Creating Great Bathrooms in Rental Properties
Bathrooms are one of the most important spaces in a rental property. A few smart choices can make them practical, low-maintenance, and tenant-friendly, while saving you money and hassle in the long run. Here are our top tips for landlords:
1. Choose an Electric Shower for Reliability
If the boiler ever needs a repair, tenants will still have hot water. Electric showers are a small addition that makes a big difference to comfort and can make the difference between a property being liveable or not.
2. Install Shower Boards Instead of Tiles
Shower boards are low-maintenance, easy to clean, and don’t have grout that needs regular attention. This means fewer repair costs for landlords and less cleaning for tenants – a win-win!
3. Include Practical Extras for Everyday Comfort
Storage, towel rails, toilet roll holders, hooks, and mirrors all make a bathroom feel more liveable. Many rental bathrooms only have the basics (they’re so often overlooked), but these small touches show care and make a property more appealing.
4. Choose a Reasonable Basin Size
Small sinks might look neat, but they can lead to water splashing everywhere. A good-sized basin helps keep surrounding surfaces dry and reduces maintenance.
5. Plan for Easy Access to Plumbing
Key areas like water stopcocks and bath plumbing should be easy to reach. A removable bath panel and/or access hatch can save time, mess, and stress during repairs.
6. Ventilation and Mould Prevention
Bathrooms are prone to condensation and mould. Make sure windows can open easily and fit a good extractor fan. Ideally, choose one with a humidistat — it switches on automatically when moisture levels rise, keeping walls and ceilings dry.
7. Use Moisture-Resistant Bathroom Paint
Proper bathroom paint handles steam and humidity far better than standard paint, reducing peeling and flaking over time.
8. Think About Lighting
Good lighting, especially above mirrors, makes the space brighter and more welcoming. It also helps tenants use the bathroom safely and comfortably.
9. Choose Sensible Flooring
Non-slip, waterproof options like vinyl or water-resistant laminate look smart, cope with everyday wear, and are easy to clean.
10. Choose Thoughtful, Neutral Colours
While practicality is key, the right colour choices can make a bathroom feel welcoming and comfortable. Neutral shades and natural-look materials, like stone or wood tones, help warm up the space so it doesn’t feel cold when stepping out of a hot shower. Thoughtful colours make a property feel more inviting without limiting future updates or tenant preferences.
We know these choices aren’t always what people pick in their own homes, but for rental properties they’re practical, cost-effective, and save a lot of hassle over time. A few smart decisions at the start can make your bathrooms easier to manage, more durable, and more attractive to tenants.
If you’d like advice on what makes a property work well for letting, we’re always happy to share our experience.
