Decorating while tenants are in the property

Lovem

Hi,
Our rental house is currently on the market but I really feel it needs decorating e.g. Update bathroom tiles, add spotlights etc.

Nothing is in the contract about this. However, is it unacceptable of me to ask can the work be done? Contract will be rolling month to month after march (we are happy with this)

G_M

You're the landlord?

Ask the tenants. What do they say? Personally I'd expect them to request a significant rent reduction for the inconvenience or to deny you access.

But who knows? Sometimes unscrupulous LLs get away with all sorts.

Is this the same property that's already on the market? Selling with tenants in situ will discourage many buyers.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=72009827&postcount=1241

Wait till the fixed term ends, serve s S21, wait for the tenants to leave, decorate, then advertise the sale.

jd87

If they're about to move out soon (and thus won't get any benefit from the work) then surely it's reasonable that if you want to be allowed to do the work, then you should compensate them for the inconvenience.

Lovem

I was just here looking at photos and thinking what needs to be done. I have not asked the tenants about updating etc (kitchen respray would be done when the property is vacant)

G_M

Lovem wrote: »

Hi, yes I am the landlord. I have not asked them on how they would feel about it.

yes, it is the same property. As soon as an offer is accepted that will be the end of the rolling contract month to month. (We have discussed this with the tenants)

So you expect them to put up with

a) strangers poking around viewing their home
b) surveyors/gas engineers etc doing likewise
c) decorators etc occupying their home, making a mess, invading their privacy etc

and in return you expext them to move out as soon as it is convenient for you?

:eek: :eek: :eek:

The rent has already been at a major reduction for three nearly 4 years.

What has that got to do with anything? For whatever reason you chose to let at that rent. They agreed to rent a home from you at that monthly amount. Now you want to do a), b) & c) above, and that is altering the terms of the agreement.

Sadly I can't reduce it further.

Sadly you may have to. Or postpone your plans.

Hopefully your tenants will come on this forum for advice.......

elsien

I don't think that's a nasty reply - it's pretty much what I was thinking.
The work you are wanting to do is quite disruptive. Which your tenants might be more willing to put up with if there was any benefit to them. But there isn't.
Look at it from their angle - what's in it for them, other than having to move more quickly if the work prompts a quicker sale? If you want them to cooperate you're going to need to offer some sort of incentive.

Lovem

elsien wrote: »

I don't think that's a nasty reply - it's pretty much what I was thinking.
The work you are wanting to do is quite disruptive. Which your tenants might be more willing to put up with if there was any benefit to them. But there isn't.
Look at it from their angle - what's in it for them, other than having to move more quickly if the work prompts a quicker sale? If you want them to cooperate you're going to need to offer some sort of incentive.

I see your point I do. I have not approached the tenant etc to ask. I was just here looking at the photos and saw what needs to be done

Arleen

Lovem wrote: »

Hi,
It was more the "hopefully your tenants post on the forum part" that I find uncalled for and nasty for asking a simple question. Not all landlords don't give a hoot about their tenants welfare etc. I can assure you the tenants have always been put first. Not many landlords would not take a deposit, rent free for about 9 months then get that as a lump sum and give it straight back to the tenant. Hence why I found that comment so uncalled for and nasty

Because you feel threatened if they came here, seeking advice about the situation? If you are doing as good by them as you claim, you shouldn't worry at all. But from your replies it seems like it's not as rosy from their end as you think it may be.

From tenant perspective if my LL asked about that, I would work with him and figure out a deal. To claim "I have been excellend landlord, and you ask for a deal now", my response would be either "well, and i have been an excellent tenant' or, if in more salty mood "well, guess you will have to wait till we move out then. Was nice seeing you, good bye" because that would be, well, quite arrogant. At least in this tenants opinion.

Lovem

Arleen wrote: »

Because you feel threatened if they came here, seeking advice about the situation? If you are doing as good by them as you claim, you shouldn't worry at all. But from your replies it seems like it's not as rosy from their end as you think it may be.

From tenant perspective if my LL asked about that, I would work with him and figure out a deal. To claim "I have been excellend landlord, and you ask for a deal now", my response would be either "well, and i have been an excellent tenant' or, if in more salty mood "well, guess you will have to wait till we move out then. Was nice seeing you, good bye" because that would be, well, quite arrogant. At least in this tenants opinion.

Speculation and jumping to conclusions.

Lovem

I am no longer going to reply to this. I asked a simple question! That's it a simple question to have people speculate about a tenant relationship they have no idea about. Jumping to conclusions because I simply asked about if it's unacceptable of me to ask to decorate the property? Can't believe it. I don't have to justify myself.
All I asked was about decorating ...

[Deleted User]

I did have my LL ask if he could send a decorator in (he even replaced the split laminate flooring I'd been putting up with for four years with him refusing to replace it). My reaction was:

1) what about those weeks of pain (I have a few physical problems) while sanding and painting because that prat told me it would make it easier to get another LL to buy, then it was just standard buyers who came round.
2) I am stressed enough packing up, the last thing I need is being told to move boxes around (again not easy because of the pain I get) and carry on packing.
3) If the LL had been reasonable with me, I'd have been more prepared to put up with a little inconvenience.., as it was, no chance.

I refused to allow decorating happen while I was in there.

Your situation may well be different.