Rental window covering?

Question

Is it customary to provide window coverings in a rental? Are they mandatory or a deal breaker in attracting good tenants.

I have struggled with this question as they are not cheap, easily damaged or just disappear.

What is the beat practice consensus.

Thank you in advance you wonderfully helpful folks.

Bruce

Account Closed · Answer

@Bruce Archer

I always use HD horizontal blinds. If I didn't, what is the risk?...well, anyone could see into the property and know it's vacant. Bye-bye copper, appliances, etc.

Account Closed · Answer

@Bruce Archer I get cheap blinds its good to have your own especially if the place ever sits vacant for a bit so that no one can peer in.

Bruce Archer · Answer

@Terry Lowe

Thank you. Great point on the verticals.

Terry Lowe · Answer

We always use vertical blinds. Easy to replace when 1 or 2 are broken. And they don’t get nearly as dirty as horizontal blinds. Tenants are responsible if they break them.

Dan Perrott · Answer

@Bruce Archer - we use cheap Walmart horizonal blinds.  $4.00 to $8.00 dependent on size.

Jonathan W. · Answer

@Bruce Archer blinds are pretty standard. Curtains are not. Curtain rods can be left but ultimately tenants should supply them. Also it makes them feel like they are home when they put their own up. Pride it will give them and more liking for the place if they do it themselves

Nancy DeSocio · Answer

I agree with those suggesting inexpensive mini blinds (and think it's a great idea to include something about window coverings in the lease!).  We've all seen the properties with sheets, towels, etc covering the windows...and we know what we think of those properties :)

Dawn P. · Answer

I put the 2 inch faux-wood blinds up, and charge tenants if they break them (nobody has, yet). I would provide something, if only to prevent them from tacking up their old Scooby-Doo sheets over your windows.

Yeah, it's a bit of expense, but they don't have to worry about getting the windows covered up when they move in and I don't have to worry about someone nailing junky sheets over my windows.

I do save the extra slats for repairs.

Bruce Archer · Answer

Thank you everyone for the good input. I guess I just need to suck it up  and provide them up front.

Bruce

Scott P. · Answer

My lease says tenant has to provide window coverings with with backgrounds.

My application letter says that if blinds are in the unit, they are not included in the rent and I don't replace them if they break.

In practice, I've always gone ahead and had new, or relatively new, mini blinds in every window when a new tenant arrives.  They used to cost $5.  They cost more now that they are a new design with now hanging string but I still supply them  - so far.