Ideas for horrible walls-rented

[IndanthroneBlue]

We're renting a house that was last redecorated in the 60's. The wallpaper is not just badly dated but dirty, stained and peeling, particularly in the main bedroom. It's depressing to look at, it's a small dark house too. No matter what I do to do to improve the room, new bedding, curtains, rugs etc, it makes no real difference because of the walls. Has anyone got any suggestions of temporary solutions? I might ask the landlords if we can redecorate but I'm reluctant to do this because 1. on the peeling sections it's clear the wall underneath is badly plastered with lots of loose and uneven plaster so it might turn into a big job and we'd get blamed if removing their wallpaper damaged the wall. 2. I'm worried the only reason they are letting and not selling is the re-decoration needed is too much work, I don't want to do it for them and then they kick us out to sell the house. Do you think I should just go for it and ask to redecorate, or does anyone have any other ideas? I thought about temporary wallpaper but I think it might damage the old wallpaper underneath, has anyone tried it?

Paint the wallpaper?

Thanks, I hadn't thought of that, I've never lived anywhere I was allowed to paint, is that an acceptable thing to do? (Sorry silly question) I thought I had to remove wallpaper to paint. That's an idea I could ask the landlords about, it would save the risk of damaging the wall at least. It wouldn't look great over the uneven patches but better than it does now.

I've painted wallpaper in a rented house as it was mouldy (similar arrangement to you and I didn't want to rock the boat!) I did ask him if he minded and he did not. It was clear the place would need fully redecorating anyway when I moved out so he didn't mind if I made a mess of it

nb if there are damp spots use special damp specific undercoat before painting

Yes you're both right there are some dark patches under the wallpaper we suspect could be damp/mould too. I am googling anti-mould paint now! This sounds like the best option then if we can get permission to paint.

Unibond Aero dehumidifier they are non electric slightly bigger than the tiny ones - & reusable - you can buy the "wheel" shaped tablet separately
they work reasonably well

obviously wipe the marks off before painting & let dry

I’m a landlord and decorate throughout on each tenant change .
If the property is in that much of a state,I imagine your landlord would be thrilled if you offered to redecorate

And you can use a bit of pva to stick down any really awful bits if wallpaper

If you think there is damp/mould under the wallpaper then I would try sending the landlord photos and ask them to sort it.

We have had a deal with our landlord where they paid for the paint and we did the work, painting over existing wallpaper. Obviously you need their permission but the paint won't cost much if you don't mind putting the work in. Light colours are easiest but don't go too white if ceilings are yellowed, unless you are happy to paint those too (I hate painting ceilings).

Also I think you are right to be wary of painting over failing wallpaper and being held responsible for any making good. Avoid painting anything that doesn't look sound.