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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:

carly2803 · 13/12/2019 15:44

aboslutely bloody not!!

cheesewitheverything · 13/12/2019 15:45

The tenant works somewhere that sells bathrooms and kitchens eh? So they'd get you a special deal? Ha! That would never work out well. Don't even think of it, they are just being CF.

Redred2429 · 13/12/2019 15:51

Absolutely not op I would say no now they will just keep wanting more

Wild123 · 13/12/2019 15:57

If they didnt like the decor then that should not have signed the contract to move on. Or at least asked the question beforehand.

Tell them no OP (coming from someone who rents).

Fairenuff · 13/12/2019 16:00

I wouldn't have even changed the flooring if there was nothing wrong with it and it was just a matter of taste. You are making a rod for your own back OP.

leckford · 13/12/2019 16:04

When my brother and I rented out my dad’s old house we were asked to do this. The letting agent advised us not to as he had never seen a happy ending. They have taken the house as it is, just say no.

kinsss · 13/12/2019 16:04

Another no here. Else it will never end really. Stay firm!

My late mum's house was rented out for 18 years while she lived elsewhere that suited her needs better. We as her kids updated the kitchen and bathrooms before first letting. As new lettings emerged we made sure everything was looking good and very clean, and a friend would tighten loose screws and another checked the plumbing etc. We of course redecorated over the years between lettings.

We replaced faulty washing machines, cooker, next day or on the day where possible. Just got the house back as Mum has sadly passed away and it is in great order. Thankfully. On the market two weeks now and five offers so far!

Say NO my love but keep it maintained.

Badabingbadabum · 13/12/2019 16:07

I'm a tenant and want a new kitchen and bathroom. But I absolutely would not ask for one! I wouldn't chose to rent anywhere that was clearly in need of repair. Don't do it, OP!

rwalker · 13/12/2019 16:08

There taking the piss

NotStayingIn · 13/12/2019 16:14

They are really taking the piss! Wow.

CalmFizz · 13/12/2019 16:27

They can have a new bloody kitchen and bathroom when they own their own home.

Or they pay the rent on a place with a higher end kitchen and bathroom.

SweetAsSpice · 13/12/2019 16:29

No OP. They’ve already changed your floors. If you keep saying yes there’ll be no end to it. Say no and request all future communication go through property manager/estate agent.

AJPTaylor · 13/12/2019 16:31

Refuse to engage any further.
They are getting what they agreed to. This is a contract, not homes under the hammer

cakeandchampagne · 13/12/2019 16:32

No.
You might let them know there will be no further remodeling/upgrading.
Repairs only.

Lulualla · 13/12/2019 16:34

Why did you pay to change the flooring? Was there something wrong with it?

And why are you thinking about buying a new kitchen and a bathroom?

I really don't understand why you think you need to do that. The house is fit for purpose, relatively new fittings which work well and look clean and neutral. It's a rental so that's what they get. If they want to choose a kitchen and bathroom then they can buy their own house or pay for it themselves (but you need to get final approval).

Why are you just chucking money away because your tenants have told you to?

thecalmorchid · 13/12/2019 16:34

I think rental kitchens and bathrooms are replaced about every 10 years or so depending on wear.

I'd just reply that you will be replacing these in due course as they are fully suitable for the foreseeable future. That kitchens and bathrooms are replaced every 10 years.

That you would consider giving them permission to change the kitchen and bathroom. This would be providing the work was with a agreed reputable company and you were consulted regarding colour etc.

Sweetandawfulsour · 13/12/2019 16:36

As a tenant I’d say wait it out and see how they are with payments and maintenance.
Maybe in the future allow them to pay for the professional respray/painting of existing cabinets, and suggest high quality vinyl for the worktops if they’re that keen to do.
I wouldn’t expect my current LL to entertain the idea. We’ve tarted up someone else’s house and I’m sure when we leave she’ll be able to whack £200+ onto the rent.

Womenwotlunch · 13/12/2019 16:37

Absolutely not

Lulualla · 13/12/2019 16:37

@thecalmorchid

That's council properties. They replace them even if they are in great condition after that time, which they can be.

There is no time requirement for changing kitchens and bathrooms. They just need to be functional.

Fairenuff · 13/12/2019 16:38

I wouldn't let them make any changes to kitchen or bathroom even if they paid for it themselves. They are paying to live in the property as it has been provided. That's it.

RB68 · 13/12/2019 16:40

No you say what is there is well done and serviceable if not as up to date as it could be it is more than sufficient for a rented property.

If they want to go ahead with a new kitchen it would be at their cost and risk, any damage to the property would need to be covered by them and a deposit would need to be placed until work completed and inspected at which point it could be refunded - I wld set that at around 2.5k myself as they can do untold damage with poor trades

gamerchick · 13/12/2019 16:43

They're trying it on. The place they work at will have targets on sales and for bonuses if they get them. Tell them no.

RB68 · 13/12/2019 16:43

oh and as to white goods most Landlords leave them with the priviso that if they break they are not responsible to replace them as they are not part of the rental.

The only time they are is usually student rentals and then often they are new every year as students have no idea fridges need cleaning!!

bobstersmum · 13/12/2019 16:54

Don't be ridiculous. Only replace anything for a tenant if it's broken or not fit for use! They saw the property before they signed up for it I assume?

Spitsandspots · 13/12/2019 16:57

Where on earth did they live before? Bizarre that they would even think it’s acceptable to request it tbh.

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