Forum spotlight - what's better, blind or curtains?

Our forum is a fantastic place for members to ask for fellow landlords’ opinions and answer questions.This month, our forum spotlight looks at a discussion that members had around which is more suitable for rental properties, blinds or curtains.

As you’d expect, landlords had differing views on this.  You can read some of the responses below, and you can join in the conversation yourself by clicking through to the original forum post here.

Blinds or curtains? The responses on our forum

A member took to our forum to ask whether blinds or curtains are a legal requirement for a rental flats, which opened up a wider discussion as to which is more practical to have in a rental.

The first forum user, a regular contributor to our forums, began by saying landlords are not required by law to provide curtains or blinds.

They said that providing curtains or blinds – if at all – is the landlords’ choice, but they did have advice for our landlord on which type of blinds and curtains could be the most suitable.

They recommended that, if providing curtains, it could be a good idea to invest in some lined curtains, which can help prevent heat from escaping in the cooler winter months.

If providing blinds, they suggested it could be a good idea to invest in some blackout blinds, helping to reduce light at night, and keep the room cooler in warmer months.

Another user replied on the thread saying that whether blinds and curtains are provided or not depends on how the flat was originally advertised.

A third user said there are advantages and disadvantages to both.

They said that, at the very least, they provide a properly fitted curtain pole and explain to the new tenant the correct weight of curtain to hang.

This user also pointed out that if opting for roller blinds in the rental flat, these should legally be fitted with the correct break link. They added some blinds may be more practical than others, for example venetian blinds can take a while to dust and keep clean.

Another landlord echoed this sentiment, and explained that in their rentals they fit vertical blinds and a secure curtain pole as the bare minimum. This is so the tenant doesn’t feel obliged to instal a curtain pole themselves.

This landlord also explained they provide curtain rings to match the pole, for the tenant to use.

Important note: Since February 2014, any new blinds installed must be ‘safe by design’ or include safety measures to ensure the cords can be kept away from toddlers. As a result, if you’re a landlord and you are having new blinds installed, then you should have confidence they will be safe for children in the property. Read more about blind cord safety requirements here.

What do you think? Have your say here.