Tenants redecorated

freeisgood

Not only all this, but they have thrown away the original carpets. That is sort of theft is it not?

19lottie82

Halle71 wrote: »

So........tenants don't have to adhere to the agreement they sign anyway?

You can put anything you want in a contract, that doesn't mean that if a tenant signs it, it is enforceable.

Legally, at the end of a tenancy, the tenant must return the property in the same condition that they got it in. That is all. Adding a clause into your tenancy agreement doesn't change this.

It's like letting agents adding in clauses that tenants must allow viewings at the end of their tenancy. No, no they don't. They are entitled to "quiet enjoyment", by law, and no added clause will change this.

Also, look at it this way. How do you think adding this clause will protect you? What do you perceive would happen, or what action you could take, in the following situations....

1) A tenant signs a 12 month AST and you HAVE put the "no decorating without permission" clause in the contract. 2 months in you discover the T has painted the living room black?

2) A tenant signs a 12 month AST and you HAVE NOT put the "no decorating without permission" clause in the contract. 2 months in you discover the T has painted the living room black?

BobQ

OP you have not given enough details to be certain but:

(a) Do you know for a fact that they are not going to return the light fittings to the originals? Could they have these stored in the loft ready to do? Or will they leave the new fittings? Either way you can insist on an electrician testing the installation.

(b) where they have channelled out cables and filled them in have they re-papererd or just painted? Again an electrican can tell what they have done.

(c) do you know for a fact that they do not intend repainting walls in original colours?

(d) What happened to the original carpets? Were they just damaged and replaced with cheaper stuff? Or were they concerned they would damage them so rolled them up and put them in the loft with the intention of relaying them?

I agree they should have asked you before making changes but until you know what they intend I see no point in making an issue now they are leaving. Simply list the things you expect them to rectify and see what they say.

Regarding the fence if its over 5 years old surely you would have expected some treatment on the wood?

emilybean

As a tenant I wouldn't even hang pictures without permission. Can't believe some of these responses.

MERFE

If I had to put my property back to the state I got it in I'd need to paint my bedroom orange - badly and chuck some food at the walls. So glad I have a reasonable landlady and needn't worry about contacting her everytime we think the place needs a fresh coat of paint. Been here 4 years now and I think the gloss work needs doing so that will be this summers job.

I actually choose the place because it looked a mess so I didn't have to worry about the kids creating more wear and tear and we could decorate. Everytime the estate agents visited they'd freak at the different coloured walls - as if they would have ever lived with it in the state it was.

19lottie82

emilybean wrote: »

As a tenant I wouldn't even hang pictures without permission. Can't believe some of these responses.

i am onside with the OP. I also wouldn't re decorate without permission from the LL, if i was renting. And likewise, if I was a LL I wouldn't want a tenant to take it upon themselves to redecorate my property if I was a LL, especially if it was to a very "unique" taste.

All I am saying is, that LEGALLY, a tenant is entitle to do what they like to the property that they rent, as long as it is returned at the end of the tenancy, in the original state.

Plenty of people may not agree with this, but that's the way it is.

Halle71

DRP wrote: »

They don't have to adhere to unfair terms, no.

I don't see how that is an unfair clause but beneficial to both.
Is it unfair to ask someone to check with you and agree colours before they decorate their home that they are renting from you? I would expect it to be in the tenants interest as I doubt any landlord would expect them to reverse it if they had given their approval.

If they hadn't checked and I did not like it I would expect them to be replaced with identical brand and colour paint and carpet which is why these are listed in my inventory.

19lottie82

Halle71 wrote: »

If they hadn't checked and I did not like it I would expect them to be replaced with identical brand and colour paint and carpet which is why these are listed in my inventory.

Yes that is totally fair and enforceable.

The point is, you cannot enforce a clause that says they cannot decorate without your permission while they live in your property, because they can. They don't need your permission to decorate.

What they do need however, is to return the property back to it's original state (paint, carpets and so on) when it is returned to you, if you request it.

If they do not, you can make deductions from their deposit to arrange this yourself. If the deposit will not cover the costs, you can bill them for the excess amount, and sue them in the small claims court if necessary.

globetraveller

freeisgood wrote: »

Not only all this, but they have thrown away the original carpets. That is sort of theft is it not?

maybe they haven't thrown them out- perhaps they sold them

Pixie5740

A_Couple_In_Love wrote: »

However much you don't like it, its true.

Your renting, make yourself feel at home, but don't turn it into your OWN HOME.

If you want your OWN, buy one.

Baloney. Just becuase you rent somewhere it does not make it any less your home. A home is more than just bricks and mortar (or steel frame and breeze block as the case may be).

It is the LL's property but the T's home.