Updating post from Reddit.
Hi, I’m a long term tenant in a flat, paying rent that is lower than the market value for the property due to long term tenancy.
Landlord tends to prefer not having to update if it is still in “usable” condition. Flooring was in used condition when I moved in 7 years ago. Now, flooring has some fraying, nails popping up on the door cills, the flooring is uneven in some places and padding is now nonexistent so hard and loud underfoot.
I wonder if the state of the floor merits an update by the landlord? Or is this a cost the tenant should foot? I was looking into what constitutes fair wear and tear, and what merits the floor being updated throughout the flat and I couldn’t quite figure it out. The letting agreement also doesn’t mention anything about flooring.
I worry that by asking the landlord to update flooring, I might be asked to move out due to flat-wide update of flooring — assuming landlord agrees to update floor? I also worry in case there is any caveat I haven’t yet thought about.
The fairest trade off in a case like this would be for the landlord to pay the cost upfront and then give you a reasonable price increase that would cover the flooring cost over a set period of time. Being that you’ve been there a long time I imagine the landlord would like to keep it that way so hopefully he’d be comfortable paying for it.
I like this idea! Thank you 😊
You can't have it both ways. The fixtures and fittings would need to be sorted out by the landlord if they are obviously dangerous or in breach of legislation. However the trade off of paying a below market rent is exactly what you are experiencing. Why don't you offer to renegotiate your rent in exchange for some of what you want.
Thanks— i am ok with paying more for rent if the flooring is updated. I’m more concerned about potentially being asked to move out?
Big work like that rarely happens when a tenant is in. He will update it when you move out. That is normal.
There is a reason he's charging you below market.
Changing carpet is not “big work” that requires a tenant to move out. If that was the case nobody would update their carpets in the homes they live in..
Bro if you seen some of the post on here you'd understand. Some of these tenants will make LL wait 6 months and arrive within a 11 second window to change a lightbulb or its a breach of 'quite environment' or some bullshit they quote lol
You’re worrying about the unknown but also kind of setting yourself up a bit. If the flooring or anything else is so bad that you feel it needs an update for reasons other than sheer aesthetics or hen just have an adult conversation about it with no pressure either end. What comes out from that will help you/them decide a way forward. For example if you’re really accommodating for fitters etc then not really an issue.
Whats your rent vs the market?
Rent is £710 and market is over £800+ (dependent on which floor. The building is 3 floor property and I live on 2nd floor)
The discount is high.
Such improvements are best done between tenancies. That how I treat such improvements. I don’t want or expect tenancies to last more than 4 years and property condition would be improved then.
Also tenants don’t like the inconvenience of such improvements even when they ask for them!
How is it that the 'nails is popping up on the door cills' ? That is not expected with normal day to day usage of a door.
What type of flooring is it ? As you said 'padding is non existent', not clear what kind of flooring would have 'padding', closest would be carpet
The property is carpeted throughout, with wooden cills at the door thresholds. Not entirely sure why there are nails on either side of each of the cills but there are.
I expect your on about a carpet gripper?
How about you propose to the landlord you will get quotes and pay towards its renewal. They would appreciate it if it takes a load off them. You may even get it done quicker.
Why would a tenant pay extra for repairs that are meant to be included in their rent?
Because they want new carpets and don't think the landlord does
Thank you!!
It helps if it laminate flooring, very easy to DIY and install it yourself. We can pick out the floor outselves and fit it. If I was in there 7 years and landlord hasnt shown indication of want you out. I'd probably install the floor myself.
If landlord replaces the flooring with a similar product they can write off the cost against rental income.
Is there space for you to move all your stuff out the way so they can do the flooring? Most companies hate when customers leave stuff in the way so bare that in mind, doesn’t hurt to ask the LL