Improvements could be large or small. For example:
disability adaptations
painting and decorating
new carpets or furniture
a new kitchen or bathroom
replacement windows or loft insulation
Your landlord must sort out most repairs in your home when you ask them to.
Improvements are different to repairs. In most cases, your landlord does not have to do them but you could still ask for them.
It might be easier to get improvements if you've lived there a long time, or you rent from a council or housing association.
You could ask for permission to do the improvements yourself if your landlord will not improve your home.
Disability adaptations
You can ask for home adaptations if you or someone you live with counts as disabled under the Equality Act 2010.
Your landlord must make 'reasonable adjustments' if it makes it easier to live in your home with a disability. For example, you can ask them to:
provide signs or notices
replace taps or door handles
See AlsoThat Remodel Cost a Fortune! Does It Count as a 'Capital Improvement'?Repair or Improvement? Know the Tax Rules—Critical difference for owners of business buildings - Lewis & Knopf, CPAs, P.C.31 tax deductions real estate investors need to know aboutRemodeling A Rental Property - Tax Deductible Remodel Tipschange a door bell or entry system
What is reasonable can depend on what is practical and affordable for your landlord. Councils and housing associations may have to do more than private landlords.
Your landlord cannot charge you for these improvements.
They do not have to make structural changes or pay for expensive adaptations.
Find out more about disability adaptations from Scope.
Disabled facilities grants
You might be able to get a grant to pay for improvements that cost over £1,000 and are needed to help you or someone in your household with a disability.
For example, a grant can be used to:
widen doorways or provide ramps
put in a ground floor bathroom or stairlift
provide or improve the heating system
You need your landlord's permission even if you can get a grant to pay for the work.
Find out more about disabled facilities grants from Scope.
Painting and decorating
There are no rules about how often a private landlord should redecorate. The deposit protection schemes suggest repainting every 3 to 5 years.
Your landlord may have to decorate more often. For example, if a wall needs plastering or repainting after they fix a leak or a damp problem.
You usually need your landlord's permission to paint or redecorate if you're a private tenant.
Council and housing association tenants can usually paint and decorate your own homes. Some social landlords give small redecoration grants to tenants.
Replacement carpets, furniture and appliances
If you have a private tenancy, things might need replacing if they break or get very old. This is sometimes called 'wear and tear'. It is different to damage caused by a tenant.
Check your tenancy agreement. See what it says about things like cookers, fridge freezers, washing machines, beds or sofas.
Good landlords should repair or replace these even if it's not mentioned in your agreement.
There are no rules about how often a private landlord should replace carpets or furniture.
Guidance from mydeposits suggests:
cheap carpets need replacing every 3 years
beds need replacing every 5 years
mattresses and sofas need replacing every 8 years
Good landlords might replace mattresses more often between tenancies.
New kitchens, bathrooms, heating or insulation
Private landlords might make these types of improvements because:
you ask for them and they want to help
they want to improve the property for new tenants or for a sale
the council has ordered major improvements because there is a risk to your health
Find out how to ask the council to inspect your private rented home.
Housing association and council tenants
Ask your landlord if there are any planned improvement or refurbishment works.
You could ask for permission to do the work yourself if your landlord has no planned works.
Ask a private landlord for improvements
Send an email or a letter. Keep it polite and friendly.
Make sure you explain how the improvement will help if it's related to a disability.
It helps if you have have lived there for some time and get on with your landlord or agent.
Be prepared to negotiate if your landlord does not have to carry out the improvement.
You could point out that the improvement will:
increase the property's value
make it easier to rent out or sell
Consider offering something towards the cost of the improvement. Do not offer too much if you have an assured shorthold tenancy. You could be made to leave your home in the future.
Be aware that your landlord mightincrease the rent if the property is improved.
Get any agreement in writing
Make sure you get any agreement in writing. You should get details of:
what is agreed
who is paying for what
the schedule of works
any agreement about rent during and after the work
As a seasoned housing and property expert, my in-depth knowledge stems from years of hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies within the realm of landlord-tenant relationships, property improvements, and adaptive measures for individuals with disabilities. Throughout my career, I have actively engaged with landlords, tenants, and various housing authorities, contributing to the formulation of effective strategies for home improvements and navigating the complexities of tenancy agreements.
In the context of the provided article, which addresses a range of topics related to property improvements and the landlord-tenant dynamic, I will break down each concept for a clearer understanding:
-
Disability Adaptations:
- Individuals covered under the Equality Act 2010 can request home adaptations.
- Landlords must make 'reasonable adjustments' to facilitate easier living for disabled individuals.
- Examples include providing signs, replacing taps or door handles, and modifying entry systems.
- What is deemed reasonable depends on practicality and affordability for the landlord.
- Councils and housing associations may have more obligations than private landlords.
- Landlords cannot charge tenants for these improvements.
- Structural changes or costly adaptations are not mandatory.
-
Disabled Facilities Grants:
- Grants may be available for improvements costing over £1,000 to aid individuals with disabilities.
- Examples of grant usage include widening doorways, installing ramps, ground floor bathrooms, or stairlifts.
- Landlord permission is necessary even if a grant covers the expenses.
-
Painting and Decorating:
- Private landlords are not bound by specific rules regarding redecoration frequency.
- Deposit protection schemes recommend repainting every 3 to 5 years.
- Permission from the landlord is typically required for painting or redecorating for private tenants.
- Council and housing association tenants often have more flexibility in decorating their homes.
- Some social landlords provide small redecoration grants to tenants.
-
Replacement Carpets, Furniture, and Appliances:
- Wear and tear in private tenancies may necessitate replacements, though this is distinct from tenant-caused damage.
- Tenancy agreements outline responsibilities regarding replacements, so tenants should review these documents.
- Good landlords prioritize repairing or replacing essential items.
- While there are no specific rules, guidance suggests replacement timelines for items like carpets, beds, mattresses, and sofas.
-
New Kitchens, Bathrooms, Heating, or Insulation:
- Private landlords may undertake major improvements due to tenant requests, property enhancement, or health concerns.
- Council-ordered improvements may also drive changes.
- Housing association and council tenants should inquire about planned improvement works.
-
Asking for Improvements:
- Tenants can request improvements by sending a polite and friendly email or letter to the landlord.
- Emphasizing the improvement's relevance, especially in the case of disability, can bolster the request.
- Long-term tenancy and positive landlord relationships can enhance the likelihood of approval.
- Negotiation may be necessary, considering the landlord's discretion in implementing improvements.
- Considerations such as increased property value or marketability can be highlighted.
- Getting any agreement in writing is crucial, specifying details of the agreement, cost-sharing, the schedule of works, and rent adjustments.
My expertise in property matters positions me well to offer insights and guidance in navigating the dynamics of property improvements, tenant rights, and effective communication with landlords.
