Hanging pictures - making good: what does it actually mean?

azure2444

Hi

I've recently moved into a new flat - when I say new I mean brand new - it is a new build and I'm the first tenant. As you'd expect it is in very good condition.

I have around 8 pictures I'd like to hang. However I've checked the tenancy agreement and it says if I hang pictures a) I must use the proper picture hooks - no problem and b) I must remove them at the end of the tenancy and 'make good'.

I just wondered, what does that actually mean? I can remove the hooks simply enough. But then what? If I fill with polyfilla, sand down and repaint that area it is highly unlikely to restore the wall to the condition I rented it in. The repainted areas may not exactly match after a couple of years.

Does anyone know the realistic parameters involved with the term 'making good' and what it means in this case? I don't want to end up with money deducted from my deposit at the end of the tenancy, but at the same time I feel it is reasonable for a tenant to be able to hang pictures. I'd appreciate any advice! Thanks

Tiddlywinks

Make good = to return to its original state.

You would need to fill the hole, rub it down and then repaint.

A wall looking like a patchwork quilt would not be acceptable... you'd need to paint the whole wall - making sure that it was tidy and professional in appearance.

Paully232000

can you not use something like this if you are worried.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Command-Picture-Hanging-Strips-17206/dp/B00404YKZI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1378723057&sr=8-2&keywords=no+nail+hooks

Seems like they get good reviews on amazon, and am sure there would be other products out there in B&Q and the like

mail2z

Paully232000 wrote: »

can you not use something like this if you are worried.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Command-Picture-Hanging-Strips-17206/dp/B00404YKZI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1378723057&sr=8-2&keywords=no+nail+hooks

Seems like they get good reviews on amazon, and am sure there would be other products out there in B&Q and the like

Just be careful about using no nails products, they are very good in sticking to things, rather too good, may not come off too easily without damage to paint and plasterboard

azure2444

Tiddlywinks wrote: »

Make good = to return to its original state.

You would need to fill the hole, rub it down and then repaint.

A wall looking like a patchwork quilt would not be acceptable... you'd need to paint the whole wall - making sure that it was tidy and professional in appearance.

Thanks for your answer, but if this is the case wouldn't it be unfair as the landlord would be requesting betterment? (IE they would be getting completely new repainted walls instead of walls that had natural wear and tear?)

MartynK

Depend how long you are there imo.

A couple of years then it prob would be wear and tear but you'd be expected to pay a % of repainting over the holes etc.

A year or so then I doubt the walls would need a repaint so up to you to return to how it was before hand which might well mean a full repaint.

pandora205

I have a lot of pictures and my framer recommended this type for hard walls:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hardwall-Picture-Hangers-Large-Product/dp/B003SZIMOK/ref=pd_sim_diy_1

They leave tiny holes and are very sturdy.

azure2444

MartynK wrote: »

Depend how long you are there imo.

A couple of years then it prob would be wear and tear but you'd be expected to pay a % of repainting over the holes etc.

A year or so then I doubt the walls would need a repaint so up to you to return to how it was before hand which might well mean a full repaint.

Thanks, 2 year term.

My previous tenancy agreements have just said use proper picture hooks. This is the first one I've had that said make good! It does seem a little harsh, bearing in mind it is highly likely tenants will want to put pictures up their home.

I will have a think!

azure2444

pandora205 wrote: »

I have a lot of pictures and my framer recommended this type for hard walls:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hardwall-Picture-Hangers-Large-Product/dp/B003SZIMOK/ref=pd_sim_diy_1

They leave tiny holes and are very sturdy.

Thanks very much - actually I've used these before. Only problem is 2 of my pictures are very heavy and I would worry they wouldn't hold.

kwmlondon

Basically, when you leave the place has to look like it did when you moved in, excepting wear and tear. I'd just accept that to hang pictures I'll have to repaint the room. It's no big deal.

See it from the point of view of the landlord - if you didn't put up pictures and the paint fades evenly he/she won't have to repaint the place. If there are little patches that stick out then they will have to redecorate. A tub of paint is quite cheap and it's not a big deal to slap a coat or two on.

Prothet_of_Doom

When I moved into a new build, (my own house), I dropped a massive picture whilst attempting to hang it, and scratched the paintwork in my attempt to stop it's slide. I ended up repainting that one wall, because even touching it up with the same colour biege, paint that the builder was using on another house, it did not look right. IIRC to repaint one wall took me 1 hour including putting down protection for the carpet, and about £15 of paint.