Blinds that keep life easy for landlords
A blind in a rented home has a hard life. It is used by people who did not choose it, in a house they may stay in for a year or two, and it needs to look good at every inspection and every new viewing. A good aim is the blind that causes the fewest call-outs, rather than the cheapest or the fanciest.
This is a practical guide to choosing and fitting blinds for a let property, with a focus on keeping things trouble free.
Start with the tenancy and the property
- Who rents it? A family house, a student let and a professional flat have different wear.
- Is it furnished? Blinds are often part of the inventory, and a record helps with deposit discussions.
- What are the windows? uPVC windows allow some options that timber windows do not.
- How often does it turn over? High turnover suggests easy-clean, replaceable components.
Keeping common snags at bay
Cords and chains
Dangling cords can be a risk where children live or visit. For rentals, consider cordless or fixed-position operation where possible, and do check that cord safety devices are fitted and left in place. See our child safety questions and blind controls explained.
Slats and fabrics
Vertical slats can be knocked and creased, and roller fabric can be marked. Slats that can be replaced individually, depending on the range, are cheaper than a whole new blind. Ask what is replaceable.
Keeping frames tidy
Drilling into uPVC frames and plaster leaves marks. A frame-fitted blind can avoid drilling into the window, depending on the window. See compatibility and Perfect Fit blinds.
Getting the sizes right
Two windows that look the same on the outside can have different sizes inside. A blind from a standard size may leave gaps, or not fit, so made-to-measure helps here. Our guide to awkward windows explains what we check.
Damp and condensation
Rented bathrooms and kitchens often get less ventilation. Wipeable materials last better there. Read bathroom blinds.
Choosing by room
- Living rooms. Roller or vertical blinds are simple and dependable. See roller blinds and vertical blinds.
- Bedrooms. A blackout roller helps tenants sleep, which keeps them happy. See blackout blinds.
- Kitchens and bathrooms. Faux wood or a wipeable roller fabric. See faux wood blinds.
- Patio doors. Vertical blinds are common. Read the patio door guide.
Colour and style
A neutral colour is easy to live with and suits more furniture. A pale grey, white or soft cream will look consistent from room to room. Strongly patterned fabrics can be harder to replace later. If you own several properties, using the same range makes replacements simpler, though the sizes will differ.
A checklist before you order
- List every window, including bathrooms and landings.
- Note frame type, opening type and any obstructions.
- Decide on cord safety, especially for family lets.
- Choose one or two ranges for consistency.
- Photograph the blinds on installation for the inventory.
- Keep fitting and care instructions to pass to tenants.
- Check your tenancy agreement and any lease terms on what you are allowed to fit.
Between tenancies
The gap between tenants is a good time to look at every blind properly. Raise and lower each one, check the controls and cord safety devices, wipe the slats or fabric, and note anything bent, creased or missing. Small repairs are cheaper to handle then than when a new tenant has just moved in. Keep a note of the range and colour of each blind, so a replacement matches the rest of the property.
A note on legal matters
We're happy to talk about practical choices and how products behave. For legal advice on your responsibilities as a landlord, a letting agent or a suitable professional is the best person to ask.
Getting started
We work across Stockton-on-Tees and wider Teesside. Give us a rough list of windows and tell us what you want from the blinds, and we'll talk you through the choices. A free measure is provided, with a quotation before you commit. Book a free measure, or read about our commercial blinds if you manage a larger property.
