Should I fix up a house I'm renting?

Question

I'm renting a little house that isn't in the greatest of shape, but the rent is cheap. The closet isn't very functional, the whole house could use new baseboards, there is a couple of very small places where the particle board floor has rotted and needs to be replaced, the drain on the bathtub doesn't work properly, some windows don't have screens. Are these small unnecessary things I should deal with or go to the landlord? And how much money should I spend on making a rent house feel more like home when I'm not living here for the rest of my life?

Answer 1

I think it really depends on how long you plan to stay there.
If your not planning on being there long enough to actually enjoy the improvments you make then dont waste your own money.
If you do plan to be there a while,
You could also talk to the landlord about paying for the materials if you do the labor or even cut you some slack on the rent or make some sort of deal....
who knows if he likes your work, he may hire you to do improvements on other rental property if he has others.

***added***
DONT make any deals without getting the aggrement in writting though! No matter how much you think you can trust him. Situations can go sour, and its better to be SAFE than SORRY!

Answer 2

Most of it sounds like little things to me. Not worth messing with. New baseboards? Won't happen...not compatible with cheap rent. The bathtub drain? What do you mean, it doesn't work properly? You mean you can't keep the water in the tub, or you mean it won't drain out of the tub? If you can't keep the water in, go to WalMart and buy one of those big, flat rubber stoppers that fit anything....problem solved. If it won't drain, then, there, I think you need to tell the landlord....that could be a problem. Likewise the very small places the floor has rotted. Again, a problem. Window screens? Do you need to open the windows for ventilation, cooling? If not, you don't need screens. If so....again, landlord's problem. The closet? Suck it up on this one. How can a closet not be functional? You can either hang clothes in it or you can't. How many clothes you can hang in there is your problem. No closet at all, although inconvenient, wouldn't stop the house from being what it is designed to be...a shelter. Spend your money on personal items to decorate and make the space your own. Don't spend money on structural things. Just a word of warning from someone who moved from base to base with a military husband....don't buy window treatments other than cheap window shades (WalMart, again) and maybe swags. Curtains never fit the next place you go.

Answer 3

You already have a large number of answers; and even the first few I read have some validity. You may not even get to my thoughts.

It might be the rent is cheap because of the conditions? To ASK for upgrades beyond things that should function such as plumbing and electrical; doors and windows; might be asking for a rent increase?

There is the question of ASKING the landlord if it's OK to "FIX". That might not promise a break in the rent at all; but it is the ethical thing for a rentor to do. Your approach to the landlord might make all the difference.

You might also get a copy of Tenants rights. As I said; there are specific things in a rental that MUST function. I assume you accept the things you mention because of the rent amount and perhaps your situation? If you approach this in a manner that isn't a confrontational thing; the landlord might not give you a rent break; BUT, might be willing to at least pay for materials used in repair efforts. Obvious things like a rotted floor are a safety issue; but not knowing at all where you live; certainly one answer stating SLUM LORD; might not be far from wrong. It may be a stretch but the possibility exists that the landlord is holding repairs as a taxation issue? Certainly if it's a multi family dwelling you're likely not the only one with issues.

Finally; as one early answer states; YOUR PLACE; YOUR COMFORT ZONE; and certainly you can make some repairs that create a better place for you to live; whether you rent or own.

Steven Wolf

Answer 4

I often find myself wanting to change stuff in places ive rented.
Discuss these things with the landlord.

I think the closet thing will be on you, but the others should be landlord resposibility.

The floor is one thing i would demand be fixed. If it is getting wet and rotten it could be a problem.

They probably wont go for the baseboard heaters being replaced unless they dont function.

Just ask and if the answer is no you always have the option to leave. But beware of increases in rent. Some of these clowns will do anything to get out of lifting a finger.

Offering to do it is usually a good way to get it done and take it out of rent. Most of my landlords always went for that because I am so handy and do good work. Cheaper for them too.

Answer 5

You should go to the landlord about those problems. They may seem small now but could develop into bigger problems if left unresolved (especially that drain in the bathtub). As far as spending money to fix it up, I suggest you try and figure out exactly how long you are going to be there. If you plan on only being there for a short while, maybe a year and half, then only fix up what you can't deal with. If you plan to be there for a while, around 5 or 6 years, then maybe you should try fixing it up. My cousin moved into her new house with her houband last Christmas. They spent months fixing it up. From top to bottom. They have already moved out. Only stayed there about 5 months. It was a waste of money and time. They installed things and bought things for that house that I don't even have in mines, which I have been living in for years. They didn't plan or even think about how long they were planning to be there and they ended losing a lot of money in the end. So plan. Since you already know that you are not going to be there for the rest of your life, figure out how long you think you want to be there until you start looking for another place to live. Based on that answer, figure out how much the house is worth fixing up in the meantime.

Answer 6

The Landlord is NOT responsible for providing improvments to the house that was not agreed upon at the time you took possession. Unless the defects are a matter of structural or life safety, Landlords are not legally responsible for providing added improvements. Of thoes items you have described, only the floor and drain is in line with landlord responsibility to correct. Just because something is not to your liking or not as attractive as you would like does not constitute sufficient cause to require correction.

IF you wish to make improvements, I would definately approach the Landlord about making the improvements and passing the cost.

Just bear in mind that the Landlord is going to count on the rent you pay. It is not going to be likely that the Landlord will likely agree to let you make the improvements and defray the cost over too much.

Consult your state's landlord/tenant laws to fully understand your rights and resposiblities (as well as the responsibilities of the landlord).

Answer 7

You fixing things really depends on where you live and all that.

Most places have a lease tenant law which allows for certain upgrades to be made on your dime that you can take off the rent.

Best advise I can give you is to speak with your landlord and see what type of deal you can work out. Advise the landlord that whatever improvements you make will only increase the amount he can charge for the next tenant after you depart.

If you guys can strike a deal to fix some stuff up, make sure you get it in writing, and if you pay for anything make sure it is going to be deducted from your rent.

Hope this helps.

P.S. Landlords are only responsible for fixing things that are required for you to be able to live there, but not live comfortably. So as long as you have running water, electricity, and a crapper. He is not responsible for every LITTLE thing in the place, so people telling you its his responsibility to fix everything is false.

Answer 8

A good question to ask is "what kind of renter have you been?"

Landlords love renters who pay on time, and have stayed in place. My experience has been that if you are a good renter, most landlords will try to work with you to keep you there, regardless of the price you are paying. If you have not been a good renter, then don't expect much.

At the very least you should call the landlord first and expect to be asked for receipts. It's not real common to be paid labor for small tasks (ie. painting a house...sure, replacing a screen...no).

If you've been a good renter, its a win-win. You get a nicer place and it doesn't cost you anything.

Answer 9

your question is difficult. You have to ask yourself what kind of landlord do you have? and how long are you planning on staying? The floor rotting is the landlords responsibility. As for cosmetic appearances that is all up to you. If you talk to your landlord you may be able to take repairs off your rent. If you want to make even the simplest up grades even if you are paying for it, you have to get the permission of the landlord. Please do not assume it is O.K. just because it would improve the place.
I have been a long time renter, and have seen many renters have to pay to get thing back to the way they were before they moved in.

Answer 10

I like the idea of going to the landlord and working out a deal where he/she takes off the rent in exchange for your labor fixing up the house. I own several rent houses and I have done this exact thing on a regular basis. Ask - it can't hurt.
Good luck