window tints. Both options prevent the outside world from peering in while still giving you the luxury of a view and ample natural light. Just make sure to check with your landlord about whether you’re allowed to do this, and who will shoulder the costs. Because it certainly will not be cheap!
A private deck and garden:
Another point to consider, particularly for rental properties with back gardens, is the privacy of your home’s outdoor space. Even for rental properties that have limited construction options, there are still plenty of steps you can take to ensure that your outdoor living spaces are kept private for you and your family to enjoy.
One way to do so is to use nature as a natural barrier between your yard and the outside world. Property-lined plantings can provide year-round protection and are typically not restricted by any local ordinances.This Old House recommends using fast-growing columnar evergreens like Italian cypress to create a simple but effective solution for blocking out prying eyes. You can also try layering the evergreens with deciduous trees, shrubs, and perennials for a more colourful and natural look, while also allowing for shade in the summer.
Another quick fix to increase privacy in your backyard is to install fences that complement the architecture of your rental property. You can easily match the colour and style of your building due to different finishes of fence panels. The fence panels listed on Screwfix show common shapes and styles such as feather edge and open-lattice, and renters who shoulder the costs can get the best value for money because the panels will last for years. Fences can be the ideal solution for smaller gardens because they take up less space than plantings, and are typically easier to remove at the end of your tenancy. Just make sure to double check with local building codes for the maximum fence height, and try and soften the solid-looking fence structure with flowers or lattice top.
Privacy from landlords:
As a tenant, you have the right to live in a safe rental property undisturbed, provided that they also uphold their responsibilities under the tenancy agreement.
Under law, your landlord must give you at least 24 hours’ notice before inspecting or carrying out repairs to the rental property. These visits must be arranged to happen at a reasonable time of day, except when the visit is a matter of emergency and immediate access to your rental property is therefore needed.
In conclusion, ensuring your family’s safety and privacy is a priority when renting a home and can be done in several ways. Not only can this increase the security of your rental property, it can also contribute to you and your family’s happiness and satisfaction with the home.
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