Tenants Problems!

[Pippa68]

A friend of mine is renting a property and has done for the last 12 years. When he & his wife moved in the carpets were at least 10 years old & the property had not been redecrated. The kitchen was also very outdated, bordering on disrepair.

They are wondering where they stand regarding updating the property. He wants to put new carpets in & update the kitchen while she is reluctant just in case they have to move. I can understand both sides, but wanted to ask anyone here where they stand regarding financing the repairs/updating. Is the landlord supposed to keep the property updated, or can his tenants argue that a rental increase is unfair?

I have no advice to give them!

[Pippa68]

*redecorated*

[Ethel]

It very much depends on the type of tenancy and the terms and conditions of the lease.

[Pippa68]

Thanks Ethel. I did suggest this myself, but it appears that it is only written that the house is kept in 'good order' which wasn't really how it was when they moved in...

I think their best bet is to have a word with the landlord, with whom they are on good terms with anyway.

[kazza12345]

try getting them to talk to the landlord ... when we were renting and wanted to redecorate, our landlord paid for the paint, and we put in the work, so a deal along those lines might be worked out?

[Pippa68]

Good idea Kazza ~ although they have already been decorating and don't see a problem with providing the paint & the work..the main things they are worrying about are the carpets & kitchen cupboards, which are rather expensive.

I had already suggested they talk to the landlord about it, as I think it is probably the best route.

[noxlumos]

As a landlord I'm always happy to update kitchen and bathroom etc as it adds value to my house and I always say that tenants can do anything they like decoration wise as long as it's to my satisfaction when they leave. Things like guttering windows etc I pay for but I wouldn't pay for carpets (too easy to spend a fortune and it ends up dirt and ruined) but am currently updating houses with laminate wood floors as these last better and aren't so prone to damage.Maybe if theyre on good terms they could have a chat and see what they can all come up with.

[Pippa68]

Thanks for that, nox ~ I have my friend here with me and it's good to have an opinion from a landlord!

I see your point regarding the carpets. When you get a property ready for letting do you make sure the carpets are relatively new? the ones in their house were on their way out when they moved in, so you can imagine the state they are in now.

They have put in laminate flooring at their own expense downstairs, but have yet to tackle the upstairs floors. I think it's the kitchen & bathroom they have more concerns about. Anyway, they are going to contact the landlord to work something out. If necessary they will move to something more plush!

Thanks guys :o)