This guest post was contributed by Megan Sullivan is a stay-at-home mother of two daughters in San Diego, Calif. In her free time, she volunteers at a local church, jogs, swims, spends time with her family and writes about her life. Megan has been happily married to her husband, Jack, for 15 years.
In today’s economy, asking your landlord for apartment updates or improvements might seem out of the question, but there are ways to make a convincing case as a tenant that won’t upset or annoy the home owner.
1. Fulfill your responsibilities as a tenant
Being an exceptional tenant makes for a universal case to get renovations for your apartment/house done without extra costs. This includes complying by the housing code standards and really understanding your lease. In addition to early or on time rent payments and maintaining good credit (through companies like WilliamPaid) make the case that you are a valuable resident.
It also doesn’t hurt being a reliable and trustworthy neighbor to other people living in your building or area.
2. Do your research and be prepared
In order to convince your landlord, you need to produce facts and figures. For this, the best place to start off is your neighborhood. Check what trends are being followed in terms of home modifications and how it has impacted home value. Also, consider the economy of real estate, and explain modification as an investment.
Not only is this helping you but it also can be a resource to your landlord. For instance, the government has a Making Home Affordable program under which people can get help to increase the value of their real estate.
3. Economize your investments
The best way to economize investments is to showcase the cost effectiveness of the venture. Retailers such as Home Depot are always a good bet for getting maintenance related tasks done for meager costs. On the other hand, Travertine Mart and other specialized outlets will be useful for more extensive improvements such as stylish tile flooring. They will also keep the cost low along while adding appeal.
In addition, mention any tax credit that the landlord can get out of the updates. It would really help your case if you offer to get bids from contractors for the changes.
4. Revisit your lease agreement
There is also a possibility that you have a policy for renovations in your lease. This would help you get reimbursement for such repairs. Conventionally, tenants have rights to minor repairs, which although do not cover a lot, may be sufficient every now and then. The legal obligations of your landlord include the terms of your lease, written promises, state or local building regulations and state based laws for landlord and tenants.
Evaluate what repairs in your home are manageable within your rights and law. You can write an application to your landlord along with the pictures of the areas that need modification, improvement or repairs. Also consider if the landlord has insurance for the apartment that covers repairs.
5. Make a reasonable payment strategy
While you are working your case, you can offer ways in which the payment for updates would be stipulated. You can either send the bill directly to your landlord or deduct the payment out of your rent. Opt for the one which is in the best interest of the landlord.
Keep in mind: when you sign the lease agreement with the landlord, there are certain provisions that they are mandated by the law to adhere to. Remember that reasonable living conditions are your lawful demand. If these conditions are being compromised, use the legal imperative as your argument. If the updates are strictly not within the gambit of the agreement, then you can make a sound case using the pointers provided above.
