When you move into a rental, or any home for that matter, you probably want to quickly go about the task of making that house a home. Landlords are not averse to that fact but must think big picture and limit changes in the language of your signed contract. They then enforce most of those limitations by attaching loss of security deposit and maybe increasing that initial deposit because of previous tenants’ lack of lease adherence. But, there is still that desire to personalize your surroundings. So, what do you do?
First, which is a no-brainer, carefully read your lease. You need to know so much more than the amount of the rent, when it’s due, and whom to call for maintenance. Familiarize yourself with what is spelled out to you as the “Dos and Don’ts” of the property. Then, you will know from the beginning if you can accept those terms. Next, ask before signing, if you can have written permission to do something you know that you will definitely want to do. Written permission is smart because they know that you’re doing it and can assess the costs of undoing it, should you leave. And, for your protection, if your revisions would be something that could assess heavy penalty from your security, this may be a means to defray some or all of that cost.
Some landlords even disallow painting, which is a very basic and common way to change or personalize a space. It’s normal to want to use paint to add cohesion between the space and the furnishings. Yet, some landlords would prefer to touch up rather repaint and entire room/building. And, forget about exterior paint! Another limitation is number of nail holes. Though tiny, they can be a headache to repair if there are too many, and some just don’t want that headache. That’s a simple and easy request, and palatable rejection. A way to approach a painting request may be having a good reason, like a newborn (pink for girl, blue for boy). You could offer to use a professional painter. A good strategy may be to ask at lease renewal. They then know that you’ve proven that you may stay a while and just may be more amenable to your request. However, if you do get permission, be respectful and offer up the choices you’re considering and at the very least, use a quality paint.
If you know that you will be in a property long-term, and can show evidence of such, show your landlord how a major revision (possibly building a deck or adding a paver patio) could increase their property value or increased rent potential. You could share that cost, but if the numbers are very favorable, the landlord may just take on the cost themselves.
The bottom line is, you’re a consumer that has a need and the landlord is a business that has a product. Respect that although the property is going to be your home, it’s their property. Simply ask, and act according to their well-considered response. Blatantly going against the landlord’s wishes and/or sneaking to make an unauthorized change is not only disrespectful but may be a legal issue. Being unreasonable does not benefit either party. Nothing is impossible and everything’s negotiable.
