Home improvements can be big or small. Even doing something as simple as changing the curtains can count as a home improvement. The thing is that even minor adjustments could be prohibited if you’re a tenant. Even if you want to do something like hang art, you might want to consult your landlord first. You must know the rules before you start to make improvements to a rented property so you won’t get in trouble with the law and your landlord. Let’s take a look at a few things you should do before you make changes to a rented property.
Make Sure that You’re Allowed
The very first thing you want to do is check the lease and see if you are allowed to make improvements in the first place. If you aren’t and you perform the renovations anyway, your landlord may ask you to change things back, which will cost you. They might also decide to withhold your deposit or evict you.
On the other hand, they might be open to certain renovations and might even foot the bill if they feel it’s adding value. Try to negotiate as much as you can. If you’ve been with them for a while and have been an outstanding tenant who always pays on time, point this out. If you can’t get them to pay for it, they could pay part of it, give you a rent reduction, or you could have your lease extended.
Make Sure it’s Worth It
Another thing you want to do is consider if you’ll be able to actually enjoy the renovations. For instance, if you intend to leave soon, then it might not be worth the money and effort. Another thing that could happen is that the landlord could end up loving the changes you made so much that he decides to increase your rent. They could even decide to kick you out. So, think twice about doing something too extensive.
Ask for an Inspection
Depending on what you want to do, you might want to get an inspection done first. If you want to do something such as adding dimmers, light fixtures, or a ceiling fan, we suggest you get an electrical certificate provided by your landlord. Electricalsafetycertificate.co.uk explains what a Landlord Electrical Certificate is and how often an inspection should be performed. It also explains exactly what the inspection consists of so you know which system will be checked and how. This is also a great guide for landlords who want to stay compliant.
Faulty wiring can be an issue and you could also have amperage issues when installing new lighting elements. This is something you’ll have to discuss with the landlord. You could also have them installed by an electrician if you want to make sure.
These are all things you’ll have to consider before making cosmetic changes as a tenant. The most important factors are making sure that you’re transparent and knowing what will happen after the improvements to the rented property are completed.
