Should landlords pay for tenant DIY?
It’s common practice for landlords to let their tenants take on DIY projects in a rented property, but seasoned landlords say that quality of work can be a real concern that could end up costing investors more in the end.
“Poor quality work from a tenant could tarnish the landlord-tenant relationship,” said Marcel Greaux, an investor and agent/partner at Foundry Mortgage Capital.
A survey published by tenant insurance provider Endsleigh last week found that 54 per cent of tenants received help from their landlord for a do-it-yourself project.
These types of projects could range from a simple coat of paint or a new bathroom faucet, through to a complete kitchen makeover.
Shannon P. Murree, an investor and sales representative at Re/Max Chay Realty, said that permission, and subsequent help, from a landlord for a DIY project is a great incentive for tenants, but that there’s a fine line when it comes to ensuring the quality of the work.
Allowing tenants to take on a DIY project themselves proves that they take pride in your rental property and shows a desire for their rental unit to be their home.
“I would much rather have tenants who take initiative with improvements in their home than have tenants who are indifferent or uncaring about their unit,” said Gillian Irving, an investor and founder of InvestInStudentRentals.com.
Irving warns investors to proceed with caution when it comes to allowing tenants to undertake DIY work. “If you do decide to allow it, ensure that they are actually qualified to do the work or make sure they choose an approved trades-person,” she added.