Years ago, I had the pleasure of encountering a very friendly retired couple. Although financially strong, they preferred renting to home ownership. From a landlord’s perspective, they were dream tenants. Not only did they meticulously manicure the house and grounds, but they were constantly making improvements. Their story raises an important question: just how many renovations are renters allowed to undertake, and who establishes those boundaries?

From a renter’s perspective, what could inspire you to invest your own time and money into someone else’s home? As this S.F. Gate article “Renters who Remodel” discusses, many renters would rather make their current conditions more comfortable and conducive to their lifestyle than change locations or pay more for a different space.

As a landlord, if you do happen across the ideal tenant that loves your home and intends to stay and complete renovations, be sure to consider the following tips.

• Require your tenant to ask permission before making any changes. You probably don’t want major changes made to your home without your prior approval.
• Arrange in writing what your tenant is allowed to do, and how they will be compensated. It is not uncommon for tenants with certain skills to negotiate work done on the house in return for a discounted rate in rent.
• Remember it is your house, and you make all the decisions. The extent the renter is allowed to remodel is essentially up to you. There are no specific laws regulating this, and the decision is left up to you and how much you choose to entrust to your tenant.

Whether you are a homeowner or a renter and are planning a remodel, request free estimates from pre-screened contractors in your area.

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