Research carried out by a finance company claims that 63% of tenants in the private rented sector, have paid out on "upgrading" their living conditions even though they are not their own homes.

The research shows that those tenants who have spent money on their property on average have forked out £641.06. A fifth (19%) have admitted to paying between £751 and £2,000 on the improvements, and another 11% have spent more than  £2,000 in improving their rented home.

Those who have spent money on upgrades, 58% have decorated the property and a further 16% have spent out on floor coverings and carpets. 10% have invested in new blinds and curtains and 5% have done up the gardens of their rented homes.

Other jobs that go beyond the "being a good tenant" status includes, double glazing or insulating the home, changing the bathroom or kitchen and even upgrading the security.

Those tenants enjoying their mid life (45 +) are most likely to invest in their living conditions with 76% saying they have done so, however for the 55 + age group the percentage is higher and stands at 80%.

Ian Williams, spokesman for the finance company, said: “One of the benefits of renting is supposed to be that landlords are responsible for the upkeep of the property. Despite this, the majority of tenants are shelling out – in many cases quite large amounts – on improving the home that they rent.  It is clear that too many landlords aren’t providing properties that tenants feel are acceptable and that landlords are likely to be benefiting from the improvements their tenants are doing.”

Richard Merrick of PIMS, disagrees with William's views and said : " The reasons why so many tenants spend money on their rented homes, is that firstly they like their area and the property. They also get on with their landlord and feel safe in their relationship.

"Secondly these people will have some disposable income and the act in itself is a form of 'ownership' and shows that they are proud of where they live. After all they took on a tenancy on a 'what you see is what you get' basis."