Why would a tradesperson ask this?

[RedskyLastNight]

Plasterer turns up this morning to replaster a ceiling (we have some building work going on, but he's been subcontracted by our main building company so not met him before).

Show him the room that needs plastering. He says he assumes that we are renting the house.

Why would a tradesperson (a) assume this and (b) need to know?

The only reason I can think of for (a) is that maybe he mostly does rented property? But no clue for (b).

Because sometimes we open our mouths and stupid comes out. Because your walls are all magnolia or white. Because that's the default in his head. Because you look young. Because you don't have much stuff. Because he knew the people who lived there before you, and they rented. Because the house doesn't smell of dog. Honestly it's not worth the headspace.

Could potentially be checking who'll pay him.

I think it's to do with payment too.

Is he checking about rights to make alterations to the property?

When we had our exterior rendering re-done the guy said something along the lines 'Assuming you actually own this place, right?!' in a half-joking manner.......but I guess if tenants did serious remodelling on a property it might cause trouble?

If you were renting I'd expect the landlord to arrange and pay.

I would have thought him being subcontracted the main company they would be paying him so all I can think is either he was making conversation or this company he's contratced with is used more by landlords.

May be JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff is right we had a few people check that when we were getting quotes for various things like windows and electrics - in a of course you are but we have to ask kind of way.