Hello Landlords
I have just taken on these two cousins tenants. They asked to buy rugs to go into the flat which is wooden all the way through.I responded by saying yes they can buy rug as previous tenants have done before them.They moved in 20 November 24. I visited once after they moved in and then again on Wed this week.
I got the shock of my life these tenants have carpeted the entire upstairs and the stair case too. I told them that this was not the agreement and they are not to make any changes to my flat without my prior consent ,this is also written in the tenant agreement. I told them that the tenancy agreement is only for a year,why would you do this? I am still shocked . Please advise what you would do going forward? I told them they they have to remove the carpet after the tenancy expires.
I am not sure if I will continue renting after the next year or two. I look forwards to your response
I think youve already done what would be recommended. The tenants obligation is to return the property to you in the agreed condition. Do you know how they fuxed the gripper rods in place?
Good morning David
I have no idea. I followed up my visit with a gentle reminder of what I accept from my tenants and for no future changes to be made without my consent. I then received an email stating I was mirco managing them !!
I was completely offended by this statement.I am such a reasonable landlord and I greet all my new tenants with added extras chocolates, new cutlery,dinner sets,towels,mattress protectors, tea towels, new kettles every time . I keep a lovely place so when this has occurred and I mention that this is against my tenancy clause, I am met with such rudeness.
Absolutely amazing. Why would you carpet a property when you have signed an initial year TA?
They have carpeted, suggesting they may want to stay longer than 1 year. They have also shown that they are willing to spend their own money to decorate & maintain the property. These could combine to provide a long term tenant that looks after, improves & maintains your property at their own cost. That could be great for you.
I would however be concerned about any damage caused by carpet rods.
Yes that is going quite far without your consent.
Although as the other poster says, nice that they want to make it like a home and are taking care and clearly want to stay.
Complex one! Carpeting is a good log term intention but reversing can cause damage: 1) Carpet gripper rods 2) Will carpet cause any discoloration whatever under the carpet? I am not flooring expert might worth checking. Carpeting is not cheap and they went a long way to update which shows some long term interest. Whatever you do try to stay in peace and try to maintain good relation. Are they first time renters?
Joanne, I think youre providing too much stuff. Anything extra you provide over and above basic furniture becomes a landlords liabllity. You have to replace it if its defective or worn out. Anything electrical might meed periodic testing etc. It also prevents the tenant from personalising the space and accumilating their own things.
As long as you have a reasonable amount of deposit you should be ok to remove the carpet etc if they fail to. The main question mark is whether the gripper rods will have damaged the wooden floor.
This sounds like a tenancy you need to stay on top of. I would suggest quarterly detailed inspections.
Dear David
Thank you so much for your response
I have taken what you have said onboard
Regards
Joanne
The carpet is not a problem as your AST will state that they have to return the property as let. That they say they are cousins is the worrying point.
Try to keep the relationship on a professional level from your end however offended you feel. I just wonder if they feel you are ‘mothering’ them a little.
Absolutely not,to be pleasant whist professional isn’t what I would term mothering!! I have to protect my property whist it’s been rented.I think I will stop at that .
Just thought id offer a tenants perspectives on this
1 I think the items that you kindly provide when they move in are more consistent with a holiday let than a household let and as someone said what if said kettle breaks do they have to inform you and wait for you to provide new?
2 as for carpeting I understand that this is against the TA and that you are not happy about it but as stated it does look like they want to be there a while so want to make it homely and comfortable (and theyve not asked you to pay for it or towards it) and if im honest I do think your going over the top and being somewhat dramatic about it.(yes they shouldn’t have done it but be glad you have tenants who want to look after the place )
I do think if something like this is making you reconsider letting again then maybe its for the best that you dont