All Forum Posts by: Theresa Harris

I've bought some nice subway tile from the Habitat for Humanity Restore.  They had some beautiful glass tile that I used as an accent with plain white subway tile (4x8). It was a fraction of the price I would have paid for in a regular store.

Also look at mistints at paint stores. I got a 5 gallon container of good quality paint (a nice neutral colour) for $50.  I painted the entire 2 bedroom apartment and still had lots left.

I agree that  allowing him to get out of the lease is a good option.  You are paying a property manager and they should be handling the requests-that's what you are paying them for.  

If something is a safety issue (perhaps the railing depending on how many stairs and the total height), then address it.  The other issues like over-filling the bathtub are problems as a result of his behaviour and he should be billed for them.   Tell the tenant he knew what the house looked like when he signed the lease and it was in great condition.   With all of the upgrades he's requesting, the rent would be much higher.  I'm not suggesting you do them, but if there is something that you could afford and would add to the long term value of the property, consider it but only AFTER he's been there a year and the lease is renewed at a higher rate.