How to respond to tenant’s “suggestions”

Question

Hello fellow BP!

I’m a new landlord and I have a single home property with a tenant. The tenant is a nice guy but he is asking if I would purchase a window film and he would install it for me. The window is pretty good size and facing east. I asked the tenant reasons why he wanted it and not so much of light but heat from the sun.

I had installed blinds on every window before he moved in.

But I hear uninstall it is rather pain. Does anyone have any suggestions about window film? Probably curtains are better? I want to be a good landlord and provide a good place to live but how much a landlord supposed to supply for the tenant? If I go with curtain, should I buy one for him?

Thanks for your help in advance!

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

There you go....brilliant!

Tenants......

Eric James · Answer

Just say "no".

Theresa Harris · Answer

Just say no.  Tell him if he closes the blinds, it will keep both the light and the heat out.

Grigory Pekarsky · Answer

With the best of intentions, your tenant may come to you and ask if they can buy new curtains or a new window film, curtain, fridge, etc. You might be inclined to say yes but before you do so consider whether this is really necessary and whether it will affect your property's value.

There are certain things that you as a landlord should think about before agreeing to your tenants' requests to purchase things like furniture, appliances etc. for their rental unit. Tenants will always have a long list of request from you and can take things too far when making these "suggestions." In order for a landlord-tenant relationship to work smoothly, there needs to be open communication between both parties. You should keep an open line of communication so that both parties can come up with a resolution everyone is happy with, such as cutting back on usage until the items become available through other means. Just remember not to give your tenants what they ask for without making sure it's something you actually want to do first! It goes without saying: just because someone asks for something doesn't mean it automatically gets bought.

James Lindholm · Answer

@Naoko Potts

Just politely tell him no with confidence.

Naoko Potts · Answer

Thank you all for the suggestions. Appreciate it.

Luciano A. · Answer

@Naoko Potts

This type of request is a luxury, not something that will prevent them from using the property. If it isn't a health or safety issue I would say sorry but we can not install such an item on our windows.

I have put 3M type of film on our office windows and they are a pain to remove but not impossible. If you decide to let them do it just make sure you put in writing that they will install and remove when they move out. And he will be responsible for the cost to remove if he does not. This way the tenant can think twice about this.

Another option if you are wanting to be nice is to get those roll-up blinds that can block the sun. Again I personally wouldn't entertain this request but at least you have a choice.

Best of luck

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Window film - NO! Next thing you know he'll be cooking....and yes it is hard to remove and lowers the looks and value of the house and neighborhood......

Curtains - up to him, you don't buy interior furnishings.....

I suspect this guy is being 'nice' to take advantage of you. See if he is still 'nice' after you turn him down.....

How to respond to tenant’s “suggestions”

Most Popular Reply