7 Ways to Refresh a Bathroom in Your Rental Property

A clean, fresh bathroom can make or break how your rental property is perceived. Whether you're preparing for new tenants or looking to boost appeal in your property to rent in Balham, a bathroom refresh doesn’t have to mean a full refurbishment. At Your Home Managed, we know a few budget-friendly ways to upgrade your bathroom that go a long way towards impressing potential renters - without breaking the bank.

Here are 7 simple ways to give your rental bathroom a new lease of life.

1. Give It a Good Scrub and Re-Seal
Before spending money on any upgrades, give the bathroom a deep clean. Limescale, mouldy sealant, and discoloured grout can make even a decent bathroom look tired.

Top tip:

Replace mouldy sealant around the bath or shower - it's inexpensive and makes a big difference.

Re-grout where necessary to freshen tiled areas.

Use anti-mould paint on ceilings and walls.

2. Replace Old Fixtures and Fittings
Shiny new taps, handles, or a modern shower head can completely transform the look of a bathroom. Most of these can be swapped over without needing to touch the plumbing.

What to upgrade:

Taps (both basin and bath)

Shower head and hose

Light fittings

Toilet seat

These simple touches can help your property to let in Balham stand out in listings and viewings.

3. Add a Modern Mirror
A mirror isn’t just for practicality - it bounces light around and can make a small bathroom feel bigger and brighter. Try a mirror with built-in LED lighting for extra wow factor.

Bonus tip: Choose a mirror with a shelf or storage to add function as well as style.

4. Install Smart Storage
Storage is often overlooked in rental bathrooms. Tenants appreciate having somewhere to store their toiletries out of sight.

Ideas to try:

Wall-mounted shelves

Over-the-toilet storage units

Mirrored cabinets

Corner caddies

Practical storage makes your rental more liveable, which in turn makes it more lettable.

5. Refresh the Walls
If the walls are marked, stained, or just looking tired, a fresh coat of paint works wonders. Stick to neutral tones - white, soft grey, or light taupe - to keep it clean and appealing.

Wallpaper or tiles?
Waterproof wallpaper or statement tiles on one wall can create a more modern, high-end feel. Just be sure to avoid anything too taste specific.

6. Upgrade the Shower Curtain or Screen
It might sound basic, but an old or stained shower curtain is an instant turn-off. Replacing it with a new curtain or a clear glass screen will immediately freshen the space.

Consider this:
A fixed glass screen adds a more permanent, quality feel and is easier for tenants to keep clean.

7. Add Some Finishing Touches
Once the basics are sorted, don’t forget the small things. These touches can help tenants imagine themselves living there.

Quick wins:

Fresh towels or a new bath mat for viewings

Coordinated accessories like soap dispensers and toothbrush holders

Plants (real or artificial) for a homely feel

At Your Home Managed, we always advise landlords to take care with presentation - because it really does impact how quickly a property rents and the type of tenant it attracts.

Why It Matters
If you're a landlord with a property to rent in Balham, paying attention to the bathroom can help reduce void periods and encourage tenants to stay longer. As a trusted letting agent in Balham, Your Home Managed knows what tenants look for - and clean, modern bathrooms are always high on the list.

Refreshing your rental bathroom doesn't have to be expensive or disruptive. A few small changes can make a big difference in attracting quality tenants and keeping your rental income flowing.

If you're a landlord looking for advice or support with your property management in Balham, get in touch with Your Home Managed today.

Call us on 0208 125 7780 or email info@yourhomemanaged.com

In the meantime, we’ve answered some of your common questions about refreshing a bathroom in a rental property.

FAQs

Do I need to do a full renovation to improve my rental bathroom?
No, small upgrades like replacing sealant, adding storage, or refreshing the paint can have a big impact without major work or cost.

Can I claim tax relief on bathroom improvements?
It depends. Repairs and maintenance are usually tax-deductible, but improvements may not be. Always check with your accountant.

How often should I update a rental bathroom?
There’s no fixed rule but giving it a refresh every few years - or between long-term tenancies - is a good move.