Landlord refusing to allow us to paint

tomhann187_2

We live in a rented property that has every room painted bright white. We've been here for 6 months and plan to stay for a further three years.

As we intend to stay for a number of years, we are keen to make the place look a bit more personal. We asked the letting agents if they could ask the LL if we could paint some rooms neutral colours (creams and light browns). The agency has just got back to me saying that the LL said "under no circumstances are we to paint any room in the house".

I think this is a little unfair but not really sure where we stand. For example, our hallway is white and now has scuffed and muddy walls because we come in with muddy shoes, kick them off there etc.

The walls are pretty scuffed in the main rooms and some rooms are actually patchy where the LL just painted scuffs over in a different shade of white.

Can someone tell me if it's reasonable for the LL to refuse to allow us to paint? We did say that we'd put it all back to white when we left but he still was not happy. Also, we're expecting a baby and want to make the baby's room all nice - not just white walls.

Thanks in advance

Out,_Vile_Jelly

You can request it, but the landlord is under no obligation whatsoever to agree to it. If it's really important to you, move somewhere else. I guarantee your baby couldn't care less what colour the walls are though.

I would suggest being a bit more careful with your muddy shoes, as repainting charges will come out of your deposit.

hazyjo

What does your contract say?

Good idea is to paint large canvasses with block colour and hang them (if you are allowed to bang nails in walls).

Jx

sharpee

If you have requested and the LL has said no then there isnt really anything you can do.

If you were to paint the rooms you will be charged for the LL to return the property back to how it was

mr_fishbulb

You could paint it, but you'd have to return it to (or pay for the cost to return it to) the original condition when you move out.

Although if you start annoying your landlord then you probably won't be there for a further 3 years.

ruggedtoast

The joys of renting in the UK. You can live with it scummy tenant and remember to doff thy cap when the Land Lord doth pass by on his chestnut steed.

If I were you I would teach him a lesson in market economics and move elsewhere. I've never heard of a LL object to a tenant painting before, especially if you would return it to its original condition on leaving.

_s79

I`d put your case across to him in writing explaining exactly what you have posted here. I can understand a landlord not wanting you paint but at the end of the day it's your home and your request seems very reasonable.

blessings3

As above - I'd put it in writing and maybe even include some paint samples just to show that its nice pastel/neutral shades

mlz1413

as you have asked and been told no then I'd say there is little you can do, but as you should have the LL's address on your contract (not just the agents) then why not write direct and say that as you would like to stay longer would he allow you to sign a longer contract in return for being able to paint with the agreement that the whole house will be returned to white during the final notice period.

climbgirl

tomhann187 wrote: »

For example, our hallway is white and now has scuffed and muddy walls because we come in with muddy shoes, kick them off there etc.

Might be a good idea to stop doing that if it's casuing marks on the walls and paintwork!

ovoreo

blessings3 wrote: »

As above - I'd put it in writing and maybe even include some paint samples just to show that its nice pastel/neutral shades

What a great suggestion! I'd also suggest explaining your experience of painting. Your LL might be concerned that your standards won't be as high as his, so give him comfort that you will cut in properly, that woodwork/radiators will be undercoated, etc. [Although from what you've said about his painting skills........!]