The Dos and Don’ts when Renting

Most tenants living in rental properties have nothing to worry about when it comes  repairs and maintenance. Typically, tenants are not responsible for doing tasks such as repairs on electrical, plumbing, or roof leaks. These are some of the reasons why many Americans choose to rent over owning a home. Renting also provides tenants independence and convenience, but there are some restrictions on the things in a rental property. While it’s advantageous for some to live in a rental property, here are some do’s and don’ts that need to be followed when renting a property.

Don’t paint your space without permission from the landlord

Before doing any painting jobs, get permission from your landlord. As a general rule, tenants who want to change things up during the time of their stay must ask permission from a landlord and get it in writing. Maybe you don’t like that red accent wall which is a rare case, but because the landlord wants to avoid headaches to look for a new tenant, he’ll allow you to change the color of your wall. However, when you want to repaint any of your furniture which isn’t a part of the rental property, you can do it.

Don’t try to customize the landscape

Sometimes a tenant wants to improve the beautifully-laid-out landscape design into a vegetable garden which also needs the permission of the landlord. However, you don’t need to ask permission from your landlord if you want to grow a few plants in your unit. Most of the landlords want the tenants to feel they can make the property their home, but they can’t customize anything during their residency. But when you talk to your landlord about the things in a rental property you want to do and get written authorization to do it – you will have peace of mind, and you can stay out of trouble.

Avoid doing major renovations to a rental property

Always consult with your landlord before you do significant changes to a rental property. The rental agreement you signed with the landlord must have some condition that’s agreed upon on how improvements will be handled when you move out.

If the landlord didn’t know that you added a ceiling fan in all of the bedrooms, he will be only thrilled to find out that you improved the rental property and you can’t ask for a reimbursement for the installation expenses and costs of the fans at move out. And if you decide to take your fans with you on moving day, you’ll be responsible for patching and repainting the ceilings.

Don’t use a hammer for all of your projects.

Using a hammer to install something on your wall can do some damage to a rental property. Consider installing decorations that won’t damage the walls. Some landlords will allow you to hang a few pictures, or hang curtains on decorative rods. With this in mind, it’s essential for every tenant to avoid installing any decor that involves the use of a hammer. This only means that you need to take out from your thoughts about mounting cabinets in the bathroom, or adding artworks with wainscoting.

That’s not to say you won’t be allowed by the landlord to decorate in other ways. One example, if you have white or black appliances, you can easily change the look. Consider applying the dishwasher and refrigerator with stainless steel covers. These steel covers come in magnetic varieties that can instantly transform and update the space.

Help maintain the property

When you want to help in maintaining the property, it requires you to make some effort by informing your landlord about the problems you notice. You may not be responsible for repairs like the landlords, but you, as a tenant, you are responsible for informing the landlord or the property manager when there are some problems in your rental unit. Whether it’s a leak in a faucet or a broken doorknob, you need to report these problems as soon as possible.

Get renters insurance.

In the event of flood, fire, theft, the landlord or the property owner will be held responsible for the damage caused to your unit. But for the things inside your unit such as your furniture, electronic equipment, and personal belongings, you are responsible for all those. To avoid this to happen to you, it’s important for you to get a renter’s insurance as it protects you against these unforeseen events.

When you live in a rental property, you’re fortunate because there’s nothing for you to worry about repairs and maintenance. But since you don’t own the property, there are some do’s and don’t’s that you need to follow when renting a property.