Hoboken, NJ · Member since 2015 · 22 posts · 0 votes
New tenant moved in and just asked "if it's possible to have window shades installed". I don't want to do this. Curious how anyone has handled this question.
Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2015 · 257 posts · 230 votes
10y
Blinds and installation are cheap and it shows that you care enough about your tenants for a little good will. I would never rent a place without blinds so why should my tenants? If they break them they can buy them--no different than anything else in your rental. Otherwise you get people putting holes in the walls or trim for curtain rods or installing their own blinds that you have to patch later...not worth it.
Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2015 · 257 posts · 230 votes
10y
Blinds and installation are cheap and it shows that you care enough about your tenants for a little good will. I would never rent a place without blinds so why should my tenants? If they break them they can buy them--no different than anything else in your rental. Otherwise you get people putting holes in the walls or trim for curtain rods or installing their own blinds that you have to patch later...not worth it.
Baltimore, MD · Member since 2015 · 29 posts · 14 votes
10y
Without knowing your lease language, I would inform the tenant they may install on their own dime provided that they return the premises to their original condition upon move-out. If your lease does not cover this, get in writing for their file or add a lease addendum.
Residential Real Estate Agent · Tampa, FL · Member since 2014 · 177 posts · 122 votes
10y
blinds annoy me too but I don't want my tenants putting them.in themselves, they will half *** it. Home depot/Lowe's has them from as cheap as $5 depending on the size of the windows. If u don't want to do it, get a handyman to knock it out for you.
Rental Property Investor · Roswell, GA · Member since 2016 · 37 posts · 22 votes
10y
I agree with David and Shaun. If it's a small upgrade and my current tenant wants it, my next tenant will probably want it too. I'll do it for the good will and the value add.
Rental Property Investor · DFW, TX · Member since 2014 · 117 posts · 29 votes
10y
Any request after lease is signed (typically my lease is noted clear property is rented AS-IS condition; as how they have seen prior lease is signed) would be at tenant's cost. No matter how handy the tenants are, they will not be making repair or installation of any sort in the property. As of shade installation, you can either install it yourself or coordinate a service for installation. The cost of material and labor will be charge back to tenant in the next month's rent. Of course I would also include this all in writing and obtain his/her consent prior action. that way you have documentation of the "agreement" in case they decide not to make the payment in the future.
Investor · Arlington, VA · Member since 2016 · 80 posts · 39 votes
10y
I think it depends on the reason. My wife and I are currently in an apartment where the shades were see through and we overlooked the pool deck. We didn't know they were see through until someone came and knocked on our door to tell us. They could see into our bedroom and bathroom. Our landlord installed new shades. We would have raised hell or left, but they thought it was a reasonable request. I say keep the tenants happy. After my experience, I'd probably go the extra mile for my tenants if they didn't feel comfortable or safe.
Princeton, KS · Member since 2014 · 357 posts · 169 votes
10y
My agreement specifically states that if the tenant wishes to change the existing window coverings (which I provide), they may do so ONLY by having me install whatever new hardware may be required. Otherwise, it is considered damage & will have to repaired or paid for at move-out. We go over this before anything is actually signed.
In your situation, I'd install new window treatments & be very glad they asked to have it done before bashing holes in the walls themselves.
Investor · New York, NY · Member since 2016 · 91 posts · 46 votes
10y
Ya, I'd do it. Unless you have money invested already in existing window shades. If you have el cheapo window shades in place, and they want it, split the cost, but the window shades stay in place after they move out, and it has to be installed professionally (or by someone who knows screws don't stay in dry wall by themselves). Don't forget to insist on neutral colors.