Landlords: Would you allow this?

[mumsandaunties]

We’re looking at rental properties for a period of up to a year. There’s a couple listed which would be great location wise, and are well priced, but are dated…specifically having no shower, just a bath with taps and a handheld attachment.

Would a landlord be likely to allow us to replace the taps with a shower riser? And potentially a screen to replace the curtain? We would have a professional do the job, not a diy effort?

Yes most landlords would. But they'd want to know exactly what you planned, be confident it enhanced the property and have it done professionally.

You can imagine the risks of a bodge job with water leaks etc. So it wouldn't be a personal criticism.

If they allowed us to pick or vet the workman, yes I would! And you agree in writing to leave it at the end.

Have you asked if they would fund or contribute to the cost? This is also something we would consider if it enhanced the rentability of our property.

We’re only at the viewing stage, but it’s good to know that it’s likely to be an option.

thank you

not if you are renting for less than a year. if you were potentially a 5 year rental (or at least, you indicate you want to stay long term), then a landlord is much more likely to agree to changes.

We already have showers in all but 1 property and the size and shape of that one makes it impossible to have a shower or riser. They have to make do with a bath. They do have a bath screen though. I'm not keen on tenants doing things with water pipes or electrics. For that reason I supply washing machines, tumble dryers in all houses I rent out and also a dishwasher if there is room.

We rented a house once with a shower and no bath and had our first child and really wanted a bath
we were good long term Tennants the landlord got the quote to put a bath in (keeping the shower as overhead) and some tiling and a screen and new flooring and it came to £700 and he said if we paid the £400 he’d pay the £300 but it was HIS contractor. This was 14-15 years ago now but we wanted it so we paid and we lived there for over 10 years and he rented it to a family after us who no doubt would also have wanted a bath!

What’s a shower riser?

One of those hose type tap attachments is guess?

No. It'll be a mixer tap with shower attachment. The riser is what attaches to the wall to hold the shower head. Like this: www.dunelm.com/product/shower-head-and-riser-set-1000140356?defaultSkuId=30609709

I would offer a bit more over asking price if the works are costly and current rent is cheap and in the offer asked the LL to make these changes within a certain timeframe.
LLs are nervous when it comes to their properties as it has to do with insurance, and often have a go to tradesperson.

Bit cheeky to expect them to raise their rental payment offer if they are doing something to improve the property at their own expense, surely?

Sorry, I mean they pay slightly higher rent but LL pays for the improvements.

Yes but I ask that the installer is recommended by the agent that way there is no comeback

Yes, something like this which is really just changing the tap for one with a pole and showerhead.

A good range of opinions here.. thanks everyone.

https://www.bathroommountain.co.uk/lismore-square-chrome-shower-riser-kit-23008?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18613938445&gbraid=0AAAAACc_ik_PUT9c2o-Q8T40T_jQDCv-7&gclid=CjwKCAjwvNfSBhBiEiwAyaGMCTgyWVVd6rhNVdlFgeqxz8jlmw8vo_wuRgfBqbz_t1Ta4yp8sGQb9RoCU-IQAvD_BwE

I’m a landlord myself and to be fair - if a tenant had requested an upgrade like this then it is something that I’d probably pay for.

It isn’t an unreasonable request but I’d make it clear that a professional does the work (and they have liability insurance etc)

It would be impossible to evict for doing it anyway, and as long as it is returned to the same state on leaving the landlord couldnt charge or anything after.

I live in an apartment and have a shower like that.
It's brilliant. (2 of us live here).

I'd hate to be lying in dirty bath water...

Gosh, well after viewing it’s a beautiful flat, but the current tenants are smokers, and the carpets are ruined. Lack of shower is the least of the problems!

So another question for all you landlords…if a smoker moved out would you expect to be able to re-let without a full repaint and recarpet?

I would never let to a smoker. I would,however be open to installing a shower, but would leave it to my agent to organise it

It's not like you can know befoe, or do anything about it afterwards to get rid of them.

If the walls and carpets are in that much of a state, and the landlord didn’t explain that they were going to be addressing them, then it’s a sign that it’s their normal. I have had dirty tenants, but I would definitely be making it clear at the viewing stage that the place will be repainted and anything damaged would be replaced.

I can't imagine renting out a property with just a bath like that, unless the head height was SO low that a shower riser wouldn't fit! If we were asked about this, we'd get our own handyman/plumber do the works and likely pay for it ourselves.

As for the smokers, it depends if the carpets and walls still stunk after being professionally cleaned.