But this means that the landlord has to be consulted first and you may be required to return the property to the original state.
So says Dexter Leite, Pam Golding Properties' (PGP) rentals director for the Western Cape, who believes tenants can make design changes to their homes without falling foul of their landlords or leases.
"Putting one's personal stamp on one's place of residence is an important part of making it feel like home," says Leite.
"But it's important that tenants are clear from the start on what they may or may not do. Good communication upfront between tenant and landlord can prevent unpleasant clashes at the end of the tenancy agreement."
“The easiest way to put your personal stamp on your home without interfering with the landlord's property is by using moveable and soft furnishings. Your own choice of lampshades, floor-rugs, cushions and paintings can all be removed when it's time for you to move out, leaving the owner's permanent fittings in place.”
But, says Leite, it gets more difficult when it comes to more permanent or longer-lasting changes like paintwork. “If you want to paint your walls an unusual colour, by all means discuss it with your landlord. But be prepared for the possible condition that you return the walls to their original state, when you move out. That will mean extra expense.
“Likewise, if you want to install your own light fixtures, you can probably do so – but make sure you store the owners' original fittings safely, so that you can replace them when you move out," says Leite.
“The owner cannot argue with your personal taste, as long as you return the property to him or her in the same condition in which you first occupied it.”
If you are installing fittings that will stay behind when you move on, you also need to negotiate at whose expense this will be. “For example, if you want to install a dishwasher, and extra plumbing is needed, you need to discuss this upfront with the landlord, clarifying who will bear the costs. Likewise, if you want to replace fittings like pelmets, make sure you agree upfront who will pay for the changes, and who will own the new product.
“And remember that most leases don’t permit changes to the garden, so be very cautious about investing in new plants or the like, unless these are moveable pot plants that you can take away with you when you move out.”
Leite says the easiest way to ensure that design changes don't become a point of contention is to have a water-tight lease.
“Having a good lease ensures that both tenant and landlord are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities upfront.
All too often tensions occur when tenants try to renegotiate the terms after the agreement has already been signed – but if you start with a well-constructed, professional agreement upfront, then negotiating any additional requests is that much easier. Remember too that if a landlord doesn’t want to agree to extra expenditure, that is his right, and he is also under no obligation to approve any requests for design changes,” he cautions.
“It is at the end of the day his property.”
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