Typically, it is the landlord’s job to make necessary renovations or contact a professional unless otherwise stipulated in the lease agreement. However, there comes a time in almost every landlord’s career when you might not be able to fix what’s necessary promptly or make an appointment quickly enough. In these cases, should you allow tenants to make renovations?
When Should You Allow Tenants To Make Renovations?
Ideally, tenants should always ask your permission before making any renovation, no matter how big or small, so that you can go over the details. Small renovations that are reversible, such as paint jobs and other minor projects, can be done by tenants and save you time. If you can quickly fix it yourself if something goes awry, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Even if the tenant is a contractor or worker in the field of a specific renovation, you should explicitly agree on all the details before moving forward.
When Should You Not Allow Tenants To Make Renovations?
You or a professional should do any renovation involving utilities or demolition. Also, if a renovation is not explicitly necessary or doesn’t benefit the property, it probably shouldn’t be done. Not only can this damage your property, but if they require specific permits, it can get you into legal trouble as the property owner.
What To Put in Your Lease Agreement
To ensure all your bases are covered, you should clearly state who is responsible for which renovations, the process for making a renovation, and who is responsible for payment. If a tenant makes a renovation without your permission and damages part of your property, the tenant is liable to pay for repairs. However, in some states, the landlord may have to deduct the repair cost from the rent if the renovation was necessary.
When deciding whether you should allow tenants to make renovations, it comes down to ensuring that you are explicitly clear on renovation policies in your agreement and whether the project is simple and easily reversible. However, if you’re struggling to keep up with renovations, Excalibur Homes has a property management team in Nashville to help you with any tasks you may be struggling with as a landlord.
