Renters want their rented living space to feel like home, and one way to achieve this is by painting or modifying it in other ways to make it feel more personal. But as a property owner, should you allow the tenant to paint the unit? Learn about the benefits and risks associated with allowing tenants to make alterations to the rented property.
What does the lease say?
A good lease includes terms that the tenant must adhere to while using and occupying the unit during their stay. These terms include the condition in which the property must be left upon moving out.
Should the tenant do it themselves or hire a professional?
If the landlord allows the tenant to make modifications to the rented unit, it is up to the landlord to decide whether to allow the tenant to make the change themselves or if the work should be done by a certified and qualified professional. The nature of the work can also determine who will be allowed to do it. For example, the landlord may feel comfortable allowing the tenant to paint the unit, but may only permit more complex tasks like flooring installation or dishwasher installation to be carried out by a certified professional.
Pre-approved colors
Another option that can help save costs on repainting the unit after the tenant moves out is to allow the tenant to paint the unit but only permit them to choose colors from a list of pre-approved colors.
Deductions from the security deposit
If any damage occurs to the living unit as a result of a modification or improvement made by the tenant, the landlord has the right to deduct amounts from the security deposit that the tenant has paid. Generally, if the security deposit is not sufficient to cover damages, the landlord has the right to send a separate bill to the tenant to cover the damages. For example, the state of Washington allows homeowners to recover amounts greater than the tenant’s security deposit for resulting damages, plus reasonable attorney’s fees.
The benefits and risks of allowing the tenant to paint the unit
Benefits:
- If the rented unit feels like home, the tenant may stay longer.
- This saves the time and costs incurred by the landlord to paint the unit.
- The new color may be appealing to other tenants.
- Alterations, such as upgrading appliances or custom furniture, can increase rental value.
Risks:
- The landlord may have to pay to fix poor workmanship such as paint on edges and windows and drips.
- The landlord may have to repaint the unit when the tenant moves out.
- There may be potential damage caused by painting on hardwood floors, carpets, or cabinets.
- Major alterations made incorrectly can cause significant damage, such as plumbing leaks.
Other options
There are other ways tenants can make their rented unit feel like home without making permanent alterations to the unit. These options include:
- Temporary wallpaper: Instead of painting the unit, the tenant can install temporary wallpaper. This wallpaper, from sites like Tempaper, features self-adhesive backing that can be easily removed, leaving the walls undamaged before moving out.
- Home decor: Adding bold curtains, rugs, artwork, and houseplants can make the apartment feel more personal.
- Temporary changes to kitchen and bathroom fixtures: You might be able to change kitchen and bathroom fixtures easily to suit your personal taste, as long as you retain the original fixtures to return them when you move out. Existing holes should be used. Drilling new holes will be considered damage.
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Sources:
- Congress. “H. Rept. 112-565 – Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act,” Section “Purpose and Summary,” Accessed Oct. 1, 2019.
- National Association of Income Property Owners. “Rental Security Deposit Return Time by State,” Accessed Oct. 1, 2019.
- Washington State Legislature. “Revised Code of Washington, Title 59, Chapter 18, Section 280, Subsection 3,” Accessed Oct. 1, 2019.
- Wisconsin
State Legislature. “Statutes, Chapter 704, Section 05, Subsection 3,” Accessed Oct. 1, 2019.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/can-renters-paint-or-alter-their-rental-unit-4691938
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