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Original poster

Tenant wants new kitchen and bathroom?

78 replies

Lalaland234 · 13/12/2019 15:07

Wasn't sure to put this so feel free to move if necessary, mnhq.

We recently moved house and circumstances meant we decided to rent the property out instead of selling. New tenant moved in two weeks ago. They recently requested to change the flooring in the bathroom and Hallway (agreed to this, within budget and with our approval on colour etc). They've now mentioned about changing the kitchen and possibly bathroom.

The bathroom was redone two years ago and in good condition. It was done by a relative but who is a qualified builder/carpenter so done to a high standard. They just want something new?? We are happy for them to paint though. As for the kitchen, it's perfectly functional and in a decent state. It might not be to everyone's taste (white doors/black counters) but it's neutral and clean.

Where do we stand? The tenant works somewhere that sells bathrooms and kitchen so could probably get trade prices. However, for us, we're not exactly swimming in money. We have two young kids (one with emerging additional needs) so we are currently on one wage. It's not their problem I know, but the bathroom and kitchen are fine, it seems they just want it changed for aesthetic appeal. Do we have to change it?

OP posts:

Ladyratterley · 13/12/2019 15:08

No. Absolutely not. They are being ridiculous!

Hoppinggreen · 13/12/2019 15:09

No you dont

OhamIreally · 13/12/2019 15:10

They sound cheeky to me. They've been in two weeks? Presumably they saw the property before they signed the agreement?
Make like Zammo and Just Say No.

loveisagirlnameddaisy · 13/12/2019 15:10

No, you don't. They rented the property as seen and if the kitchen and bathroom are in good condition, it would appear they are suggesting it hoping ypu'll agree. But the choice is yours.

Ghostontoast · 13/12/2019 15:14

So you pay and they get a commission - no way!!

user1483387154 · 13/12/2019 15:15

no no no

ChristmasSpirtsOnTheRocksPleas · 13/12/2019 15:15

Of course you don’t. You can say you’ll allow them to make changes so long as they are done to a professional standard and approved by you first but I don’t think it’s reasonable to ask for anything more.

DobbyTheHouseElk · 13/12/2019 15:16

NO
NO
NO and another NO.

You decide, not the tenant. 2 year old bathroom will have loads of life left.

JoJoSM2 · 13/12/2019 15:17

Not sure why you’re even considering this and asking the question? It sounds like they have perfectly functional and neutrally decorated kitchen and bathroom. They’re being ridiculous.

LittleBearPad · 13/12/2019 15:17

Of course not. They are being ridiculous.

Sushiroller · 13/12/2019 15:18

Heck no.

milienhaus · 13/12/2019 15:20

Tbh even changing the floor blows my mind as someone who has been renting in London for 6 years. No of course you don’t have to change them, they are being cheeky!

milienhaus · 13/12/2019 15:22

Even giving them the freedom to paint is super generous of you in my experience.

Doggyfeet · 13/12/2019 15:23

Of course not! If they didn’t like it ( it all sounds functional), they should have chosen a rental property more to their own tastes.

JolieOBrien · 13/12/2019 15:25

No .. if it is in good working order they can't have a new bathroom or kitchen. I would like a new kitchen myself but I cannot afford it at the moment and will have to save up for it.

I let my tenants paint and decorate their houses how they want to.

Clangus00 · 13/12/2019 15:25

Eh no!

JBFletcher90 · 13/12/2019 15:27

Absolutely not OP!

Minor cosmetic changes, such as painting the wall a different colour or sticking up a few nails to hang picture frames etc are reasonable requests, but to fully renovate your kitchen and bathroom and then expect you to pay for it?!

I’d tell them to hop on their bike.

FruitcakeOfHate · 13/12/2019 15:28

NO! Just that.

Twickerhun · 13/12/2019 15:29

I’m a landlord and I say no, no and no and just to be sure a further hell no

msmith501 · 13/12/2019 15:33

Ask them to leave if they are not happy. Damaged units yes (or avocado) but yours sound perfectly functional. Unless they want to pay for them of course and donate them to you.

JolieOBrien · 13/12/2019 15:33

@Twickerhun

One of my tenants a single mum pulled the doors off the kitchen cabinets so she could have a new kitchen .... I got one of my workmen to re-attach them and told her if she did it again she would be paying for them to be fixed.

PaddingtonBrown · 13/12/2019 15:35

Absolutely no fucking way! If there's nothing wrong with it and it functions perfectly well then they're being ballsy twats in even asking you! Can't believe you're even questioning this. When we were tenants it was basic maintenance work that NEEDED to be done. And if we wanted something changing (ie minor decoration) we would pay for it ourselves. Our old kitchen was genuinely horrible, think painted tiles that was flaking off, no extractor fan (greasey walls) weird lay out etc absolutely no way would we have asked for a brand new kitchen because it did what it needed to do. Just because it wasn't to our taste would be no excuse.

Fairenuff · 13/12/2019 15:37

No. You really need to understand the terms of your contact with them or they are going to screw you over.

caringcarer · 13/12/2019 15:38

I am an experienced LL with a property portfolio of 6 rental houses. You are not required to change anything you think is OK. If bathroom was upgraded a couple of years ago and perfectly functional then say no. They rented property knowing condition of bathroom and kitchen.

In rental contract you should always state they can paint any colour they please but upon leaving must return to original neutral colour. As LL you make contract which should be very specific about what tenant can and can't do; their rights and responsibilities. If you are struggling with contract you can PM me and I will email you a blank copy of one we use. As a LL you will have to quickly learn to say no if needed.

I always think if I could live in the property as it is then a tenant should be able to as well. I would never ask a tenant to live in a property in a condition I would not live in myself. It is a good rule of thumb. Also breakdowns must be rectified quickly eg a broken washing machine should be replaced the same or next day.

FruitcakeOfHate · 13/12/2019 15:39

I'd make sure the agents go in and inspect it every quarter, too.

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