3 Tips to Inspire Your Landlord to Make Apartment Upgrades
For a landlord, owning and maintaining an apartment is always a business decision rather than a labor of love. That can be frustrating for renters, because unless something will add value to an apartment, a landlord is unlikely to act. That means many apartment dwellers are living in outdated spaces that aren't as functional as renters might like. You needn't be one of them if you follow these tips that can help convince your landlord to make upgrades to your apartment.
Offer to DIY
Compromise on Non-Permanent Changes
If your landlord isn't willing to support permanent changes to the property, put your heads together to devise non-permanent solutions to keep you both happy.
For example, if your apartment's floorboards are looking a little worn, you may want your landlord to replace them. If your request is declined, you could ask to lay down non-adhesive vinyl tiles over the top of the existing boards. This will give your apartment the fresh feel you want without impacting the floor underneath. You can also simply pick them up and take them with you when you move out. This upgrade won't cost your landlord anything, and you'll have the resources to decorate your next place in a similar fashion.
Show Your Commitment to the Property
Studies show dealing with a vacant rental property is the greatest expense for landlords. If you move out, your landlord will need to take time getting your apartment painted and cleaned, finding another tenant to move in, waiting for them to relocate, and much more. Then of course there's the cost of materials and labor to prepare the apartment for new renters and the relisting fee to consider. All this could easily amount to months of lost rent, or at least $6,000 to $7,000. Most landlords know the value of reliable, long-term tenants. Reminding your landlord of your commitment to the property could help get your upgrades approved.
You may not want to go as far as threatening to leave unless upgrades are performed, but there's nothing wrong with showing your displeasure. If you're currently on a month-to-month agreement, you might offer to sign a longer-term contract if your landlord agrees to your upgrade suggestions. You might also agree to a small rent increase to cover the cost of the upgrade.
Appeal to your landlord's business sense rather than tugging at the heartstrings, and you might be able to convince him or her to make the upgrades you'd love in your apartment.
Your landlord is financially responsible for any expenses related to upgrading the apartment. That means that in most cases, you'll need to convince your landlord to spend money on materials and labor.
If the upgrade is small or you have proven DIY skills, you can cut your landlord's cost, and make a more persuasive case, by supplying the labor. For example, you could strip wall paper, paint walls, tear up old carpet and add storage systems to your apartment's fixtures.
If you've successfully completed DIY projects before, tell your landlord about these. Show photos if you can to help your landlord feel more comfortable with the work you're proposing.
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| Image via Flickr by jawcey |
Your landlord is financially responsible for any expenses related to upgrading the apartment. That means that in most cases, you'll need to convince your landlord to spend money on materials and labor.
If the upgrade is small or you have proven DIY skills, you can cut your landlord's cost, and make a more persuasive case, by supplying the labor. For example, you could strip wall paper, paint walls, tear up old carpet and add storage systems to your apartment's fixtures.
If you've successfully completed DIY projects before, tell your landlord about these. Show photos if you can to help your landlord feel more comfortable with the work you're proposing.
If the upgrade is small or you have proven DIY skills, you can cut your landlord's cost, and make a more persuasive case, by supplying the labor. For example, you could strip wall paper, paint walls, tear up old carpet and add storage systems to your apartment's fixtures.
If you've successfully completed DIY projects before, tell your landlord about these. Show photos if you can to help your landlord feel more comfortable with the work you're proposing.
Compromise on Non-Permanent Changes
If your landlord isn't willing to support permanent changes to the property, put your heads together to devise non-permanent solutions to keep you both happy.
For example, if your apartment's floorboards are looking a little worn, you may want your landlord to replace them. If your request is declined, you could ask to lay down non-adhesive vinyl tiles over the top of the existing boards. This will give your apartment the fresh feel you want without impacting the floor underneath. You can also simply pick them up and take them with you when you move out. This upgrade won't cost your landlord anything, and you'll have the resources to decorate your next place in a similar fashion.
Show Your Commitment to the Property
Studies show dealing with a vacant rental property is the greatest expense for landlords. If you move out, your landlord will need to take time getting your apartment painted and cleaned, finding another tenant to move in, waiting for them to relocate, and much more. Then of course there's the cost of materials and labor to prepare the apartment for new renters and the relisting fee to consider. All this could easily amount to months of lost rent, or at least $6,000 to $7,000. Most landlords know the value of reliable, long-term tenants. Reminding your landlord of your commitment to the property could help get your upgrades approved.
You may not want to go as far as threatening to leave unless upgrades are performed, but there's nothing wrong with showing your displeasure. If you're currently on a month-to-month agreement, you might offer to sign a longer-term contract if your landlord agrees to your upgrade suggestions. You might also agree to a small rent increase to cover the cost of the upgrade.
Appeal to your landlord's business sense rather than tugging at the heartstrings, and you might be able to convince him or her to make the upgrades you'd love in your apartment.
Your landlord is financially responsible for any expenses related to upgrading the apartment. That means that in most cases, you'll need to convince your landlord to spend money on materials and labor.
If the upgrade is small or you have proven DIY skills, you can cut your landlord's cost, and make a more persuasive case, by supplying the labor. For example, you could strip wall paper, paint walls, tear up old carpet and add storage systems to your apartment's fixtures.
If you've successfully completed DIY projects before, tell your landlord about these. Show photos if you can to help your landlord feel more comfortable with the work you're proposing.
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