We have recently rented SFH to a nice couple, husband is an Army physician and the wife works part-time. They move to a new city every few years due to the husband's position and the rent is guaranteed. It's a large house in decent condition but not perfect, not updated. They came in an immediately said they want to change a few things. We agreed to allow them to pay for a new fence (two dogs) and on a neutral paint color which they are painting themselves. The place needed paint, so no downside for us. Now they are talking about changing out some fixtures such as new lights and a new sink in the kitchen, etc. BTW, they sent photos of another home they left in better condition than before. It's been a nice change of pace from the tenants who complain about everything and still don't pay the rent on time. Am I dreaming?

AS Robin said, they become fixtures and are to remain with the house when they leave.

I would also suggest that you tell them that they need to use your approved contractors ( at there expense )to due the work so as to make sure that there are no leans put on the property and that things will be done correctly and that there will be no liability or insurance issues.

You need to put this in writing and have them sign and date it.

I don’t let tenants do their own work, even painting. Wait until you get one who uses cheap paint and it peels, or doesn’t prime properly, or gets it on the floor or ceiling or wood trim, or they use latex over alkyd and it won’t stick....etc

Wait until they put a “better” shower head on but don’t use Teflon tape, so they have a leak that gets in the wall and causes mold.

Wait until they install the light fixture and don’t cap or twist the wires and you have a fire. No thanks.

Also, wait until they want something fixed and you say no, and they start reminding you about all the things they fixed...same goes when they move out.

Instead, I’d make sure lease is clear on these things and offer to have a professional do these things either for a rent increase or if they pay for materials based on a quality level product you specify (for example....”we only allow the use of PPG or Sherwin Williams Pro Mar 200 paints”)

Lisa,

Congrats! They ARE out there if you keep looking!

You found a truly ESSENTIAL worker!

I would be very slow to open the door for resident to perform "Improvements". They MIGHT be troublesome, demanding people who found an agreeable LL. Tread carefully.

Liars always start out as "a nice couple". I hope I'm wrong.

These attempts at cooperating with a resident's wishes have given me much more trouble than value.

Some of my worst problems were legit construction workers who did NOT finish or use correct materials.

The phrase used to be "What color do you want your floors - if you let a res paint."

I had a res who was a carpenter. He wanted to refinish the hardwood floors in a big 6 bedroom house. I told him to pull the carpet in ONE ROOM and complete it. Instead he pulled all 8 rooms then moved out. Left my carpet in the rain so I could not re-install it. Cost me THOUSAND$$$ then he declared BK.

This is too wide open and open ended. I would write a specific list of their wants then allow ONE item at a time, requiring approval before starting the next project.

I hope this works out for you but know the manager has given away control and handed them the keys to Pandora's box.

Best of luck - hope I'm wrong.

BRAD

PS

If I had a nickel for every prospect or new res who tells me they leave a place better than they found it ...

OR....

I’m anal OCD about cleaning.

OR...

We always plant flowers...

OR...

Can I paint...

THIS is why we only rent AS IS.