What can you renovate in a rented apartment without your landlord’s permission your landlord’s permission? It’s an easy answer, but you might not be happy to hear: nothing! When making renovation-requiring changes to your home, you always need to check with the landlord, whether this is changing the paint color in the hall or installing a new appliance unless you have a clause in your lease giving you the green light on your project.
Don’t be downhearted, though your renovation dreams aren’t necessarily over. Below, we will take you through the renovation requests that are most likely to meet with a thumbs up from your landlord and the best ways to approach the request.
What Category Does the Renovation Work Fall Under?
Firstly, determine which category the renovation work falls under to determine how likely your landlord is to approve your request and how best to present your case. Broadly, there are three kinds of renovations: repair of safety hazards, commercially desirable, and personally desirable upgrades.
The first kind your landlord may have a duty to carry out at their own expense. Unless, of course, something you did or didn’t do caused the issue. In this case, while they are still responsible for the repairs, you may need to contribute at least partially towards the cost. Other types of work that fall into this category include installing a grab rail in the shower or upgrading the security system. These are likely to be approved.
The most commercially desirable upgrades to the property are the most likely to get the landlord’s seal of approval. Always remember that you ask your landlord to make a business decision when you ask for permission to undertake the renovation work. If the changes make the property more desirable to future tenants, they’ll likely be approved.
And the final category is personally desirable renovations. These include painting the living room a bold color that is your favorite (but may be different from everyone’s taste) or installing a custom, stand-out light fitting. Such requests may or may not be approved, depending on the individual landlord and your relationship with them. Where a request is granted, be aware that you may be required to put the property back to its original condition at the end of the lease, which means repainting that living room wall and taking down the giant chandelier.
Asking Your Landlord for Permission to Undertake Renovation Work
So now we’ve covered the types of renovation work most likely to be approved by your landlord; it’s time to do the actual asking. A good relationship with your landlord will mean your application has a greater chance of acceptance.
It’s important to put everything in writing and keep records of everything. In your letter asking for permission to undertake work on the property, incorporate all the basics, like your address, the landlord’s address, and the date, and include the details of the project or work you’re proposing. If the work that needs doing is related to a hazard or the tenant’s health and safety, describe the impact of undertaking and not undertaking the work. You may also detail a timeframe for the project.
Increasing Your Chances of Getting the Landlord’s Approval
There are a few things you can do to boost your chances of getting a yes from your landlord when it comes to personally or commercially desirable alterations:
● Lay out your case clearly and stress the added value the alterations could deliver.
● Make a written plan, including a timeline and costs for the project.
● If relevant and possible, offer to undertake the work yourself to save costs – this could be a big plus if you’re asking the landlord to pay for or contribute to the cost of the work.
● Be open to compromise. Your landlord may not agree to a complete kitchen renovation but may be willing to allow you to change certain appliances or counters.
● Try to be realistic in your expectations. Most landlords are unlikely to rubber stamp knocking down walls or paint the whole interior neon yellow.
Before arranging for a contractor to start work, remember to ensure you have personal liability insurance. This covers you if someone suffers an accident or injury in your home. This is often a clause in renters insurance policies. Check your current policy or look online to find out what else is covered by renters insurance before giving anyone the go-ahead to start work.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been granted permission for the renovation, congratulations! Now, you’re ready to get started on those exciting alternations and upgrades that’ll make your rental space feel even more like home.
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