Tenants want the house painted

manisinghb · 21 Jul 2011 at 18:56

Ok guys I have a private agreement with a tenant at my other house, no middleman no paperwork nothing, just direct debit at the end of each month. The tenant is asking me to paint the WHOLE house but before the tenants even moved in (a good few years ago now) I painted the whole house already. So should I be painting it again for him?

Dunks · 21 Jul 2011 at 18:57

Without a contract of any sort that's almost an impossible question to answer

Reginald · 21 Jul 2011 at 18:59

True ^ although out of decency you could evaluate the state of the property and judge whether you feel it needs freshening up? Perhaps agree to touch up areas/rooms needed but not all of it?

tom_e · 21 Jul 2011 at 19:03

Or tell them you will buy the kit and they can paint away till their hearts content

Wynthorpe · 21 Jul 2011 at 19:03

Why not tell them to paint it themselves if they want it doing? Houses i rented in the past didnt mind me doing this as long was done to a decent standard.

Wicksta · 21 Jul 2011 at 19:07

Be careful regarding tenants painting your house, my parents rent out my nan's old flat and the tenants painted before leaving after their kids had drawn all over the walls. In the process they managed to get it all over carpets, light switches, ceiling roses. It cost them quite a lot to get it fixed up.

Paul. W · 21 Jul 2011 at 19:07

Is this even common practice? I always thought the tenants done the 'freshening up' if they were still living there.

When we moved into our house (rented), I have re-painted the living room, hallway and stairs. Along with all the downstairs doors and banisters. Must have cost me around £50 in all. No point buying expensive paint when its not my house, and it looks a lot better. I should do the upstairs really.....

mattyfez · 21 Jul 2011 at 19:09

As above really - if they just want to redecorate, then it's thier problem, if the house is a wreck that that changes things.

If it's mutally benefitial then I would suggest you both agree whats to be done and agree a mutual contribution to the cost. It really depends on the general condition it is in.

Felix Da Housecat · 21 Jul 2011 at 19:11

Yes, and while you're at it fit a conservatory and install a games room in the basement.

You could take a look at it and give it a lick of paint in the rooms that need it.

TFC · 21 Jul 2011 at 19:12

If you haven't had a look, best you go and see why they want it painted

MikeHunt79 · 21 Jul 2011 at 19:22

Wicksta said:
Be careful regarding tenants painting your house, my parents rent out my nan's old flat and the tenants painted before leaving after their kids had drawn all over the walls. In the process they managed to get it all over carpets, light switches, ceiling roses. It cost them quite a lot to get it fixed up.

At least they didn't let the kids do the painting...

Lunatic Dreyfus · 21 Jul 2011 at 19:36

While you're at it Mr. Landlord, could you replace the carpets in my flat. They're a bit ropey.

kibblerok · 21 Jul 2011 at 19:46

Is painting too much to ask? Whats the state of the house like compared to when they moved in (ie do the walls just need freshening up?)

Not sure of the situation but isn't it a good thing your tenants care about the upkeep of the house?

Raikiri · 21 Jul 2011 at 19:47

manisinghb said:
Ok guys I have a private agreement with a tenant at my other house, no middleman no paperwork nothing, j

So tax evasion then?

Just go and have a look, see what condition it's in. Although, if anything the current tenant should be liable for the condition. They're the the ones living there!

Castiel · 21 Jul 2011 at 19:47

manisinghb said:
Ok guys I have a private agreement with a tenant at my other house, no middleman no paperwork nothing, just direct debit at the end of each month. The tenant is asking me to paint the WHOLE house but before the tenants even moved in (a good few years ago now) I painted the whole house already. So should I be painting it again for him?

Really it is up to you, I have a similar agreement with a tenant and every five years we repaint the house (actually it is a flat) from top to bottom. Recently our tenant has asked us if they can do it themselves as they are sick of magnolia paint in every room. I agreed on the proviso that they did the work to a decent standard and paid for the materials themselves, (we will bung them a few quid when the works done and if it's done to a satisfactory standard, but they don't need to know that yet).

Personally I would tell your tenants the same thing. You are under no obligation to redecorate unless it is in a seriously poor condition which could be considered a danger to their health (unlikely).

moody · 21 Jul 2011 at 19:53

If you only painted it two years ago I'd be asking the question why it needs re-doing so soon?

manisinghb · 21 Jul 2011 at 20:12

beats me MOODY why they want it painted, will be seeing him over the weekend and view the house condition. I like all your input thank you very much, Castiel I like your post will be trying that thank you.

manisinghb · 21 Jul 2011 at 20:12

Raikiri said:
So tax evasion then?

Just go and have a look, see what condition it's in. Although, if anything the current tenant should be liable for the condition. They're the the ones living there!

haha can't hide nothing from the taxman as I said in OP it's set up direct debit

dbmzk1 · 21 Jul 2011 at 20:31

I did a deal with my landlord (bypassing the agent) that basically if I decorate the entire house to a decent standard, he will fit new carpets throughout. Fair deal I suppose. That was 2 years ago and I've only done 2 rooms, guess I should crack on with it!

Vonhelmet · 21 Jul 2011 at 20:41

I remember hearing somewhere that there is some sort of rough expectation that a place is redecorated every 3 years...