Returning to original state vs fair wear & tear?

kimwp

Personally I think if it's been painted really dark colours or multicoloured, then probably those rooms should be returned to white as that will take several layers. And if the new tile isn't neutral, probably that should be replaced - tiles last forever without abuse. So anything that could have lasted that long or has been changed in a way that makes it unreasonably difficult to make it renter friendly again.

But it wouldn't be reasonable to expect new flooring or light coloured paint to be painted over.

Doozergirl

kimwp said:

Personally I think if it's been painted really dark colours or multicoloured, then probably those rooms should be returned to white as that will take several layers. And if the new tile isn't neutral, probably that should be replaced - tiles last forever without abuse. So anything that could have lasted that long or has been changed in a way that makes it unreasonably difficult to make it renter friendly again.

But it wouldn't be reasonable to expect new flooring or light coloured paint to be painted over.

You don't think that the landlord should have redecorated at all or replaced the carpets in 20 years?  If the house had 10 tenants in that time instead of one, would you still think it was the job of the tenants to have sorted it for them?  

Because it wouldn't be lettable (and the colour is therefore irrelevant) when the landlord has sat back and done nothing for 20 years.  The tenant is any landlord's dream.  

housebuyer143

I think everyone agrees that you don't need to go anything, but whether they want to, to save relations with him is another.
Have they been paying low rent for 20 years? How much would it cost to throw in the cheapest carpets?

martindow

You mention that the LL also rents out business premises.  In commercial leases it is common for there to be onerous repairing clauses in the contract requiring tenants to return premises repainted and renovated.  It is possible that he is not familiar with domestic rentals and needs to be put right on this.  In the circumstances this needs to be done gently and tactfully to keep things friends with the LL.

user1977

martindow said:

You mention that the LL also rents out business premises.  In commercial leases it is common for there to be onerous repairing clauses in the contract requiring tenants to return premises repainted and renovated.  It is possible that he is not familiar with domestic rentals and needs to be put right on this.  In the circumstances this needs to be done gently and tactfully to keep things friends with the LL.

Yes, I was about to suggest it might be this sort of misunderstanding to blame.