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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Dated rental property

83 replies

Clappingforjoy · 21/03/2021 16:22

That's my rental dated throughout.
Old fashioned bevelled glass doors, artex everywhere, 30 year old carpets painting outside, something needs doing in the garden to make it lower maintenance and a landlord who doesnt want to spend. I am happy in regards to area and the space I have layout etc.
Would you spend out of your own pocket to bring it up to date. I guess I'm just looking to see if folks on here have spent on thier rental or is it a daft idea what's the limits.

OP posts:
Stellaris22 · 21/03/2021 16:25

Depends on how secure you feel in your property and if you have a decent landlord. I'd be worried about spending your own money making the property nice only to be evicted for no reason later. But I've had bad experience with nasty, money driven landlords.

We are in a similar situation and considering replacing the carpets with our own money, as we finally have a good landlord and been here over five years.

Original poster
Clappingforjoy · 21/03/2021 16:28

Well in the past he tried to sell it at auction twice for around 45.000 but wasnt successfull each time so I'm wary although he says he has no plans to sell now.

OP posts:
Treacletoots · 21/03/2021 16:30

You pays your money, you take your choice I guess OP. Hopefully you've got this rental a little cheaper because it's not very up to date.

It's entirely your call whether you choose to carry out updates with your own cash, that is, if you've checked in with your landlord first. Some won't mind but others will, and from personal experience I had my tenants paint their house with the most revolting khaki green, and so so badly, I regretted saying to them, I didn't mind if they changed the colour.

Remember, your landlord may not always agree with you that any upgrades you carry out actually are an upgrade and they could take it from your deposit to rectify if you don't get permission.

The landlord is responsible for the property being safe but decor wise, it's up to you whether it's acceptable.

FenceSplinters · 21/03/2021 16:30

I’ve had bad experiences in the past with a landlord. She said we could decorate, and then claimed we had ruined her property. Be very wary.

Original poster
Clappingforjoy · 21/03/2021 16:31

I'm actually amazed it didnt sell it's got wonderful potential but I suspect it's to do with the dated aspect, polystyrene ceilings, no proper fixed heating

OP posts:
MadeOfStarStuff · 21/03/2021 16:32

Don’t spend money on a property you don’t own! It’s crazy to spend money on a property you could be given notice on at any time. If you’re really unhappy with it then find somewhere less dated to rent or save the money you would’ve spent towards a deposit on your own place (if your flat couldn’t sell for £45K it doesn’t sound like you’re in a ridiculously expensive part of the country)

CareBear50 · 21/03/2021 16:33

OP....would he sell the property to you? Could you afford it?

Original poster
Clappingforjoy · 21/03/2021 16:33

He never had a deposit anyway just one months rent up front I dont think he is that clued up as a landlord.

OP posts:
Original poster
Clappingforjoy · 21/03/2021 16:33

West Midlands

OP posts:
covetingthepreciousthings · 21/03/2021 16:34

Are you getting the rent cheaper? If not, I'd consider moving somewhere less dated. I'd be miserable with 30yr old carpets etc.

I think all landlords should be responsible for keeping their rentals in good upkeep, I know you can't expect the house to be perfect, but I would hope they'd replace carpets every 15 or so years at least. I don't think there's any rules regarding this though if everything is in working order and not completely falling apart..

Have you asked the landlord if he would replace the carpets? What was his reply?

Original poster
Clappingforjoy · 21/03/2021 16:34

I asked him carebare but he was non committal and tried to make out he paid double to what I offered.

OP posts:
madamegazelle1 · 21/03/2021 16:34

I wouldn't spend money on it no matter how secure you feel- my friend has twice spent large sums on properties after being assured they had the rental long term but burn times the landlord decided to sell

OneRingToRuleThemAll · 21/03/2021 16:35

I knew someone who spent on their rental property, they were then evicted and the landlord got someone else paying more rent in.

ReceptacleForTheRespectable · 21/03/2021 16:35

@Clappingforjoy

Well in the past he tried to sell it at auction twice for around 45.000 but wasnt successfull each time so I'm wary although he says he has no plans to sell now.
Don't spend a penny. He's already made it clear he'd sell if he could, so you have no real security.
Stellaris22 · 21/03/2021 16:36

OP could you check on Zoopla or similar to see how much the property was purchased for?

ReceptacleForTheRespectable · 21/03/2021 16:36

Also, if you make it nicer, it'll actually make it easier for him to sell. It would be madness.

BaronessBomburst · 21/03/2021 16:37

Are polystyrene ceilings legal in a rental? I think they're considered a fire risk.
I bet there's no electricial certificate either.

But in answer to your question, don't spend any money that you're not prepared to loose.

knittingaddict · 21/03/2021 16:37

I would move if I hated it that much.

ReceptacleForTheRespectable · 21/03/2021 16:37

@Stellaris22

OP could you check on Zoopla or similar to see how much the property was purchased for?
Does it matter? Even if he bought it for 2p, if he doesn't want to sell it for what the OP is offering, he doesn't have to.
MumofPsuedoAdult · 21/03/2021 16:38

@MadeOfStarStuff

Don’t spend money on a property you don’t own! It’s crazy to spend money on a property you could be given notice on at any time. If you’re really unhappy with it then find somewhere less dated to rent or save the money you would’ve spent towards a deposit on your own place (if your flat couldn’t sell for £45K it doesn’t sound like you’re in a ridiculously expensive part of the country)
I disagree. I think it depends on how secure you actually feel there. It's your home. I've been in a rental for 14 years and my landlord has always told me he has no plan to sell - in fact I think he's more worried about me leaving but I have no plans either, it's my home. Over the years I've spent money making the garden how I want it and I've painted rooms to make it comfortable for me. I wouldn't pay for big changes (like new kitchen) but I think cosmetic changes that will make you more comfortable are fine.
Stellaris22 · 21/03/2021 16:39

OP stated they made an enquiry and landlord stated they paid more than they offered, so was simply offering advice re checking how much the landlord did buy the property for.

ReceptacleForTheRespectable · 21/03/2021 16:40

I think it depends on how secure you actually feel there.

In this case the landlord has actively tried to sell the house. Twice.

Original poster
Clappingforjoy · 21/03/2021 16:40

I did ask coveting and at first he said can I go half then next time he said get a price but in the meantime he has had to spend on the electrics and a new cooker so I've left it for now

OP posts:
Original poster
Clappingforjoy · 21/03/2021 16:41

I googled he paid 48.000 for it

OP posts:
purpleme12 · 21/03/2021 16:41

No I wouldn't spend the money on it
My
I rent and this house needs a fair bit doing to it. It really needs repainting everywhere. The kitchen needs updating.
They windows need sorting
And probably more
I haven't done any and I'm glad I didn't cos the landlord's selling it now