Advice on a rental house I viewed

gazfocus

I went to view a house on Tuesday and loved the layout of the house but the decor needs attention. In the living/dining room, the wallpaper is actually coming off the walls in some areas, and in the master bedroom, the decor is black and dark red.

I asked the LA about redecorating and they said the LL wouldn't have a problem with that.

So...a couple of questions:
1. Would you rent a house that would need decorating? (I'm thinking at least it will then be my taste).

2. Is it reasonable that I asked for the rent to be dropped from £475 to £450 considering the decorating needs doing and the seals round the UPVC doors needs replacing as its hanging off both the front and back doors.

Thanks in advance

GonzoAston

If its a long term rent, then yeas, its worth taking if the only problem is re-decorating for you As long as you get permission in writing before you do anything, to cover yourself for when you leave.

I think that the seals would have to be done by either the LandLord or the agency if its a managed property anyway, so dont think you would be able to knock them down on price for that. Worth a try though if you want to fix them.

Some LandLords are really flexible, so if you agree to fix the odd thing, then im sure they would negotiate rent, for a while at least.

Good luck

gazfocus

Well the thing is, when the LA showed me round the property, he let slip that if the house hadn't gone within 2 weeks it was going to get reduced to £450pcm so I don't really think that offer is unfair - however, I made a mistake of letting the LA know I was really keen on the house so they may tell the LL that I'd take the house for £475 if they said no to £450

Why do you advise to not do the seals on the doors? Would that be a difficult job to fix?

GonzoAston

gazfocus wrote: »

Well the thing is, when the LA showed me round the property, he let slip that if the house hadn't gone within 2 weeks it was going to get reduced to £450pcm so I don't really think that offer is unfair - however, I made a mistake of letting the LA know I was really keen on the house so they may tell the LL that I'd take the house for £475 if they said no to £450

Why do you advise to not do the seals on the doors? Would that be a difficult job to fix?

Im not advising not to do it, but if its done by the LL or the LA then no-one can complain at you if something goes wrong with them down the line. Or if you do it, ask them to come and inspect it. Always make sure you cover yourself when renting (unless you've rented before, ignore me) as they have your deposit. Get everything in writing off them first.

If the LA told you that it was going to £450 (sounds like its been on the market a while to me) then I would deffo tell them you'll take it, if they will drop the rent to £450 now. All they can do from there is say no. I think they would let it to you for that price, as doesnt sound like they've had many viewings.

gazfocus

GonzoAston wrote: »

If the LA told you that it was going to £450 (sounds like its been on the market a while to me) then I would deffo tell them you'll take it, if they will drop the rent to £450 now. All they can do from there is say no. I think they would let it to you for that price, as doesnt sound like they've had many viewings.

I'm actually not sure why they are considering dropping the price because it's been on the LA's website for about 5-6 weeks and I first phoned about it 4 weeks ago and the previous tennants only moved out on Friday just gone so it's only been available for just under a week - maybe I'm the only one that's phoned up about it in the whole 6 weeks lol.

I have rented before (I'm 24) but only for 6 months cuz I hated the area (got my motorbike knicked off my drive at night), the flat wasn't great (1 small bedroom and 1 small living room) and the landlord was rubbish (the washing machine didn't work from day one and even though I informed the LL, he never got it fixed or replaced it, among other things).

But, yeah, thanks for the advice regarding the doors. When I offered £450, the LL asked me to email them with a list of things I thought needed doing, so I emailed them with a list including the doors so they are aware of it now.

GonzoAston

Good for you

Didnt mean to sound patronising just wasnt sure if you'd rented before, lol

Hope you get it all sorted soon, and get the rent dropped.

gazfocus

GonzoAston wrote: »

Good for you

Didnt mean to sound patronising just wasnt sure if you'd rented before, lol

Hope you get it all sorted soon, and get the rent dropped.

No worries, I appreciate your advice. Thanks again

Sammy85_2

Hi,

Just thought i'd give you my experience with this as a LL.

One tenant decorated the entire house when she moved in, we had no problem with this and we paid for the paint, brushes etc. as it was looking a little shabby in places. Our only stipulation was that it was neutral colours, or returned to neutral colours on her departure.

In our other property the tenant moved in and decided she wanted to decorate, replace the carpets with laminate, and fit a new kitchen & bathroom suite.
Again, we had no problem with this, although i was shocked at the request (everything was less than 3 years old and in a condition that i would be more than happy to live with myself)
Because everything was in good condition (and cost us alot of money already) we made it clear that we wouldnt contribute to the costs and that any alterations she made had to be of an equal standard to the existing and be professionally done.


In my opinion, a tenant who cares about the property is going to stay longer and i'll do my best to help out with costs etc. if the work needs doing. I havent increased either tenants rent as they are both lovely and caused me no trouble in the two years they've been in.


I obviously cant say how this LL's mind works, but im sure most decent LL's appreciate a good tenant and will do all they can to keep hold of you.


I would get the LL to do the door seals. If you mess it up you could be looking at alot of money to put right, why risk it?? I would want it in writing that he'll sort it before signing the contract.

However you want to go with it, either DIY or getting the LL to do it, always get it in writing first.






good luck

gazfocus

Thanks Sammy - Yeah, I am hoping to stay in this house for some time. I am a uni student at the moment (in my final year but may be staying on an extra year) and I am fed up with the student way of living, especially having to move every 12 months. So I would like to do the house up as much as possible to make it look nice for myself more than anything.

I am going to the LA on Friday with my guarantors application form so if they've had an answer from the LL, I will ask them to give me that in writing as you suggested.

I know this is probably silly, but would you ask for permission by writing to change a rusty letterbox for a new one? (fairly easy job to change them).

Thanks again

GonzoAston

You dont need to ask for things in writing. But make sure that you get any permission in writing from the LandLord or LA signed Gaz (pressuming thats your name)