Should you allow your tenants to redecorate? It’s only natural as a landlord to feel protective of your property.

The idea of your tenant reworking your magnolia walls may be enough to fill you with dread, but if that tenant is so determined that they will consider moving elsewhere then it may be time to reconsider.

Let’s look at some of the ways you can navigate this often-sticky situation.

There are various factors that can come in to play when deciding on whether to allow your tenant to redecorate your property.

First, you will need to consider the scale of the request.

If they want to paint just a few walls in a small bathroom or bedroom, then you could quite quickly remedy their paint job later down the line.

However, if the room is quite large it may make things more challenging for you and extend the time it takes you to get the property ‘market ready’ upon their exit.

You also need to weigh up how difficult it will be to relist your property should you refuse them, and they consequently leave.

If you found it very hard to fill your property in the past, then refusing your tenant a request that could make them feel at home for longer could be unwise.

They key here is good communication with your tenant as their may be grounds for compromise.

By honest discussion with your tenant you may be able to agree on a situation which keeps both parties happy.

This could be that the tenant agrees to pay a fee for the costs of redecorating a wall or room at the end of their tenancy.

It might be that they work with you to find a colour that you approve of, or it might be that you allow them to go ahead provided the job is carried out by a professional painter.

This will ensure that the paintwork is finished nicely and there is no damage to flooring or fittings.

If you refuse your tenant the opportunity to redecorate and then find upon leaving that they have gone ahead and done the work without your permission, then you should be able to claim on your tenant’s deposit and return it to it’s former state ready for someone new to move in.

For more tips and advice for landlords, please click here, or alternatively call us on 01904 650650 to find out how we can help you effectively market your property.

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