"Enhancements" to rental property
Discussion
Not quite sure whether to be dismayed, happy or indifferent at this juncture.
Long term tenants in a rented property. By and large they have been sound; always paid on time, don't bother the agent or myself with small issues only larger stuff, seem to keep the place in nice condition and, in many respects, treat it like it is there own (and herein lies the issue). In turn, I deal with any issues promptly and the rent is below market rate, having been increased only once in the 8 years or so they have been in situ.
I had noted when I last had to visit the property that they had taken it upon themselves to decorate various rooms without recourse to me. Fair enough, its a lick of paint and its saved me decorating costs (not that it needed doing - just personal taste in place of the "rental house magnolia"). I also noted a few more semi-permanent changes afoot and did ask it to be noted that they should seek prior approval.
Today I get a text asking if I like my new garden, together with photos of a not-insignificant landscaping to include a decked area with lighting in the framework, a new patio area, new turf in places etc etc. The lawned area has diminished from about 85% of the garden to about 30% as a consequence.
Not only does it seems slightly strange in terms of not seeking some approval and spending money on a rental (with a potential exposure to costs in rectifying it on departure - seemingly overlooked!), but it also concerns me that this is a fairly large thing to do and what else might follow unless I (again) reiterate the point that they cannot make changes such as this to the property without prior agreement.
As the day has progressed I am also wondering what potential effect there could be in terms of the resale price/rentability of the property with the garden now more decked and paved than grassed - furthermore the maintenance and upkeep angle in terms of decking requiring paint/varnish etc. Then there is concern over potential liability when the decking inevitably gets a layer of winter slime and is like an ice rink at a bit of dampness etc etc.
Am I being an ungrateful count that should just be thankful these folks are prepared to spend their hard earned on improving the property (at least in their eyes) or should I be concerned at the effects of this and the general attitude of alterations without authority?
Long term tenants in a rented property. By and large they have been sound; always paid on time, don't bother the agent or myself with small issues only larger stuff, seem to keep the place in nice condition and, in many respects, treat it like it is there own (and herein lies the issue). In turn, I deal with any issues promptly and the rent is below market rate, having been increased only once in the 8 years or so they have been in situ.
I had noted when I last had to visit the property that they had taken it upon themselves to decorate various rooms without recourse to me. Fair enough, its a lick of paint and its saved me decorating costs (not that it needed doing - just personal taste in place of the "rental house magnolia"). I also noted a few more semi-permanent changes afoot and did ask it to be noted that they should seek prior approval.
Today I get a text asking if I like my new garden, together with photos of a not-insignificant landscaping to include a decked area with lighting in the framework, a new patio area, new turf in places etc etc. The lawned area has diminished from about 85% of the garden to about 30% as a consequence.
Not only does it seems slightly strange in terms of not seeking some approval and spending money on a rental (with a potential exposure to costs in rectifying it on departure - seemingly overlooked!), but it also concerns me that this is a fairly large thing to do and what else might follow unless I (again) reiterate the point that they cannot make changes such as this to the property without prior agreement.
As the day has progressed I am also wondering what potential effect there could be in terms of the resale price/rentability of the property with the garden now more decked and paved than grassed - furthermore the maintenance and upkeep angle in terms of decking requiring paint/varnish etc. Then there is concern over potential liability when the decking inevitably gets a layer of winter slime and is like an ice rink at a bit of dampness etc etc.
Am I being an ungrateful count that should just be thankful these folks are prepared to spend their hard earned on improving the property (at least in their eyes) or should I be concerned at the effects of this and the general attitude of alterations without authority?
A no hassle rental, regular payments and they actually take care of the garden?
Send them to me if you don't want them. sound like great tenants!
Maybe chat with them a bit more regulally and that way you'll keep up to date on any 'idea's' they have but I certainly wouldn't be complaining.
Send them to me if you don't want them. sound like great tenants!
Maybe chat with them a bit more regulally and that way you'll keep up to date on any 'idea's' they have but I certainly wouldn't be complaining.
Hmmm, fine line and I'd be uncomfortable too. On the plus side it indicates their commitment to the property and they obviously think you'll be pleased, but I'd be concerned about them considering themselves entitled to recompense when they leave, or worse that if you fall out they rip it out when they leave and leave a mess.
Not unreasonable to be upset about this. I've rented places before where I did loads but that was with mutual agreement and I benefited from living in a nicer environment.
Not unreasonable to be upset about this. I've rented places before where I did loads but that was with mutual agreement and I benefited from living in a nicer environment.
mr_fibuli said:
Your property sounds more desirable now - time for a rent hike? 
NitroDave - you are probably correct. I think its the lack of control that unnerves me a little. Quality of the work? I have no idea. Relevant sparky sign-off for the electrics installed? Again, no idea.
The only thing I know is that, contractually, it will be more things I will need to maintain, without any consent to doing so.
Overall sentiment here is kind of how I reflect on it I guess - that I should be overall more thankful than have any bones to pick.
Not bad, gives you more justification to increase the rent too! 
Similar take, friends neighbour was a tenant, in a place for 4-5 years but was a general builder/handyman. In the time he was there he fitted a new kitchen, full redecoration and garden landscaping to include a 15m swimming pool!
Apparently he moved as the landlord saw the improvements made to what was previously a cheap(ish) rental house and decided to sell.
Similar take, friends neighbour was a tenant, in a place for 4-5 years but was a general builder/handyman. In the time he was there he fitted a new kitchen, full redecoration and garden landscaping to include a 15m swimming pool!
Apparently he moved as the landlord saw the improvements made to what was previously a cheap(ish) rental house and decided to sell.
Shnozz said:
NitroDave - you are probably correct. I think its the lack of control that unnerves me a little. Quality of the work? I have no idea. Relevant sparky sign-off for the electrics installed? Again, no idea.
Should you write a letter noting that they have carried out this work and asking for electrician sign off etc.?Simply to avoid any liability for shoddy work or having a potentially illegal installation
Tricky - I suppose you really need to decide what outcome you want. Do you want it returned to original state if/when they leave? Do you want it left as is, and to maintain it?
They've done it now - work out what you want to happen, and set that course.
I'd also want a word to say that this is a bit more than a simple lick of paint, and that you'd rather they don't make any more changes or improvements without your prior agreement in writing.
They've done it now - work out what you want to happen, and set that course.
I'd also want a word to say that this is a bit more than a simple lick of paint, and that you'd rather they don't make any more changes or improvements without your prior agreement in writing.Schnozz, where in the country is this? I'm just imagining the type of tenant you would have on the south coast spending silly money on the dream garden. A 3 bed estate house is north of a grand in Whiteley these days. Our old house is up for £1050 and we left it landscaped with decking and artificial lawn.
I have to say its a bit of a liberty to change the garden in such drastic fashion. I'd speak to them in a rational manner and set out what you want them to do about it. If it was me, I'd want it returned back to its original state either now or when they depart at their cost
Whilst its just a garden at this stage, if you don't set the ground rules you might be coming to see a bright pink house one day and a whole host of internal modifications which significantly detract from its re-rentability or sale potential
Whilst its just a garden at this stage, if you don't set the ground rules you might be coming to see a bright pink house one day and a whole host of internal modifications which significantly detract from its re-rentability or sale potential
NDA said:
I'd tell them that the things they've done are lovely - but any improvements really should be approved by the owner.... no more 'enhancements' please without just the courtesy of a double check.
This.I suspect that you won't have to worry for a while, and unless it's rotten and falling apart they have added value.
dogz said:
I have to say its a bit of a liberty to change the garden in such drastic fashion. I'd speak to them in a rational manner and set out what you want them to do about it. If it was me, I'd want it returned back to its original state either now or when they depart at their cost
Whilst its just a garden at this stage, if you don't set the ground rules you might be coming to see a bright pink house one day and a whole host of internal modifications which significantly detract from its re-rentability or sale potential
Your second paragraph sums up my greater concern I must say. One would hope after 8 or so years that is perhaps unlikely but this was a bit out of the blue.Whilst its just a garden at this stage, if you don't set the ground rules you might be coming to see a bright pink house one day and a whole host of internal modifications which significantly detract from its re-rentability or sale potential
It's balancing coming across as an ungrateful pr1ck but making out my obligations (insofar as liabilities for upkeep, risk assessments etc and electrical certs etc) and the impact his cavalier approach has in terms of keeping on top of these.
Just spoken with the letting agent who was entirely unaware of anything, although to be fair both the tenant and I bilaterally agreed to speak direct on most matters to cut out the middle man (remind me why I pay them 12.5% + VAT PCM again..).
I've spent some money on my landlord's garden - mainly tidying it up so I could actually use it as it was a jungle when I moved in - however, even for this I did get permission first. I knew he wouldn't say no but it's just the correct thing to do.
I wouldn't dream of making the major changes suggested without consulting the landlord first. Who now owns all that decking etc? The tenants paid for it, are you certain they won't demand recompense for it when they move out?
I'm sure they won't do anything like that and are probably just decent people, but changes of that magnitude should be agreed beforehand and the ownership of the materials bought established in writing.
It's a tough one because it's great that they treat the property so well, but it remains a rental and such stuff needs documenting. I'm quite surprised they don't seem to understand this actually. It protects both the landlord and the tenant.
I wouldn't dream of making the major changes suggested without consulting the landlord first. Who now owns all that decking etc? The tenants paid for it, are you certain they won't demand recompense for it when they move out?
I'm sure they won't do anything like that and are probably just decent people, but changes of that magnitude should be agreed beforehand and the ownership of the materials bought established in writing.
It's a tough one because it's great that they treat the property so well, but it remains a rental and such stuff needs documenting. I'm quite surprised they don't seem to understand this actually. It protects both the landlord and the tenant.
Edited by zarjaz1991 on Wednesday 27th July 17:57
Edited by zarjaz1991 on Wednesday 27th July 17:57
zarjaz1991 said:
It's a tough one because it's great that they retreat the property so well, but it remains a rental and such stuff needs documenting. I'm quite surprised they don't seem to understand this actually. It protects both the landlord and the tenant.
Indeed.I don't know if they have rented previously but their approach makes me think it might be new to them. I know of their financial ups and downs historically which appear linked to their timing in moving in and I wonder if they have always owned their own place rather than understood the concepts that sit around renting somewhere.
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