When is it Okay to Make Improvements as a Tenant?
It is only normal to want to update or refresh your place. Placing your own stamp on your home can make a world of difference with regards to how you feel when you come home. Such changes do not always need to be relegated to those who own their house, as there are some updates and improvements you can make as a tenant in a rental property. It is always recommended to check with your lease and landlord to ensure that the steps you want to embark upon to make your house more of a home are permissible.
Ask Before You Begin
Although it may seem like a no-brainer, some tenants may overlook this essential and key first step when it comes to beautifying your abode. Take a look at your lease to see if it outlines what you are able and allowed to make the improvements you have in mind. As some leases specifically address this issue, as well as guidelines for what needs to be done when you vacate the property to return it to the previous state, in which you leased it. Keep in mind that you may have to undo your hard work in order to return the property to your landlord in the same condition noted on your move-in inspection checklist.
Types of Improvements
As noted before, your lease could hold a wealth of information in regards to the types of home improvement projects you are able to complete as a renter. The dreams of blowing out a wall or re-configuring your bathroom may not be permissible by your landlord, but there are some smaller types of home improvement projects that you may be able to take on, after checking with your landlord, of course. Some landlords may allow tenants to paint walls, changing light fixtures, and update or add to existing outdoor landscaping. However, make sure that these projects are in line with what your landlord has approved, as planting a garden in the backyard may be allowable, but cutting down trees and putting up a fence may be stepping over the home improvement line. Since you spend more time at the property than your landlord, you are more likely to pick up on any improvements that may be beneficial to the property. Maintenance, updates, and repairs should be discussed with your landlord or property manager before embarking on such endeavors.
Temporary Improvements
Although there are some home improvement steps that will definitely require approval by your landlord (such as painting walls and installing a ceiling fan), there are several improvements that you may not need to request permission from your landlord. New products have been hitting the shelves of your local home improvement store which allow you to make temporary changes that do not damage the property. The folks over at The Mortgage Reports suggest temporary window film, removable contact paper, tile tattoos that can easily be removed, and replacing your shower head. You can often also switch out the hardware on your kitchen and/or bathroom cabinets, as long as you do not have to drill additional holes in the cabinet door to accommodate the new hardware.
Conclusion
Making your house a home can require a variety of additions and changes to bring about an environment that brings about a sense of comfort and peace. Adding a rug and window coverings can go a long way, but there are times when your design desires may require additional steps. Although you may rent the property, that doesn’t mean that you need to live with a space that does not speak to you. Asking permission and discussing your plans with your landlord can help to reduce the chances of making improvements that violate your lease and improve the likelihood of creating a retreat that provides relaxation and escape from the chaos of the outside world.
References
Landlordology. (2018, August 27). Should you let tenants make improvements? Retrieved from https://www.landlordology.com/let-tenants-make-improvements/
The Mortgage Reports. (2018, November 16). Rental home changes: Can you make improvements to your rental? Retrieved from https://themortgagereports.com/38191/rental-home-changes-can-you-make-improvements-to-your-rental
Rent Prep. (2018, October 8). Improvements Made to Rental Property by Tenant. Retrieved from https://www.rentprep.com/property-maintenance/tenant-home-improvements/
