Tenant Painting Rental Property

Tenant Painting Rental Property

“My Tenant wants to paint”

Tenant Painting Rental Property

We hear many stories from Landlords about their tenant painting their rental property without permission.  Many a time, we’ve seen walls and ceilings that would not classify as ‘neutral’.  However, they reflect the likes of the tenant who makes the property his own.

Imagine the following conversation:

Tenant: “Oh hi! It’s Paul here at 59 Acacia Road.  We want to paint the lounge …”

Landlord: “What colour were you thinking?”

Tenant: “Poppy Red”

Landlord: [Speechless]

Tenants often ask us if their Landlord will allow them to redecorate the property. On the surface, this is a reasonable question.  It should not generally send alarm bells ringing in the Landlord’s ear.

Firstly, if your Tenant wishes to redecorate, this suggests that they possibly have a long-term outlook. As rentals become a mainstream form of long term tenure, increasing numbers of Tenants are taking pride in their home.  Surely this is a good sign for Landlords.

Tenancy Agreement

The tenancy agreement will usually have a provision in it requiring the Tenant to look after the property and return it to its original condition at the end of the tenancy.

Now, what if the Tenant has actually improved it? It could be that they decorate the property in a way that especially appeals to other people like them – which could be the demographic profile of your next Tenant!

Allowing a Tenant to redecorate could also clinch a deal with the right Tenant who likes the property, but would prefer an alternative décor. It also suggests that you’re a reasonable and flexible Landlord, which goes down well with any Tenant. Nobody likes to be restricted – within reason.

Agreement in writing

But what is reasonable? Clearly you’ll need to take a view on this and ask the Tenant what they have in mind. One thing you need to establish is whether they intend to do the work themselves.  Clearly you don’t want shoddy workmanship putting off future Tenants, so you may wish to insist that the Tenant employs a professional painter.

Whatever you agree, make sure you confirm in writing.  Points to include are:

  1. time-scales (start and end date)
  2. paint colours
  3. number of coats (undercoat, top coat) matt, gloss
  4. who is paying for the work
  5. when will the work be paid for

At the end of the tenancy it’s your call. Take a look at what your Tenant has done, and in conjunction with your managing agent, decide whether the property is more, or less, attractive than it was when you let it initially. If less, then your Tenant must reinstate as per contract. If they don’t, then you would be within your rights to pay for your freshly decorated investment from their deposit.

If you’d like any advice on current trends in how to present your investment property for maximum yield, call Callaways on 01273-735237 or enquiries@callaways.co.uk.